With fashion you can be fun and frivolous and have on-trend pieces and then there are the essential basics that you just have to include as part of your wardrobe staple. I’ve got a few and on today’s post I’ll be focussing on the good old blazer and the “often forgotten”, belt.
I think I’ve got this obsession with blazers -I’ve got about 6 blazers, all in different colours, and styles, but the main thing is they are all single breasted and nipped at the waist. Why blazers? Well, I think a blazer not only gives you that more structured and complete look, but it is so versatile you can wear it with almost anything. By adding a blazer, you can change the look of your outfit instantly. Something that looks casual like a t-shirt and a pair of jeans can be spruced up when worn with a blazer. Add a few accessories and you have one complete outfit – great especially for that casual Friday. Or that simple maxi dress that just seems a little too casual for the office – add a blazer.
Here are some of my outfits that feature the different blazers I have:
My outfit for the MBBE Event last Spring
Zara Denim Blazer worn with Printed Skirt, Black short sleeved top and grey singlet
Zara (TRF) jacket with jeans & navy top
One red knit dress, two different looks - on the right, worn with Zara blazer
So you can see how something casual can actually be given a more structured and cleaner look when you add a blazer. As with any clothing item, there is quite a variation when it comes to prices. I’ve been lucky that I’ve managed to pick mine up mostly from Zara or their TRF collection. I love the simple cut and so far the quality has been pretty reasonable. The price varies from &79.90 onwards and the most expensive one I’ve ever gotten from Zara was of $89.90 – again, for me that’s pretty reasonable considering the number of wears I get out of them. Another thing to remember is to try and go for the classic styles and colours, that way you will get more use out of them. I know I went for the orange TRF blazer, and the floral blazer from Princess Highway as on-trend items, but I can still see myself wearing them often enough, provided I wear them “right”.
Now on to belts. I have to confess, with belts, I’ve only ever worn them with my jeans – to hold them up. Other than that I’ve always steered clear of them because I haven’t been confident enough to style them in different ways. Thanks to the reading I’ve done and the different styling I’ve seen everywhere – yes even in real life; I’ve begun to embrace the good old trusty belt. I think it helps to complete an outfit as well as break up the monotony of an outfit. A belt also helps to give structure to your ensemble. And in some cases, helps to hide some unwanted bits.
Belts worn to help break the monotony of an outfit
A thing I learned recently that involves belts and blazers is that you don’t necessarily need to have a blazer that can button up properly. What I mean by that is that sometimes, the blazer fits perfectly – lengthwise, shape wise and even the fit, except for when you button it up. Sometimes you find that you can’t button that jacket up? Well, complete the look with a belt!
Belt worn over a blazer to give definition
Then you come to the type of belts that are out there. From slim belts – great for tailored pants, especially when it comes with a sleek buckle to thicker belts, which can go really well over a cardigan, a shirt that isn’t tucked in, or even a top to give that illusion of a waist.
Patterned belt worn over long cardigan to add texture & colour
Elastic belts are great when you want to emphasise your waist and so far, this has been my very best friend. I’ve gotten a few via ASOS and Dorothy Perkins, all of which might look expensive but really were pretty cheap – under $20. Don’t just stick to black, or brown belts. Try other colours, like grey, red, or navy and why not go for a belt with some gorgeous patterns and textures as well, that could give a plain outfit some life.
Detailing of a belt buckle with the metal finishing can spruce up an outfit
Top: Elastic belt with double buckle, Bottom: Slim belt with plain metal buckle
Have you found any other tips that might help when it comes to blazers and belts? Feel free to share them too.
9 comments
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Jodie - Muddled UP Mumma
April 12, 2012 at 2:26 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I have never really been able to get the belt thing down pat… I keep buying them but they never seem to look right on me… you have inspired me to keep trying!
Jodie – Muddled UP Mumma recently posted..Kidspot Ford Territory Top 50: Feel the difference
baublesb
April 13, 2012 at 2:17 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I only started last year and now I don’t know why I didn’t use them earlier! Yes, it is a tricky thing to use and to make sure it looks “right”. Keep trying, and I hope I’ve given you a few ideas.
Naomi
April 12, 2012 at 2:47 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
You have just combined two of my loves, belts and blazers!
I like to put a belt over a short cardigan and pull it in on my waist, kind of like you have with the blazer – it’s a great way to pull together an outfit.
Naomi recently posted..Kidspot Ford Territory Top 50: Feel the difference
baublesb
April 13, 2012 at 2:18 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Great tip there Naomi! I’m going to try that one next time. I think I’ve got a short cardi.
Carli @ Tiny Savages
April 12, 2012 at 3:46 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Love belts and blazers, especially with jeans. I love tying the belt in a knot instead of using the button holes and using it with a long line cardigan….that was my maternity staple
Carli @ Tiny Savages recently posted..Disciplining other people’s children
baublesb
April 13, 2012 at 2:19 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Another great tip! Tying the belt in a knot! I would not have thought of that…only around trench coats. Thanks for sharing Carli!
Trish
April 12, 2012 at 5:15 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
I never find such lovely belts – you always look very stylish Norlin = I need some styling
Trish recently posted..IKEA~ saving marriages and floor space ~ thinking inside the box GIVEAWAY
baublesb
April 13, 2012 at 2:21 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Thanks Trish. I thank online shopping for that. I can never find a nice one in stores that aren’t over-priced. Just give me a shout if you need any help and I’ll do my very best.
Alyce {Blossom Heart}
April 25, 2012 at 4:00 pm (UTC 10) Link to this comment
Ooh, I like your belts!!
Alyce {Blossom Heart} recently posted..Coupon Codes: Bargains in a Basket