Ask Belle: Affordable Work Blazers
Nov 10, 2015
Belle,
I need blazers. Black ones, navy ones, lime green ones, I do not care. My new boss through down the gauntlet with his new dress code (I have to wear hose…hose!), and I need five new blazers to make it through the week. Please keep the price under $125.
Arrivederci, Christmas presents. Hello, work clothes.
Toma
Nylons. This is a serious dress code. My apologies. My legs itch just thinking about it.
As for the blazers, there are a surprising number of affordable work jackets on the market right now. Here are a few basics and few slightly more fun pieces (not sure the boss will go for lime green based on the rest of the dress code).
Topshop Wrap Peplum Blazer ($105)
Kasper Open-Front Jacket ($49)
Anne Klein One-Button Blazer ($99)
Belted Girlfriend Blazer ($95)
F21 Classic Boyfriend Blazer ($25, four colors)
Alfani Plus-size Pocket Blazer ($79)
*threw
Perfect timing for me! Thanks for the round up, and for always including a range of prices, sizes, and styles.
Go to an upscale thrift shop…blazers out the wazoo for cheap. Good brands, too. That way you can just leave them in the office even..so little investment involved.
Over half my work blazers come from the Goodwill and they’re fabulous. If you have the patience for thrift, I highly recommend that route. I’m in a rural area and have still had great luck.
Also, I mail-ordered and returned the yellow Kaspar jacket – cheap in every way and boxy as heck! But definitely check out Macy’s. Ordering and returning if you don’t have one near you is a breeze and I was able to find some great Tahari sale blazers this way.
I always keep an eye at at TjMax and Marshalls, etc for good blazers. Also, believe it or not I have found several decent ones (that have lasted) at forever21, which I normally hate.
Great picks! I love that Topshop belted girlfriend blazer, kinda has a hugh hefner vibe that I like. (Never thought I’d say that!)
If you know your size in a particular brand, I’d check out Ebay. I’ve had fantastic luck with Theory suits from Ebay. Only 1 of the 6 or so I bought didn’t work for me in person.
I have found surprisingly good blazers at Forever 21 and H&M also. Shockingly, they lasted YEARS in good shape.
The F21 Blazers look hideously cheap in person. I would not recommend them. H&m has some decent looking ones though for not much more. How can they mandate hose? Has your legal dept reviewed the dress code?
Agree– your boss cannot make you wear hose. Super sexist.
I confronted this issue (or something similar) for a research paper. The 36,000ft view was that if the entire dress code effects men and women equally, you can be required to follow it. It might be tough to prove that it is even handed, since most mention more requirements for women.
I’m not sure though…if men can’t wear shorts or show bare legs, then I imagine it’s equal? If the requirement is just for legs covered somehow, it could pass muster. It stinks, but we know things aren’t just illegal bc they suck and we don’t like them. I know you know bc that’s a big deal in law school!
Perfect timing! I needed this… thanks!
Thrifting is a good idea for this one. Since blazers don’t touch your skin or pull when you sit down they survive use better. I like the Girlfriend blazer but I’d worry it might read too casual for a dress code that requires hose.
Toma, if you’re looking for great style at a lesser price you can always buy used clothing. Your area might have stores, but you can also do so online. I like using an app called Poshmark for selling and buying.
I work in a very conservative financial institution and usually wear suits. However, I have found some very nice versatile Blazers at Loft ( Ann Taylor loft) when they are on sale at 40% off you get a great deal. Watch for sales and online coupon deals.
My top choices are J.Crew, Theory, Zara or Loft for blazers. The F21 and H&M blazers are hit/miss; just try to purchase in-store because fabric materials make a different. Try out Koh’s (Lauren Conrad, Elle, etc) or JCPenney’s (Joe Fresh) lines too. Thrifting and eBay are also great!