Borrowed From the Boys
I donāt think of myself as a girly girl, but Iāve also never been one to embrace the menās wear look. I love the look of brogues but frankly, my feet feel too large to look either cute or flattering in a chunky menswear type shoe. Structured blazers have also never been my thing because they make my shoulders look even wider than they are. Plaid fell into that men’s wear category for me until last winter when I tried someĀ here and here.
This fall, like every fall, plaid is back on the scene in a big way. I’d had my eye out for some plaid shoes to update my look and also been on the hunt for a blazer. I’m seeing a lot of longer blazers this fall and curious to try one.
When I spotted this jacket on the Talbots website, I knew it had great potential. Its pale colors are soft against my complexion and the small plaid is a good proportion for my height.
The waist shaping helps feminize this blazer and prevents the boxiness so many men’s wear blazers have. It’s popular to add a belt to blazers this fall so I played around to see if I like the look, and I do. The belt visually shortens the blazer which improves the proportion on me.
Here’s the blazer without the belt. It still has waist definition and a feminine vibe. I like it both ways.
SHOP THE LOOK
I have long arms and torso, with short legs so I wasn’t sure whether I needed the petite or regular length. It turns out the petite looked too short to be a long blazer and too long to be a short blazer. In between was OK but I wanted to try the new long look so bought the regular size 6.
I added a jumbo faux pearl necklace to soften the look even more.
I’m easing into the menswear look but finding proof once again that we should never say never about fashion. I’ve also discovered the long blazer look needn’t be reserved for the tall gals among us.
Have you tried the new longer blazer?
Thanks for reading and have a great day.
You truly did pull this off beautifully! Love the look with the belt, and those chunky pearls! I’m on the hunt for some of those today! (I do have two new Blazers). Yes, to wearing them with jeans, white shirt! Love this look!
I love this outfit on you and I would have never thought of adding a wide belt on the outside of a blazer. So cute! The pearls just top it all off. I am so glad I found your blog.
I’m so glad you’re here, Debbie
As I have always coveted blazers, I do have a few of them and shall be wearing them in lieu of jackets this Fall so whipped them out of ‘my not ready to part with’ closet and tweaked them where necessary. (Changed out their very structured shoulder pads to less defining ones / added inconspicuous belt carriers / trimmed one with leather with coordinated buttons. Also am in the midst of making a simple reversible suede and leather loop belt to wear with at least three of them.) Though most are solids and all 100% wool or their blends I do have a hairline striped grey one (even at a longer length) plus a herringbone weaved one and just recently purchased another in a bonded knit in a Houndstooth pattern. (The latter two I’ll will be pairing with snakeskin loafers in the same color family of browns.) Last but not least; I do like the plaid you have chosen and feel you wear the style exceptionally well and look very polished, regal and chic. (Think Kate Middleton and ‘strut your stuff’ …āŗ!)
-Brenda-
I love the sound of your outfits, Brenda! Houndstooth with snakeskin…very fun.
Love your blazer because of the small plaid and the colour. It would be a little long on me at 5′, anyhow I prefer it open but to each her own. I bought a beautiful pair of oxford type shoes in black and bronze and just adore them. You like smashing Jennifer.
They sound very pretty Shirley.
Who said gray jeans canāt looks polished? You did a good job with this outfit. Iām still trying getting used to the belted blazers. Iām sure my eye will get used to it after itās been around for awhile.
That’s what happens when I see trends for a little while too.
Just wanted to add my “you look mahvelous, dahling!” to the others. I think that belt with the jacket looks wonderful on you. Also – that soft gray undertone compliments you. Very chic!
I think I’m too short for a longish jacket –I prefer the short ones.
Love the outfit. . Plaid shoes sound fun.
Love the fit of this jacket! Menswear just says strong, classic and savvy. This is a perfect look for you, Jennifer.
Love the plaid blazer. I want one! I have a red blazer that I’m going to try on again.
Do bring your blazer out and try it for this season, Rose.
I like the belted look on you. Love the pearls and have wanted a strand of large, chunky pearls for awhile. The pearls on you look great; I wish those that pearl necklace was still available. After looking at the couple pair of pearl strands on Etsy, they seem to have a yellow cast to them and I prefer pearls with more of a white coloring to them.
I prefer a white cast too. Mine does have a slight yellow cast but I love the size so make them work. I’ve got my eye out for a whiter strand.
I still have a couple of long blazers from…never mind. I have dragged them out and surprisingly found that they are going to work, again. I love your look with a belt. but I have a short waist and shockingly huge boobs, so the belt is not on for moi.
Neither of my old blazers is gray plaid though and I have been seeing them and thinking I might need (OK, want) one, and your post today sealed the deal. Starting to look today. Thanks for the validation!
My pleasure, Ellen. I’m so happy I inspired you.
Love the blazer. I have it too and plan to wear it with a Lafayette 148 nyc pale gray and white thin striped shirt and possibly a Lafayette 148 nyc blue and white thin striped shirt. I love the way it looks with the collar turned up to expose the pain fabric underneath. Will wear it both times with jeans and simple loafers.
That sounds awsome
I like this look on you and I like it best unbelted and worn open.
I agree very nice on you.
This is a beautiful look on you. Adding the pearls os the polish on this classic. I prefer blazers with length and I have solid black, navy and white. I have tried several plaid with various colour combinations and always feel too busy. Your plaid is subtle. You inspire me to keep looking and trying!
I’m so glad I inspired you to keep looking
I bought a new blazer for spring the other week. It is linen, pale grey and white plaid, but shorter than the one you are wearing as it is more flattering to my hour glass shape than a longer version. I have really embraced brogue (or oxford) style lace up shoes and have about 8 pairs of an Australian brand. They are light weight and in a variety of patterns and colours, including leopard print. I think your chunky pearls finishes off your look really well (am a pearl devotee myself)
You look great in this outfit Jennifer. I’ve always loved the menswear look and longer blazers are my favourite. I almost bought one in navy plaid yesterday. Decided that it wasn’t high enough contrast for me, so I’m on the hunt for a black & white version.