Suzanne Carillo

Next up in my series of must have items for a great wardrobe foundation is a blazer. A plain well fitted blazer in either black, dark grey, dark brown, burgundy or navy. Normally I would suggest black, but some people that are very pale black is too harsh against their skin tone. In order to choose the right colour for yourself, remember what items you already have in your wardrobe. Warmer colours will work better with, burgundy and brown. Cooler colours work well with dark grey and black. Navy works with everything.

I am calling this item 2.5 in the wardrobe basics series because you may choose to purchase the blazer as part of a suit. This can be a great practical solution since often you will get a better deal on a suit as opposed to getting each piece on it's own. Most places now however sell the pieces separately.

The whole idea of a blazer is that it gives you a structured well defined shape. It makes your shoulders look broader and gives you a nipped in waist. A proper fitting blazer should make you look trim.

The bottom of the blazer should sit at your upper hip, and cover your lower back ( to just above your bum). The back of the blazer shouldn't pucker or bunch up.

You should be able to move your arms in the blazer. A good option is a blazer with a bit of stretch or lycra in it. That will allow for a trimmer fit but keeps it from being uncomfortable.

When trying on blazers make sure you do up the blazer as this helps you judge the fit. You may wear it open most of the time, however you need to be able to button it up should you decide.

Make sure the blazer is lined. Unlined pieces don't keep their shape and won't give you any structure.

Choosing the right blazer for your body type isn't difficult if you follow these basic guidelines.

For a rounder fuller body ( lots of chest and some tummy) you should purchase a blazer that has at least 2 buttons maybe even 3 or 4 buttons. The stance of the blazer (where the last top button hits on your chest) should be right at the top of your bosom. It should not gape or pull through the chest or stomach. Your blazer should cover all of your stomach, creating one long lean line when closed. Also choose a blazer with a larger lapel. It will balance the rest of your curves by drawing the eyes up towards your face.

If you have a large chest and a small waist look for the blazers with stretch. This will allow you to pull a bit more through the chest without it causing gaping. Also look for a 2 or 3 button blazer that will help to keep all of your chest buttoned up inside the blazer.

If you have a thinner upper body and narrow shoulders you can wear a blazer that has a slightly more structured or "princess" sleeves. This will make your shoulders look broader and stronger and balance the rest of your body.

A one button blazer is more casual than a 2 or 3 button blazer.

These are a bunch of blazers I found on-line but you can definitely find some great blazers at thrift and consignment stores.