This month for our over 50 Fashion Edit Jennifer and I are discussing blazers. Most of our closets can be divided into two categories “statement pieces” and the indispensable items we wear all the time. Blazers are big this year and I can understand why. They are so versatile. Do you look at your blazers and think office ? Have you rarely worn them since covid? I know many of you are no longer working or you are working from home. Blazers are one of those trusted closet essentials that can get boring. They are the perfect layer to take us through fall and into winter in style. Let’s try to style this wardrobe staple in fresh creative ways. Think outside the box. Let’s talk about under the radar ways to style a blazer over 50
UNDER THE RADAR WAYS TO STYLE A BLAZER OVER 50
Do you get in a rut and think your blazer can only be worn with a pair of dress pants or a conservative skirt? Think outside the box. How about amping up your trusty jean look with a blazer?
ELEVATE A PAIR OF JEANS BY ADDING A STRUCTURED BLAZER
I am wearing a beautiful Ralph Lauren blazer with a pair of black jeans. I dressed up the jeans with a pair of velvet Birdies and added a vintage monogram pin to my simple white shirt. The whole look becomes a bit more polished.
GET THE RALPH LAUREN BLAZER LOOK
Here I am wearing a J Crew leopard blazer from a few years back (similar linked below the picture) with an all-denim look. Wearing all denim creates a column of color underneath the blazer which I like because I am only 5’4. It lengthens my torso creating a more streamlined look. You can find the Sophie blazer on eBay here. This picture is from a very popular post Over 50 Fashion the Collected Look a couple of years ago. I still wear the blazer and love it. You can find it styled differently below.
Here is a closeup of the vintage pin. There is one very similar on ebay here. You can also find similar ones on Etsy here.
GET THE LEPARD BLAZER LOOK
Sorry, Beau photobombed the picture. Here I am wearing the J Crew plaid regent blazer with a black turtleneck, a couple of layered necklaces from my collection, and my new combat boots which you can’t see. You might enjoy my post on how to layer necklaces here This blazer has great fall colors that will go with almost anything and it has structure but it is not too structured if you know what I mean. If you prefer a looser oversize version free people has one here
GET THE J CREW PLAID BLAZER LOOK
BELT IT
If you want to accentuate your waist and your blazer is long enough, why not cinch your waist. Here I am wearing a favorite Peruvian Connection blazer that is a favorite. I am wearing it with a vintage pin, an old leather skirt, and boots.
GET THE LEATHER SKIRT & BLAZER LOOK
In this photo, I am wearing the same blazer from above only with an all-black column underneath. The pants are those great sweater pants from J Crew. I cinched the waist with a wide black belt and added my comfy Birdies.
GET THE LEOPARD BLAZER LOOK
PAIR IT WITH A MIDI SKIRT INSTEAD OF PANTS TO DRESS IT UP
I sure am happy that midis are back in style. Here I am wearing the RL blazer with a knitted midi (old). Ralph Lauren has a very similar one here. BR white shirt, and gentle souls Emma boot. If you have bunions and you are looking for a comfy pair of stretch boots these are it. I ordered these hoping they would work, and they are amazingly comfortable.
GET THE BLAZER AND MIDI LOOK
I love this camel Regent blazer from J Crew. I paired it with a suede midi skirt that I inherited from my sister, a Ganni mesh turtlneck and the comfy Gentle Souls boots. I added a hat I have had for years for fun.
GET THE REGENT BLAZER & MIDI LOOK
ADD A SCARF FOR INTEREST
I like to layer scarves under blazers and belt them. Here I have the Peruvian Connection blazer, BR turtleneck, J crew Sweaterpants, with a gifted favorite scarf from IBU movement. Artful Home has a similar one here.
Play around with volume and texture. Here is a closeup of the combination. I accessorized with pieces of Native American jewelry from my collection.
GET THE IBU SCARF LOOK
Here I am wearing the same wonderful blazer from Peruvian Connection with a black turtleneck from BR. I added a rancher hat, scarf, and faux suede leggings to the mix.
GET THE BLAZER HAT AND SCARF LOOK
You might also enjoy reading:
Today Show’s How to Style a Women’s Blazer According to the Experts
Town and Country’s Six Ways to Wear a Women’s Blazer
If you have had a blazer in your closet for years and haven’t worn it outside the office I hope you can think of it in a new light. Have some fun, be bold and think outside the box. You have earned it! Thanks for reading Under the Radar Ways to Style a Blazer Over 50.
I can’t wait to see what Jennifer comes up with. She has a knack for pulling off a blazer in style. Pop over to visit Jennifer for more great ideas.
She is going to show us How to Style an Unstructured blazer over 50.
I do have quite a few blazers in my closet and I didn’t wear one of them last year because I didn’t go anywhere! I love all of your style suggestions and as usual, you look so chic that I will wear my blazers this year, even if it’s just to the market!
Im one of those people who won’t wear a blazer with jeans. It just doesn’t feel right on my frame. But I really like the idea of a blazer with a skirt. I’ll be sure to try it ! Thanks for the ideas!
