Blazer Blues: How Not To Look Like a Man

Saturday, 03 January 2009

Blazer Blues: How Not To Look Like a Man
Guest blog submitted by borntolove_you
You look like a man!

I love blazers, denim jackets and 3Q blazers / jackets, but I'm 18 and live right next to the equator (Singapore)!

I always have visions of myself in a nice blazer, cropped jeans, 6-inch Jimmy Choos and the it bag of the season, perfect for spring or summer. Alas, the weather never permits this. Because in sunny Singapore, it's 32 degrees Celsius every single day.

Apart from that, what puts me off from wearing them is that the blazers always end up making my shoulders look way too broad and overwhelming.

And then there's always the problem of looking overdressed. An 18 year old looking like a 26 year old professional in a blazer isn't exciting, ladies.

Or I end up looking androgynous, despite great efforts to up the girly girl factor of the outfit with heels, flowers etc.

After 2 full hours in front of the mirror, I still can't put together anything to my liking! (Other than wearing it with a pair of shorts, and ballet pumps.)

So dear readers, I'm desperately reaching out for help!
Does anyone have suggestions on how to work a blazer / denim jacket? I'd like a look that's fun with a feminine silhouette, suitable for a casual day out in a hot and humid climate.

recommend
recs 0
share
email
sent 0

Comments (24)

ooh good question. I live where it goes from over 100 degrees in the summer to below zero in winter, so I get to rotate my wardrobe with the seasons.

I do have a blazer, and my secret to wearing it is accessories.

I like putting girly pins on it or layering it with lots of long necklaces

also, make sure it fits well or put a black belt on the outside

and i love it with a bright, casual, artsy tee underneath

good luck :)
- 1/3/2009 7:25 PM
- aroes_inthegarden@xanga (message)
- reply
I put a brooch on mine.
And I never button them up. It makes it more casual that way.
And I always roll up the sleeves.
- 1/3/2009 7:29 PM
- NGUYENerxx@xanga (message)
- reply
Oh yes, looking like a 26 year old professional would be *so* horrible. ***rolls eyes***
- 1/3/2009 7:32 PM
- NightCometh@xanga (message)
- reply
Browse www.lookbook.nu for 'blazer'. Tons and tons of creative looks!
- 1/3/2009 7:37 PM
- Attaque@xanga (message)
- reply
Professionals always look good. If you want to look like a punk kid, I'll take your advice. But I'm an adult so I won't. Find a Blazer that's a petite and doesn't have filling. I see women in Blazers all the time and I don't think they look like men.
- 1/3/2009 7:48 PM
- WhenHateIsTheOnlyOption@xanga (message)
- reply
Short sleeve blazer?
Paired with a skirt?
- 1/3/2009 8:12 PM
- youngvan@xanga (message)
- reply
As for looking less professional, dress it down with a long, colourful tanktop. Something extending past the waist with skinny pants or a pencil skirt looks very feminine as well (I LOVE wearing blazers!). couple a blazer, a long and colourful tank, skinny pants, and some heels, and there you go.

If you are skilled with a sewing machine, I have seen 3/4 sleeve blazers that end right before the elbow that look AMAZING
- 1/3/2009 8:13 PM
- whatthefendi (message)
- reply
"Oh yes, looking like a 26 year old professional would be *so* horrible. ***rolls eyes***"
What's worse? Wanting to look young, hip and your age in a beauty obsessed society or being at least 26, and a "professional" and still communicating like that?
- 1/3/2009 8:19 PM
- anmandane@xanga (message)
- reply
@Attaque@xanga - Lookbook!! (:
@whatthefendi - Thanks for the advice! That sounds something like what I could pull off. As for the 3/4 sleeves, I've tried folding em but might take it to the tailor and get it altered properly (:
- 1/3/2009 8:26 PM
- borntolove_you@xanga (message)
- reply
try the stretch blazers in different fabrics. i have a bright teal stretch blazer in corduroy and it looks both casual and girly. just make sure not to get any that have shoulder pads!
- 1/3/2009 9:45 PM
- SeitekiChibiNeko@xanga (message)
- reply
I have a deep blue blazer with with bright blue trim which keeps it feminine enough. If you can get one in a fun color, design, or with trim then that usually keeps it younger.
But if you have plain one you should wear it with a skirt with ruffles or any of your sundresses should work out too. Keep it fun to balance out the seriousness of the blazer. =]
- 1/3/2009 10:25 PM
- lilcrazyswimmer@xanga (message)
- reply
What's so bad about androgyny? If you have some curves and an identifiably female face, no one is going to mistake you for a man, especially if you flower up your blazer. Looking boyish can be cute.
- 1/3/2009 10:48 PM
- jupiter312@xanga (message)
- reply
i wish i could be helpful about the blazer. a rule of dress code at my school is that when wearing pants or shorts, a blazer must be carried with you throughout the academic day. i've never worn mine, simply carried it so i wouldn't get in trouble lol. i just hate how it effing looks on me.
i think a denim jacket would look cute with a brightly colored top, white capris, and sandals :)
- 1/3/2009 11:22 PM
- choosingausernameishard@xanga (message)
- reply
Does the blazer have shoulder pads? I always take them out, because like you said, it makes my shoulders too broad.
- 1/3/2009 11:49 PM
- xiaosnowtenshi@xanga (message)
- reply
Avoid ones with shoulder pads, or take them out. Try lighter colours, like a light grey or white instead of a darker colour which comes off as more professional
- 1/4/2009 12:26 AM
- Kero_Baby@xanga (message)
- reply
add feminine details...
delicate tops, for example.
- 1/4/2009 12:32 AM
- MadFlava1015@xanga (message)
- reply
wear your jackets with skirts and high heels. add some nice earrings , bracelets, and necklace, and you'll be all set. if I lived where it was that warm, I wouldn't wear anything but short skirts.
- 1/4/2009 6:36 AM
- valleyguru@xanga (message)
- reply
You think you've got it bad.
I'm a student - I'm forced to wear one every day and there's nothing I can do about it. XD :)
- 1/4/2009 4:06 PM
- Mangastar01@xanga (message)
- reply
Wear short sleeve blazers, and if you feel that your shoulders look broad, just make sure you buy the ones without puffy sleeves. Nowadays, there actually aren't a lot of clothing stores that include shoulder pads with blazers. Pair it with a simple sleeveless top (like a matching cami) underneath, not-too-short dress shorts (otherwise you'll look kinda skanky), and cute flats/peep toe heels/pumps and you're good to go :)
- 1/4/2009 8:25 PM
- CarmineKiss@xanga (message)
- reply
short sleeved blazers are a great solution in a hot climate.

I am not sure of your style, but pairing a jacket with leggings is cute and you will still look young.
- 1/5/2009 11:52 AM
- Erika_Steele@xanga (message)
- reply
I love blazers, too!

I find that the best way is to simply buy blazers that actually fit you, so that your curves aren't hidden.
- 1/7/2009 2:06 PM
- Sapphirelle@xanga (message)
- reply
Yuck, I'm a couple inches below five feet and I have to wear it every year for school purposes. I look like I'm playing dress-up.
- 1/14/2009 1:36 AM
- BlehhItsTu@xanga (message)
- reply
androgynous is hot. i think you should play it up.
- 1/24/2009 3:54 PM
- cork8board@xanga (message)
- reply
i don't think jackets will work in a hot and humid climate no matter how hard you try.. unless you cut holes in the sides... that's attractive right? =P
- 1/29/2009 11:21 PM
- black_lie@xanga (message)
- reply