15 August 2012

The blazer

One of those indispensable pieces that hold the wardrobe together season after season. As an adept of visual contrasts, I like to mix styles and usually wear the blazer with jeans, a basic t-shirt and high heels, so who better to exemplify this look than Emmanuelle Alt, the personification of simplicity and unstudied femininity and of whose style Ralph Lauren says that is ‘always original, part street, part romantic, very personal – and very French’?

I haven’t randomly chosen these three styles Emmanuelle is sporting. I love the lean silhouette, subtle shoulders and tuxedo-lapels of the first one (that entire look is perfect in my opinion), the army inspiration – it goes without saying – of the navy blazer and the sculptured shape with the strong shoulders and 3/4 sleeves of the black one. She wears them well, doesn’t she?

Black, navy (military style-a must) and white. Yes, I think every woman should own not one, but three blazers, in these classic colours. The length can vary, depending on taste and figure, but one thing must not: the cut. The perfect blazer is impeccably tailored. A sharp, clean line, of a military precision if you like, gives shape, helps your posture and makes you more confident once you put it on. And it works like magic not only with jeans, but a very feminine dress or a silky skirt and printed tee as well. The blazer is one of those items you don’t buy, but invest in. Any recommendations?

photos: 1-Patrick Demarchelier for Vogue US, September 2011, edited by me / 2-Carolines Mode / 3-JAK & JIL

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17 Responses to The blazer

  1. Kate {Modette} wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 9:37 am

    The blazer is one of my favourite fashion pieces! So stylish and timeless. xx

    Kate {Modette}
    https://modetteblog.com

  2. Odessa wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 10:42 am

    My favorite item! xoxo

  3. Nicole wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 11:33 am

    I so agree with you. The blazer is a must-have 🙂

  4. Meghan @ Wishful Thinking wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 12:04 pm

    I’ve been on a quest for the perfect blazer for a few years now, I came close to buying an expensive navy one from Mango but it flew off the shelves before I could pluck up the courage. But luckily I recently picked up a sharp, tailored, inexpensive blazer from… H&M! I have worn it every day this week!

  5. LatteLisa wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 1:28 pm

    I wish I could pull of a white blazer! Love the one in the top photo.
    I’m still swooning over one from Stella McCartney that I saw on the runway. I don’t want to know the prize of that one, I just dream that it’s mine and suits me, haha.

  6. mary jo wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 2:21 pm

    First, I love Emmanuelle Alt’s style–she is my favorite right now. I’ve always worn blazers my whole life, so I love your advice to have at least 3. Like you, I love a blazer with jeans and heels. This past year I bought a classic black Burberry blazer and a wool Oscar de la Renta but still don’t have the right white one, so you’re inspiring me to keep looking. Hope you have a wonderful weekend Ada!
    xo Mary Jo

  7. LittleRus wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 3:42 pm

    I am still looking for mine… Zara and Mango always have good budget-friendly ones, but I am really in need of something with a bit more timelessness and a bit less polyester… x

  8. Priscilla Joy wrote on
    --> 15 August 2012 at 9:04 pm

    Oh loving the blazer look. I recently got a white one. Simple and Chic.
    Have a great day!!

  9. Dawn {The Alternative Wife} wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 3:09 am

    I’ve always loved blazers. For as long as I can remember so I always have a few in my wardrobe. I try to go for interesting cuts and don’t love the boxy look. And you’re right that she always has the most lovely pieces.

  10. Rachel {little bits of lovely} wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 7:34 am

    The blazer is a wardrobe staple for me; I have several in different colours and wear them all year around. I adore all of Emmanuelle Alt’s looks here; I have taken many style cues from her + how she wears blazer is always so chic xx

  11. Georgianna wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 8:41 am

    That first one is amazing, Ada! Not sure I’d feel comfortable in white but the cut of it is perfect. 🙂 xo

  12. Helen @ TheStyleSchedule wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 9:15 am

    A white blazer is gorgeous to wear dressed up or down… but for me its gotta be navy with military vibe. I adore the second image of Emmanuelle Alt – if I squint and tilt my head I think it could look like me in that fading sunlight! LOL… I just bought a navy blazer last week and am keen to get a bright colour for summer! Jeans, tshirt, and blazer – can’t go wrong! :)x

  13. maria wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 11:17 am

    Blazers are a must have in my wardrobe.

  14. Alexis Grace wrote on
    --> 16 August 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I truly believe a blazer is one of those pieces that every woman should own. It is truly a classic staple! And Ms. Alt really is the perfect example of this!

  15. Prêt à Porter P wrote on
    --> 18 August 2012 at 9:34 am

    You can always count on zara and theory to do really good blazers. Their online offerings tend not to be the best example though. I’ve noticed both brands now emphasize more trendier things on their websites.

  16. katie wrote on
    --> 18 August 2012 at 10:32 pm

    love this….
    mary jo matsumoto styled me in the most insane outfit yesterday…and i told her i felt so “emmanuelle alt.” i could have lived in the the super black blazer and pants, black gloves…with just a little bit of white shirt…
    so good.