Hi Sarah
That’s so intereting. I bet there are many others who feel the same as you! You always have such fabulous taste Sarah. I know you know what works for you!
Cindy, I just discovered your blog through Brenda’s 1010 Park Ave, love your looks. I own over 50 blazers & love styling them in various ways. To make sure I am wearing what I currently own & not buying anything new (experiencing withdrawal symptoms) I have put a tag on every hanger in my closet & as I wear it this season I write the date, then at the end of the season anything that doesn’t show a wear gets removed for re-evaluation/donation.
I also own a large collection of dragonfly pins & I wear them on my blazers frequently, I like to sometimes put them on the back of my jacket just for fun & spark conversations! I have also put small pins at cuff level, love playing in my closet!
Looking forward to more of your posts!
Hi Denise
First of all welcome! I love your pin suggestions. I have a few smaller ones that I tend not to wear. I need “think outside the box” and try some of your suggestions. One of my readers Gray just returned from Italy and saw a very stylish Italian woman with a group of pins on her blazer she said was very smart looking. You will find our group here has a lot of great suggestions. I learn so much from my readers!
Cindy, all these looks are fab on you! I don’t own a traditional blazer, although I have tried many times in the past. At 5’0”, they never hit me in a flattering spot. The structured shoulders are a plus for me, but the long stance is also not flattering. Everything has to move upward when you are as short as I am. I find a moto jacket is a better choice for me. But, for those who can wear a blazer, enjoy! Cindy, you are always “in style”. Remember, fashion fades, style is eternal.
Hi Gayle
I totally understand what you mean. I am only 5’4 but I have a very long torso. I find that the longer look is more flattering on me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Great style suggestions! Being only 5’2″, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by pieces of clothing. I love the denim outfit and the leopard jacket.
Hi Paula
I love a column of color under a blazer, and I always love denim. They still make that jacket but not in leopard. I think they need to bring it back.
What a timely post…I’ve been on the hunt for a navy blazer and you’ve pointed me in the direction.
Your styling is so pretty with all the blazers. Love it!
I have a RL red knit blazer I’ve been wearing the heck out of this fall and I just love it and love the look of blazers!
You’ve given me some new ideas! thanks Cindy!
Nancy that RL knit blazer sounds lovely. The black one is also knit. I love the bit of stretch it offers.
Good timing, Cindy! I just bought two unstructured, unlined cotton blazers from Everlane to wear with jeans and they are super comfortable and casual. They come in olive green and a darker camel so perfect for fall weather in CA. Thank you for all of the great ideas!
great post you put a lot of work into these posts thank you ….I dislike the brand monogram on the RL blazer if it is not my own monogram I do not want to wear it but that’s just me
Hi Karen
I normally do not care for anyone’s initials either but this blazer was just beautifully made and it is not so in your face. You have probably heard me say the same thing. I completely get it.
Your styling is always so creative, Cindy. I love them all!! Your vintage pins are amazing. Amazing looks my friend. Thanks for inspiring. I’ll be digging through my accessories today.
Hi Jennifer
Thanks pal. I do love my pins. The beauty is now that I am over 65 who cares if they are “in style”!!
These are all such great looks! Am intrigued by your Leopard blazer look, especially the pin. Do you have any close up photos? Thanks!
Hi Kim
I put a closeup photo of the jacket with the pin and I linked to some very similar ones on Etsy and ebay. I hope that helps you out!
I love this post! Great looks. I have also pulled out my blazers and dusted them off this year. Here’s one for you – we saw this on a very polished, attractive woman in Lake Como – she had a collection of brooches and pins on her blazer. Really amazing look.
Hi Gray
I have been meaning to try that! You should have taken a picture! Enjoyed seeing you ladies have fun in Italy!!
This was very timely! I have a couple of blazers, and I was just wondering, “Will I ever wear these again?” I’m going to try some of these creative ideas of yours – thanks for the inspiration!
Hi Kerry Lou
I know I have been wondering that as well. I thought it was time to dust them off and make them work!!
Great post, Cindy! Love how you show how to pull the blazer look together!
Thanks Mary Ann
We need to reexamine our basics and make them work, don’t we?
This post makes me wish I had not donated all but two of my blazers. Your black midi skirt is fantastic! Your clothing and home decor style posts are the best. Also, love the brooches with upturned collars a la Diane Keaton and even Katherine Hepburn. Iam now at the at the age where the less neck skin shown the better. Once again, you have inspired.
Hi Carolina
No kidding about the neck skin!! Love the upturned collars and turtlenecks!
Cindy,
I have several blazers, most of them I wear (but not as often as I used to). I love some of these looks and will have to pull a few out of my closet and create some new outfits from your great ideas.
I love the fact that we can talk about wearing blazers…read: autumn is here.
xo,
Karen
Hi Karen
I bet you had already thought of many of these ideas. I know how creative you are! Thanks for always being so supportive. We love you!!
The knit midi is one fabulous skirt. I would buy that right now if you had a link. I renjoyed today’s blog. Thanks.
Hi MP
I could not find a similar skirt although Ralph Lauren has a sweater skirt that is similar for a good price. I linked it in the text!