3 Style Tips on How to wear a Blazer or Cardigan
Who prefers a blazer to a cardigan?
Or are you a cardigan coveter and a blazer skeptic?
Or perhaps you’re a little Zen and love both?
Sorry for all the questions but today we’re talking Autumn cover-ups and ways on how to wear a blazer and/or cardigan into your wardrobe as the cooler months close in.
There’s nothing quite like a jean, tee and blazer combo for Saturday lunch or a long line cardigan meeting a knee-high boot in a layered look.
But first – let’s get any generalisations out of the way.
Cardigans have come a long way – don’t think they only come in cute, bow-filled and fitted styles.
Instead, today you’ll find an army of colours, lengths and styles. Some of the fabrics are warm enough to stand-alone and my favourite look? Layering a knit cardigan and wrapping a waist belt over the entire look.
The same goes with blazers. Get that masculine, shoulder-padded image out of your mind.
This season, it’s feminine white and gelato tones in soft fabrics. You also have collar, collarless and single/double breasted.
Feeling a little tougher? Opt for a black or army green blazer or one with leather accents.
Of course, body shape does come into play with both these pieces so let’s get started with some style tips:
Smaller Busts:
- In all your looks, you should aim to wear volume up top – so a cardigan is great for you.
- Want to try a blazer? Look for large lapels and a burst of your most complementary colour.
- Also try a double-breasted blazer.
French Connection knit $189.95, hat $49.95, gloves $49.95
French Connection $129.95
Larger Busts:
- Fabric is key so avoid heavy thick cardigans or blazers.
- Prefer a cardigan? Stay away from excessive volume or detail, keep it streamlined and neat.
- Avoid a double-breasted blazer and instead look for thin lapels.
Veronika Maine blazer $339 and shirt $104.30
Forever New $99.99
Taller Ladies:
- Longline styles look amazing on you – work it!
- Opt for thicker fabrics to help define your lengthy silhouette.
- The waterfall cardigan will be your go-to for the season
Alannah Hill $199
Target $45
Target $49
Shorter Ladies:
- You can go long line but it MUST be worn with a heel or a longline boot.
- Have your blazer and or cardigan reach your hipbone if wearing flats.
- Avoid too much volume on either piece as it could overwhelm your shorter height.
Country Road $299
Zara from $89.95 to $99
I hope you enjoyed today’s styles and I may have prompted you to try a new look.
So what is your go-to cover up? Do you prefer working the blazer or the more relaxed cardigan?
Great post as always, I’m glad you clarified the long cardigan for the petite/ short lady, as I recently read a stylist say petite girls can’t wear them and I have several and love them. It’s all about the heel. Love the Zara blazer on you, how amazing are the Target ones too x
Absolutely agree Jackie!!!! I have several also, however take away the heel and it looks like a dressing gown!! xo
Love this tips, thank you. Just wondering, are heeled boots you wear in the last photo also from Country Road? Thanks.
Thanks Tracey! No, the boots are New Season from Zara 🙂 xo
I like both! Love fitted cardigans, with my small frame, I avoid anything chunky. Great tips, thank you 🙂
Great Karin! I love both also 🙂 xo
Hi, I’m tall, but with a large bust. I prefer to wear blazers than cardigans – for a more structured look, but how do I know what length blazer I should buy? : )
Hi Sheree, the length of your blazer will depend on if you are longer leg/short torso, short leg/long torso or evenly balanced. If you don’t know then try for the widest part of your butt and see if that looks good……….if not try longer or shorter. A shoe height will always make a difference as well! Hope this helps without looking at you person ally and measuring you 🙂
Thanks cindy. I’ve got a ‘balanced’ torso (I believe). How does your shoe height change the length of the blazer you should be wearing for your shape?
Sheree, if you are in a longer jacket past widest part of your bum and flat heel you will notice your legs look shorter…..add a heel, BIG difference to the same jacket! C xo
I’ve always been a cardigan woman but have recently been enjoying the more tailored look of a blazer – more for work than casual wear, though, I am currently in a Japan and have really been enjoying playing around with the double-wrap obi belts here. I’ve always avoided belts because I didn’t know how to wear them. I can’t waitto get home now to try a few over-the-cardigan looks with two leather obis I’ve just bought. I think these might be my new autumn look!
Mairead, that sounds fantastic……..so does Japan 🙂 Enjoy!!!!! xo