Designers are embracing blazers as a staple in the modern woman's wardrobe by having fun with a wide variety of colors, fabrics and textures, and by designing jackets to both enhance a woman's curves and produce an overall slimming effect.

Jacket & Blazer Fabrics & Styles

Hot fabrics range from sophisticated tweed, sultry velvet, and chic satin, to interesting upholstery fabrics, laid-back denim, corduroy, and racy leather. Blazers are available in single, double, and triple-breasted styles, as well as Asian-inspired full-buttoned Mandarin collars and asymmetrical closures.

Blazers for Larger Busted Ladies

Feel free to experiment with the wide selection of styles, however, women conscious of a very large bust may want to steer away from single-breasted blazers, as this closure tends to gape open, drawing attention to the chest.

Military Chic Jackets

This season, jackets are paying tribute to their military roots, with badges, patches, buckles, brass and sexy structure taking center stage.

Power Suits & Shoulder Pads?

Although styles from the 1950s and 1980s are hot on the runway, in the real world it's still wise to avoid blazers with super boxy shoulder-padding a la 1980s power suit or their 1950s Joan Crawford-inspired predecessors. The boyfriend blazer look is very much in style right now, but excessive padding exaggerates shoulders, producing an unflattering top-heavy triangular proportion. Think structured tailoring, yet feminine.

What to Wear with a Blazer

The blazer is an essential item which can work around the clock, adding the perfect finishing touch to any outfit. Getting it right is a matter of combining the blazer with the proper pieces above and below the belt:

• Pair a blazer with your favorite jeans, a feminine, flirty skirt, or sexy cropped pant.
• Layer a structured dress shirt under a tweed or wool blazer for a tailored, smart, professional outfit.
• Slip a sexy camisole under a satin or velvet jacket as part of an irresistible date ensemble.
• Sport a denim or tweed blazer with a simple tee for a pulled-together casual look.
• Stay warm and fashionable by accessorizing your favorite blazer with your favorite chunky scarf.

Blazers are the ideal base  for bling and accessories: brooches, pendants, pearls, neckerchiefs, ties, accessory scarves and handbags all work with blazers to make an ordinary outfit extraordinary.