The beauty of the blazer is that it does a tango between the masculine and the feminine, the formal and the casual, the preppy and the trendy, the smart and the sexy. You can’t quite pin it down, and therein lies its charm. A chic untraditional way to buy a blazer is to buy it unconstructed or over-sized or shrunken for a dramatic and fashionable look.
Tailor Made
The key to the blazer is making sure each element is tailored just for you:
- The Buttons: Make sure they are working buttons with real buttonholes. It is a sign of a quality blazer.
- The Sleeves: Should fall at the heel of your hand for a traditional and timeless look. If you want to take it in a trendier direction, you can go about an inch longer than the traditional sleeve length, or choose a three-quarter length.
- The Shoulders: Should lie smooth when buttoned. Even if you never button your blazer, make sure you button it at the tailor so you can make sure there are no bumps or bulges. (In face, check for bumps and bulges everywhere else, too.)
- The Length: It is all a matter of preference. The classic blazer will fall at your hip, but it can be longer or cropped, depending on your personal style.
- Final Test: While you are still at the tailor, lift your hands above your head, reach out in front, etc. The blazer should move with you, never pulling or bunching.
