Black blazers. They too often get a bad rap for being too boring or too conservative. And ladies, I’ll be honest—I’ve spent most of my 20s avoiding black blazers, as though their structure and minimalism would somehow transform me into a corporate clone or a soap opera version of a “professional woman”. But as I get to the age where 30 is much closer than 20 and have taken on a more—shall we say, womanly?—shape, these previously-eschewed dark horses are becoming my closet essentials.
The best part is that they work for every woman, and every shape. It’s just a matter of finding the perfect cut for your uniquely-gorgeous figure.
For curvy talls with wider hips, I recommend a cropped black blazer. While the notion of “cropped” anything often annoys and disgusts tall women everywhere, it is a great shape for highlighting the waistline and lengthening the legline. A cropped cut will draw attention to your wasp-y little waist and downplay any width through the hips and thighs. If you can find a blazer with 3/4 sleeves, all the better—shorter sleeves are seasonless. Ann Taylor LOFT has a great Tall cropped blazer on sale for $109 now…
Ann Taylor Tall Cropped Tailored Jacket
For straight-waisted/boyish-figured talls, I love a great black boyfriend blazer. The fit is elongating/slimming if you’re thicker around the middle, and plays up any curves you do have. When looking for a boyfriend blazer, size down if you have to to get a body-skimming fit—if you’re swimming in too much fabric, the effect is the opposite of flattering. J. Jill has a Tall stretch linen boyfriend blazer (perfect for summer!) on sale now for the excellent price of $79, so snap up one of these beauties before they sell out!
J. Jill Tall Stretch Linen Boyfriend Jacket
And if you’re an athletic tall with a short waist and not excessively-long arms, I recommend Elie Tahari blazers. Though Tahari doesn’t make tall suiting (shame shame!), I find that the blazers are more than long enough in arm and body length—and I love how they are cut with more room in the bust and tapering in the waist. If you can, try on in a store before buying—Nordstrom, Macy’s and Saks carry Tahari. The Ava jacket provides a universally flattering fit.
Elie Tahari for Nordstrom 'Ava' Jacket
Have a black blazer and uncertain how to wear it? Email me for more style tips, questions, and suggestions!
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