Ask Belle: Wearing a White Blazer
May 29, 2014
Hi Belle,
I’ve been reading your blog for quite a while now from Germany (so sorry if my english isn’t as good). I really like it, especialy as there are not a lot of blogs like yours here in Europe. Plus, working as an engineer in for an automobile company does not make things any easier…
Just recently you mentioned white blazers as a nice outfit for summer. Well, I just bought one a few weeks ago but have no idea what to wear with it or how to style it. I’m looking mainly for a businessbstyle but also how to wear it for a night out.
Any Ideas? Laura
A white blazer is great for any season. The trick is to treat it like an all-purpose black blazer, except it can be worn with even more colors because it can pair with jewel tones, brights and pastels. Here are some examples to get your started:
Blazer: Madewell Duskfall Blazer ($168)
I like this Madewell blazer for the simple look. Cotton is a good choice for summer, and it can also be worn in winter. My recommendation, however, would be a lightweight wool or a sateen blazer. Sateen will be the easiest to find this summer, and look for wool in the winter.
If you need something under-$100, try this Express blazer. I also found this snakeskin embossed blazer from Topshop for a little something different. Plus-size? Try this Jones New York blazer. Petite? This Tahari blazer is a good choice.
Left, Shirt: Mary Portas Smudge Top ($99) Skirt: J.Crew Cotton Pencil ($110) Bag: Topshop Medium Satchel ($56) Shoe: BP Moveover Flat ($50) Necklace: Gorjana Black & Gold Line ($35)
This outfit is perfect for the office. Wear it to meetings, committee hearings, etc. for a look that’s neutral and professional, but with some spice. I chose flat shoes so that you could also wear it on days when you need to walk or take a tour of an off-site.
Like the blouse? I also found this Wallis split-neck, sleeveless top and this Annalee + Hope top with a mixed dot print. Plus-size? This NYDJ top in ink-dot print is one of my favorites (also in misses).
Right Top, Dress: Cobalt Pencil Dress ($39) Earring: Seraphina Chalcedony Studs ($55) Ring: Gorjana Mesa Ring ($45) Belt: Hobbs Datchworth Belt ($59) Shoe: Kors Flex Pump ($100)
Cobalt and white is one of my favorite combos. You could also try a coral dress or a mint dress. Prefer a neutral? Try a pale grey dress or a navy one, like this sheath from Jones New York.
I also mixed up the jewelry with an aqua chalcedony earring for a variation from the same color family. For the belt, I would wear it under the jacket. I also like this skinny belt with a small buckle.
Right Bottom, Earring: Evelyn Knight Drop Earrings ($50) Jean: Paige Skyline Skinny ($158) Top: Graceful Surprises Top ($45) Shoe: Alloy Tessa Heel ($25)
This outfit is something that I would wear to dinner or semi-casual drinks. These shoes from Alloy come in a wide variety of colors and textures. For $25, if you need something for just the occasional wear, give them a look.
I like a black lace top for almost every time of year or occasion you can imagine. This one from Modcloth is lovely, but I also found this inexpensive one from Mossimo. And my favorite under-$100 top has to be this one from Calvin Klein.
I have a white moto jacket that I love. But I’m too scared to wear it out to a bar or take it on travel for work. Anyone have tips other than trust the dry cleaners?
What about Scotchgard spray?
LOVE the black lace tops!!
I ordered that Madewell jacket and it was horrible– way too oversized and downright sloppy. The sleeves were freakishly long, and it’s not like I’m short or anything.
Oh really! Was it a second, or a bad one off? Geez, what a mess.
Not a second, paid full price. I returned it and bought the Jcrew Thompson cotton white blazer instead. I wanted the puff sleeve one but it was sold out.
I bought a white blazer a year ago, I think from H&M. I wore it once, and someone says it looked like a doctor coat. I guess it depends on how you style it, but I would think wearing the white blazer over the royal blue dress would also look like a med coat. Thoughts?