Photo: Photo provided by Bankable Enterprises Inc.
It's an instant way to up your fierceness. A tailored blazer has a way of elevating anything I put on, from a wild print jumpsuit to a sexy-secretary pencil skirt. It has the power to transition me into business mode -- even when my "office" for the day is just a plane seat with a laptop -- or inspire me to work a red carpet like a back-in-the-day Yves Saint Laurent muse. What I'm saying is that a blazer is a must-have, and, you, my unique beauty, can wear it just as well as I can.
A tailored blazer has a way of elevating anything I put on, from a wild print jumpsuit to a sexy-secretary pencil skirt.
- Tyra Banks
It's All About the Fit
The shoulder seam should end at your shoulder, not extend past it (yup, this even goes for "Dynasty"-style shoulder pads). If the jacket is too tight at the shoulders, the sleeves will crease at the armpits and you'll look like a growth-spurting 14-year-old; if the shoulders are too wide, it'll look saggy and sloppy. Think shoulders first when purchasing a jacket, as refitting sleeves can be muy expensive (and you know I'm always looking for a bargain!).
Sleeves should end at the crease of your wrist, at the base of your thumb. Be sure they are loose enough to allow the necessary range of motion, but don't go overboard. A sleek fit is more important than being able to do a full "Staying Alive" Travolta move.
Big boobies or not, you should be able to button up your jacket without any pulling or gaping. Go up a size to accommodate your D-cups and have the rest of the jacket tailored down to fit you. Never buy a blazer that you can't button all the way, even if you plan to wear it open.
The back should lie flat without pulling or creasing. Always check your rear view -- there shouldn't be any bubbling at the booty or vents gaping open.
Build Your Blazer Wardrobe
Two-Button Black: The ultimate classic, a plain twill two-button design is an absolute necessity. Look for one with a little stretch for the best possible fit.
What to wear it with: Damn-near anything! When pairing with other black pieces, play with texture, adding it to leather leggings or a pleated chiffon skirt.
Avoid: Trying to fake a two-piece with a random pair of pants. It's nearly impossible to match up two different blacks. Buy your blazer as part of a suit (with wide-leg trousers and a pencil skirt) so that you can mix and match the separates without fear.
Leather: Ooooh honey, what's sexier than buttery leather? This style is best in a neutral shade, but it doesn't have to be black. Try gray or camel for a more interesting but equally versatile piece. As this is a true investment, look for a simple silhouette that won't look dated.
What to wear it with: Pegged trousers and a lace tee equal a look that is clean enough for day and luxe enough for night.
Avoid: Other leather pieces or animal prints. You don't want to look like you've skinned a zoo.
Tuxedo-Inspired: Whether in black or cream, this YSL-inspired piece is truly timeless.
What to wear it with: A cute sparkly mini dress -- just make sure the dress is longer than the jacket.
Avoid: Matching the satin lapels with anything too silky. It's more sophisticated to put together pieces of different textures.
Cropped: Cut right to the waist, this layering piece can be single- or double-breasted.
What to wear it with: A full-skirted dress with a fitted bodice. Use it as a modern take on an evening wrap over a floor-sweeping gown.
Avoid: If you have fuller hips, skip pleated pants or tapered jeans that will give you that not-so-cute ice-cream-cone silhouette. Go with flowy bottoms that will skim over your lower half.
Boyfriend: Oversized and looking right-out-of-his-closet, this style makes for a polished day look.
What to wear it with: Dark-denim jeans and oxford flats. Finish with a feminine fitted tank or leotard.
Avoid: A billowy maxidress that will obscure your curves.
Bold Bright: Grab a fitted version in an eye-popping shade of poppy, saffron or cobalt.
What to wear it with: An LWD (little white dress). Transition your favorite sundress into the colder months with a punch of color.
Avoid: Shorts and tights. You don't want to look like a "Fly Girls" audition gone wrong.
Textured: Whether it's ornately embroidered a la Isabel Marant or made in plush velvet, a boxy, button-free blazer looks luxe in a sumptuous textile.
What to wear it with: A sleek black jumpsuit that will let the jacket be the centerpiece of the outfit.
Avoid: Going all-out boho with clashing patterns or accessories overkill.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for that “oh-so-comfortable-but-girl-how-old-is-that-thing?” sweatshirt, grab a tailored jacket instead. Clothes are the costumes for all of our life's roles, and a blazer can take me from boardroom CEO to model role model to plain ol' Tyra kicking it with friends. Try to find a hoodie that can do all that!
