Okay, I love the oversized blazer. I loved wearing them in the 80’s, taking a break for either a more fitted or boxy or silhouette in the 90’s-2000’s. Only to be excited in wearing them again during the resurgence of this needed staple within this current fashion moment. However, to avoid looking as if you are REALLY wearing someone else’s blazer that’s “too big”, you need to understand how style and fit is extremely important as you select the perfect oversized blazer.
Let’s discuss style first:
- Look for blazers that are structured, yet loose-fitting.
- Work with neutral colors like grey, camel (beige), black or navy.
- Opt for a minimal aesthetic for your oversized blazer. I suggest no prints or checks to give your blazer more wearing options. I would rather wear a wool navy blue jacket with a few different outfits than a tartan wool plaid blazer once every two months.
- Though prints or checks may not be my immediate go to’s ( it would have to really be amazing and well made to catch my eye), I do gravitate towards jackets with texture. So a tweed blazer is a must.
- Jackets made from natural fibers like wool, silk, cotton, or linen are my best options. Since it’s fall, I love a great suiting wool fabric. You will also find great blazers made from luxury synthetic fabrics like duchess satin or corduroy.
- I would steer clear of polyester, poly-blend fabrics or knits. These fabrics do not make great structured jackets.
Now let’s discuss fit:
- You…yes you can wear this look! It does not matter if you are short, tall, thin, full, curvy, fluffy, athletic, petite, hourglass, peach, pear, apple shaped. You can wear the oversized blazer. It’s all about the construction and fit of the blazer.
- The perfect oversized blazer should have a collar, lapels, extended shoulders, welt pockets, sculpted sleeve with button-hole placket in the sleeve, fully lined. It would help to have inside pocket details, and horn buttons too.
- The collar, lapels, pockets, pocket flaps and hems on sleeves and lower areas of jackets should be interfaced (a synthetic material sewn or ironed inside of jackets or coats that provides structure and stability to a garment). This is critically important to a well-constructed oversized blazer. Unfortunately, many blazers available from the fast fashion suppliers/stores do not use interfacing in their garments, thus making the quality of the garment look pretty poor, ill-fitting, not long lasting and ultimately a huge waste of money. It’s worth investing in a high-quality blazer that will be in your clothing collection for many years, than purchasing something that is affordable in price but cheap in quality. Since I am on the subject of price vs. quality, shop the resale shops (my favorite resale is Goodwill) because everything is well organized.
- Go vintage/pre-owned! Now…I must share this tip. If you are looking for a well made oversized jacket, and are working with limited funds, buying from a re-sale shop in the men’s department is where you will find the best blazers! I hate to say this, but unless you are buying a high-end designer vintage women’s blazer where quality and fit are/were the hallmarks of that designer house, you are not likely to find great blazers in the women’s department. Still look in the women’s department and keep searching, because you will find that IT blazer (and other amazing things through patience and having a great eye). However, you are guaranteed a quality blazer (suit even) in the men’s department, especially if you are interested in the oversized trend.
Side story…I remember buying an oversized blazer when I was 14 years old. It was 1984 and I used money I earned from babysitting to buy an amazing cream plaid men’s suit jacket from a resale shop in Evanston, IL. It was the best! Incredibly well made, lined, the perfect “neutral” and paired well with my assortment of turtle-necks, harem pants and wide leg knit trousers I made and was wearing at the time. I often accessorized my look with pearl necklaces, thin gold belt turned necklace (borrowed from my mother), or a scarf and stacked bracelets Then completed my look with a framed handbag, or oversized slouchy leather bag and brogues. My inspiration…what was on the pages of Vogue Magazine (American, British Vogue). My favorite designers…too many to list. Yet seeing such amazing looks and style inspiration from Vogue Magazine, Vogue Patterns Magazine (discontinued), Vogue Pattern Books, and Cadena Mode Magazine Spain fabric swatch books that I purchased. In addition, I had my collection of sewing patterns: Vogue, Burda, McCall’s, Simplicity (which I bought spanning four decades to create in reality my dream wardrobes). Later I added Vogue Knitting Magazine when I decided to take up knitting during my 20’s. I was completely enamored by fashion, fashion design, my look…my style; with the oversized blazer, jacket and coat dominating my style aesthetic then and now!
I will pause here, but leave this last thought. Oversized does not mean sloppy. No matter the style – business, relaxed, tailored, grunge, or casual – it’s about great proportion, fit and being able to wear it with multiple looks. You can do this look! Have fun with it. If you have a question about this look, type it in the comments. I would love to hear from you.
Be Inspired. Be Empowered. Be Fabulous!
Felicia
Shop Black Paper + Cloth
Felicia Clotworthy Collective 
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