Blazers; every closet's versatile best friend.
Why owning a blazer is always a good idea! - Paige Taylor
Thom Browne Resort 2023 Look 12
Throughout every season there is always a specific set of staple pieces that just never seem to go out of style. It's easy to pick them out from our own closets and all of the latest runway shows, anything from a classic pair of jeans, to turtlenecks, to trench coats, etc. One of the most versatile and most fashionable of them all, however, is a simple blazer jacket.
Left to right: Michael Kors Fall 1991 Ready-to-Wear look 21, Gucci Fall 1995 Ready-to-Wear look 19, Saint Laurent Fall 2000 Ready-to-Wear look 38, Valentino Fall 2005 Ready-to-Wear look 30, J. Crew Fall 2010 Ready-to-Wear look 1.
Going back into the Vogue archives of runway shows there was no surprise that every year going all the way back to 1991, blazers have had influence on every designer. Materials vary from satins, to leathers, to tweeds and they range in shapes and sizes in the form of long dresses, oversized cover-ups, petit and form fitting, or removing the sleeves and making it into a sharp vest. The versatility of a blazer can be seen throughout the years. Perfect for indoors, or outdoors, work, weddings, shopping trips, family events; they work for any occasion.
Dress it up for work with matching dress pants, high-heels and a briefcase.
NWT Judith & Charles “Expressionist” jacket size 4/small & 14/large $189 (retail value $550), NWT Judith & Charles wide-leg slacks size 8/medium $49, Longchamp large leather “Foulonne” briefcase $359 (retail value $1,240), Isabel Marant frames $63.75 (retail value $333), Jimmy Choo leather “Cosmic” pumps size 36.5/6 $198 (retail value $895).
Dress it down for a more casual day with jeans, a graphic t-shirt or hoodie and a pair of sneakers.
Smythe x Roots hooded blazer jacket size 6/small $99 (retail value $580), NWT Raw Jeans “Mid Boyfriend” jeans size 27/small $75 (retail value $198), Rag & Bone mini leather & shearling “Pilot” backpack $225 (retail value $750+), Celine sunglasses $149 (retail value $450), Jimmy Choo “Raine” sneakers size 38.5/8 $299.
Dress it up even further for an event with a fancy dress and elegant pumps.
The Kooples blazer size 1/small $99 (retail value $360), NWT Theory “Kimono” dress size small $189 (retail value $595), Ted Rossi reptile leather clutch $120 (retail value $500+), Manolo Blahnik “Hangisi 70” pumps size 38.5/8.5 $895 (retail value $1,465).
Dress it with a midi skirt, a turtleneck and a pair of boots.
NWT Judith & Charles “Milano” jacket size 12/large $219 (retail value $595), NWT Citizens of Humanity “Debi” bodysuit” size large $65 (retail value $170), NWT Comrags pleated “Euro” skirt size medium/large $145 (retail value $395), Louis Vuitton Damier Pochette PM $695, Stuart Weitzman suede “50/50” boots size 6.5 $195.
Blazers are a great investment piece, and one of the best "bangs for your buck" when shopping secondhand. On average, they resale for 10% - 25% of their retail value. Most economists say we're heading into a recession, and we're all experiencing the side effects that come along with inflation. Secondhand shopping is one of the best ways to help you save real dollars on your wardrobe budget. You can own a gorgeous, quality blazer without spending upwards of $1,000 on it. We have an amazing selection of blazers available to shop in the store right now, ranging from $32.50 to $249. Shop some of our favourites below (all available for purchase on our online store):
NWT BCBGMaxazria blazer size XXS $95 (retail value $228)
NWT Anne Klein long open blazer size 4/small $32.50 (retail value $199)
Eleventy Platinum Collection wool peplum blazer size 42/2/XS $249 (retail value $1,100)
NWT J. Crew velvet blazer size 22/XXL 75
Marni cotton blazer size 40/medium $94.50 (retail value $1,100)
NWT Milly "Cady" blazer size 12/large $229 (retail value $675)
- Paige Taylor