One blazer four ways

Classic and edgy is how I’d describe my style at least the majority of the time; however, I still find myself drawn to trendy, colorful and preppy items. Sometimes you just want to step outside the box and wear something outside of your norm.

This sweater blazer from J. Crew has become a staple in my wardrobe as I have it in 4 colors. Oops. It is also a staple in my mother’s closet. I mention that because I think it’s nice when there’s a piece that’s classic enough to work for women of all ages and style preferences. You can mix and match it, layer it, dress it up or down and style it in such a way that is age appropriate.

And it’s comfortable! Stylish look that comes with comfort — what more could a girl ask for. I love items like that because let’s face it…..some days…you just want a comfy look. You want that throw-on-and-go look but you still look pulled together.

I wanted to create 4 looks that I would wear but that my mom would also consider wearing with maybe a few alterations. In addition, I wanted 4 looks that are very different and versatile.

Let’s talk about the 4 looks…

Look 1 Transitioning from winter to spring:

This look is taking us from winter to spring or in Texas making it through a day of unexpected weather. I wanted to add a little color and have fun with the accessories. I can’t speak for all women but while I’d wear this look my mom would not. (The top is a little low-cut for her, but there are plenty of other options out there.) Plenty of ways to take this look and make it your own.

• Blazer: J. Crew – Sophie open-front blazer sweater
• Top: Nordstrom Rack – Socialite Scalloped V-neck cami Here’s a great striped T-shirt from Madewell.
• Jeans: Nordstrom – NYDJ – Ami High Rise Skinny Jean. The NYDJ are another jean favorite of mine. I have last years version of the Ami Ankle in 4 colors. They sit a little higher on the waist which I find more flattering and this is another jean that comes in regular and petite. They are flattering and hold up well and they like the Wit & Wisdom are priced reasonably. If you visit the official NYDJ website, they offer a ton of options — regular, petite and plus size.
• Shoes: My shoes are from H&M last year, but here are few similar options. I’ve gotten so much wear out of this color shoe — it’s between a red and a blood orange. Great option for that pop of color. Target – Women’s Michaela Pumps A New Day or Anthropologie – Bibi Lou Knotted Heeled Sandal or Old Navy – Faux-Suede slingback block-heel sandal
• Bag: I’ve had this straw lobster Kate Spade bag forever. Sometimes I contemplate getting rid of it but that voice keeps saying “keep me”. Boy am I glad that I did because I love the personality that it adds to this outfit. Here are a few other fun options: Tory Burch – Miller Canvas Cross-body or Anthropologie – Wisteria Woven Box Clutch

Look 2 Classic with a pop of red and leopard print:

You can’t go wrong with a classic look or a great black dress. A look like this is one that I’ll keep in my arsenal of outfits forever. While I want to add a little more color in my wardrobe, I will always have my classic go-to looks and this is one of them. While I love a neutral color palette, I always love pops of color or prints in my accessories. In my opinion, it doesn’t get anymore classic than black dress, leopard and red. A great classic look like this is a look that women of all ages and sizes can wear.

• Blazer: J.Crew – Sophie open-front blazer sweater shown in pic, but check out this one from J.Crew Factory – Sweater blazer
• Dress: My dress is from a few years ago from Club Monaco. But I found a few similar ones from Nordstrom. Leith Mock Neck body-con dress or Leith Ribbed Midi Sweater Dress (plus size) or Sanctuary Essentials Stripe Mock Neck Dress or Michael Star Pebble Knit Ruched Mock Neck dress
• Shoes: Nordstrom Rack – Lolita Sandal
• Bag: Nordstrom – Gucci Soho Disco bag

Look 3 Casual look:

Sunday Funday look? Baseball game outfit? Or just a casual look. Striped tops are often a go-to for me when I want a casual look and don’t want to put a lot of thought into it. Just grab a striped tee, shorts or jeans and go. Throw a blazer like this on over it or a great utility vest.

• Blazer: J.Crew – Sophie open-front blazer sweater. I’m in love with the blush version of this blazer. I may just have to add to my closet.
• Top: This is a bodysuit that I got on sale awhile back from Nordstrom Rack. It’s no longer available but I found a few other options. Bodysuits have become a wardrobe staple for me. I now have a drawer dedicated to bodysuits. I just love the seamless look that they offer. DKNY – Seamless ribbed bodysuit or Express – One Eleven Striped tube thong bodysuit or Target – Women’s Striped short sleeve fitted v-neck t-shirt
• Shorts: Veronica Beard – Debbie Denim Shorts with Frayed Hem
• Shoes: Nike – Women’s Classic Cortez Sneakers

Look 4 Business Casual:

Business meeting ready or ladies who lunch. Add some heels or boots, black jeans/pants and a dressy top and suddenly this blazer is transformed into a dressy look. This look would also look great with the black version of this blazer.

• Blazer: J.Crew
• Top: Target – Women’s Tie Neck Shell Houndstooth
• Jeans: Nordstrom – Wit and Wisdom High Rise Ab-solution skinny jeans in black. I’m a big fan of Wit and Wisdom jeans — great fit. What I also like about Wit and Wisdom is they offer regular, petite and plus-size and the price is right.
• Shoes: Nordstrom – Marc Fisher Boots. Nordstrom Rack – Eileen Fisher Murphy bootie (These come as a recommendation from my mom. She loves them with skinny jeans and says they are very comfortable.

Blazers are a closet staple for me. A year around staple. It’s a versatile piece for me. I think a blazer can transform a look. Wearing a graphic tee and jeans? Throw on a blazer and suddenly your look is elevated. Add a necklace and your look is set.

I love a sweater blazer because you get the polished look of a blazer with the comfort of a sweater. What more could a girl ask for? Blazers are by far my cool weather go-to. A quick fashion emergency solution.

How do you style your blazer?