if it’s Spring, then it’s time to wear pops of color. nothing will brighten your mood faster than adding color to your outfit. while i am a big fan of building your wardrobe on neutral building blocks, it’s so much fun to bring in complementary colors for a little oomph. honestly, what colors don’t go with white, black, or navy blue? my favorite color of all time is hands-down pink. it runs the gamut from a feminine pale pink to a bold shocking pink or Fuschia. when i spied this blazer available at Nordstrom, it went into my cart lickety-split. not only is it a vibrant shade of pink that will look fantastic with white come summer, but it has a longer length. this Spring oversized or boyfriend blazers are on-trend. so today, it’s all about how to wear a long blazer.
there’s always lots of talk about the weather on Style at a Certain Age. why? because the weather impacts my wardrobe choices. no, i never consider an outfit to be age-appropriate. what’s that all about anyway? when we were in our twenties, thirties, or even forties, was there even one thought devoted to our outfits as being age-appropriate? i think not. so why is it when we cross over to our fifties that we begin to wonder if we should wear this or that? is society putting parameters around our style choices? or is it just us? either way, it’s amusing when an outfit is labeled age-appropriate because last i checked, clothes had tags for sizes, not age. but i do know that outfits are weather-appropriate or occasion-appropriate. not one of us is wearing shorts in the dead of winter or to a wedding for that matter. above all else, what dictates my outfit selections is the weather, with special occasions coming in a close second.
my boyfriend’s back, and you’re gonna be in trouble. hey la day la my boyfriend’s back. anyone remember that catchy pop tune from the sixties? well, boyfriend blazers are back, too, and i couldn’t be more thrilled. today, i’m wearing a long blazer available at Nordstrom that would have looked oversized if i had stuck with my regular size 8. but i decided to size down to a 6, and i couldn’t be happier with the fit. the shoulder and sleeves are perfect, and i do enjoy the longer length, which helps cover our assets. if you are curious about how a blazer should fit, i have a YouTube video where i go over all the deets. but how do we wear a long blazer? proportions, ladies. it’s always about proportions. when there is a long or looser fit on top, we want a slim fitting bottom. or vice versa. it works both ways. and, yes, Petites can wear a long blazer too. again, it’s all about proportions. make sure the hem of the blazer hits below your hips so that it covers your bum and that the shoulders and sleeves hit their mark.
the sunshine decided to return to Georgia once again even though our temps hovered in the fifties and sixties. no matter, that’s when a third layer comes in handy. last Sunday, i shared my all-star list of Spring jackets, and believe it or not, a blazer made the list. this long blazer in shocking pink was just the ticket to wear with the temps on the chilly side. y’all know my style uniform consists of a blazer, blue jeans, button-down, and ballet flats, so i stuck with what works with minor tweaks. a black crewneck sweater from Banana Republic was popped over a white button-down for an extra layer of warmth. the blue jeans (size 29) from J.Crew have a button front, and a raw hem for a modern edge, and the ballet flats were exchanged in favor of polka dot slingbacks (old, similar here) from Talbots. don’t forget handbags can make or break your outfit. a constructed handbag (old similar here) with polka dots is an easy choice.
denim | button-down | sweater | blazer (limited sizes, similar here, here, and here) | similar handbag
denim | button-down | sweater | blazer (limited sizes, similar here, here, and here) | similar handbag
is the Founder and CEO of Style at a Certain Age. She writes Sundays-Fridays on all topics ranging from fashion, health, wellness, home design and more.
She’s 65, 5’8, and size 8.
Show more long blazer, please. I love a long blazer.
good news! they’re back!
Pink really could serve as a neutral because it goes with neutrals so well. I like pink and brown too. But because I’m short, I try to keep a low contrast.
i can’t think of a color pink doesn’t complement!
Why do you let the long strap of purses hang instead of removing them as you can do? I’m just curious. I always enjoy your blog.
a) it’s important to show my readers the versatility of any item, including handbags.
b) i never know when the long strap will come in handy so i like to be prepared.
Love your style. I too love blazers! i have 4 pink ones in different shades and styles alone. Love the jeans. Believe I have these in white also. Have a great day!
i have both the white and blue denim! love them both.
I love the polka dot bag and shoes, too! Very cute spring outfit.
polka dots are such a happy pattern!
That looks like a fun outfit!
truly a mood brightener!
I totally agree! You should wear what you like and stay up to date with the styles as much as possible. Way to go for standing up for us! I am 75 and just bought my 1st pair of high waist straight leg jeans yesterday. Enjoy your pink blazer! There is nothing better than pink in the spring!!
high waist jeans are so chic! i know you will enjoy the different silhouette for a change of pace.
Great post, Beth. Blazers are a true investment piece, so I always look for the best quality the budget will afford as they will lease for years.
When it’s finally safe to travel, they are great to wear on a plane to take bulk out of the suitcase. One can only dream! I get my jab Easter Sunday and both my sons have had theirs (frontline) so I might actually get to hug them this summer🎁 – in a boyfriend blazer 😉.
that is great news, andrea! hope springs eternal.
You look fabulous in that pink blazer, Beth. It has inspired me to embrace colour more and to also try a longer blazer!
the long blazer is a lovely silhouette. i think you will like it!
THE BLAZER IS SO POPULAR, IT IS SOLD OUT.
that does happen from time-to-time. ugh!
Hi Beth, I think you look so fabulous in hot pink, and polka dots never go out of style! I really appreciate you pushing back on the “age appropriate” commentary. If it’s ok for the young’uns to embrace the so-called “grandma chic” then I’m gonna rock my shorter skirts, stilettos, and red lipstick.
I will add that personally, in the drab East Coast winter I sometimes use a pop of bright color or flower pattern to mentally pick me up and make me think of spring.
using color any time of year is a good idea! it truly brightens your mood.
Hi Beth,
I have that outfit in my closet. Everything but the shoes. I’m glad to hear that larger longer jackets are on trend because that is what mine have become since I have lost some weight. This is especially true of those I bought before I discovered that Talbot s carried plus petite I have not worn blazers a lot because they aren’t comfortable. My arms are heavy and even though I buy a size larger than my torso needs, the sleeves are still snug. I have never been able to wear a sweater under a blazer even though I love the look. Thank you for helping me to feel on trend and not frumpy while I get another year out of the blazers i have
blazers are always a win/win! and the good news is that most styles last for years. now that’s bang for your buck.
Darn it’s sold out! They didn’t even show the fuchsia.
it’s so frustrating when items sell out quickly!
Hi Beth! Love your style. That blazer is killer. Can you please talk about socks? I think they’re basically not in fashion but I pick comfort first and in these cool early spring days, can we put on a cool pair of argyles with our loafers and not look totally out of style? ( or embarrass our 13 yo granddaughter?🥴
well, i think we can always embarrass our children or grandchildren at any given moment. but that sounds like a cute combo!
what do you have to lose?
Very good tips to purchase a blazer.
so happy you watched the video! thanks so much.
Beth, Thank you for the sizing tip. I love a longer length blazer but at times I seem to be swallowed up in the boxy style.
Wish me luck!
Xo Lynne
you can do it!
still cold here in UK. Thick socks, boots, anorak and hat weather.