We all have at least one – and if we don’t, we definitely should. The blazer is one of those clothing items that will never go out of style, but it changes in shape and ever so often there is a new trendy type of blazer!

The piece itself is very androgynous; it can be feminine or it can be masculine, it can dress an outfit up or it can dress it down. For instance, when your going to a meeting, if you throw on a blazer over practically anything, you will look more sophisticated and ‘business’ and if you’re going out and your dress is a bit too revealing, you can throw on a blazer and suddenly look sexy, but sophisticated, just like for instance Jennifer Aniston!

Classic vs. Modern

Now, there are so many different shapes, colors and sizes and they all send a different message about who you are and what you are trying to say. Let’s look at the two most basic shapes; the classic, conservative blazer and the modern, fitted blazer.

• The classic blazer from the picture below is a blazer that I would recommend for women over 50 only, as it is not fitted and does not accentuate the waistline – it reminds me a bit of something Hilary Clinton would wear. And while that’s perfectly fine for mature women, it is important to keep in mind that you can look sophisticated and mature, and still look your age.

• The modern blazer is fitted and the collar with slim short revers makes it just perfect for young women. That said, I would love to see more women over 50 throw away those shapeless, classic blazers and hop into one of these modern shapes – it CAN be worn by anyone!

The Different Styles

This style has been very popular for the last couple of years and 2010 is no exception! What I like about this blazer is its casual and cool look and feel.

When it comes to creating a business look with this blazer it can be a little difficult, because of its unconventional fit, so if you work for a company where the dress code is very conservative, I recommend choosing a different style, as this blazer will give you the very modern, edgy and casual look.

Wear it with

• Leggings/Jeggings
• Skinny Jeans
• Shorts

Don’t wear it with

• Boyfriend Jeans
• Skirts (other than a mini-skirt for the 90s feel)

If you are required to dress ‘business’ as some people are, this is the perfect choice, in order to look the part and still remain modern and stylish. These short, fitted blazers are something every woman, no matter what age or size, needs to have in the closet.

Wear it with

• Dresses
• Skirts
• Jeans/Skinny Jeans
• Pants

Don’t wear it with

• Leggings
• Hot pants (actually, don’t wear hot pants at all!)

Blazers with belts, with or without sleeves, can and should be worn by both younger and older women. The belt gives this sophisticated piece of clothing a modern and feminine touch and at the same time creates a waistline.

Wearing this type of blazer is a great alternative to the modern and the classic blazer in any situation and can be used in business situations as well as casual dates, lunches and meetings. I consider this blazer more of a ”day” than ”night” blazer, while the modern short fitted blazer can be used for both.

Wear it with

• A different belt
• Pencil skirts/tight skirts
• Fitted jeans/pants
• Wear the blazer with short sleeves with blouses with 3/4 sleeves

Don’t wear it with

• Blouses and shirts longer than the blazer
• Pants with belts
• Leggings

Alternative To The Blazer

If you’re tired of wearing blazers to work every day, switch it out with a cardigan. Cardigans are both stylish and conservative and work well over a silk blouse or a plain white shirt. In order to make the outfit more personal and modern, change the cardigan belt, if it has one, with a different belt, for instance a wide, leather belt.

What do you think about blazers?

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