Casual

How to Wear the Boyfriend Blazer!

Can you rock the boyfriend blazer like T.R. Annie is here? Read on to find out! Photo: Getty

Let's hear it for the boys.....!

Fall's biggest trends are all about taking a look at what is in your guy's closet, and making it work for you. First it was jeans, then cardigans. And, now, it's the jacket.

Full of versatility, the boyfriend blazer adds tomboy flair to pretty, feminine styles and toughens up jeans and a simple T-shirt.  In the photo here T.R. Annie takes the look even further wearing the blazer topless with latex leggings - how sexy is that.....!

"The boyfriend blazer is a great stylish update to a classic," says Simon Kneen, Banana Republic's creative director and executive vice president. "Women love it because it's approachable and immediately adds polish and style. It's easy to wear and looks good on most body types - so it really has more than one good reason to be successful."

Retailers and style experts were asked for advice on manning up to the trend - here is what they said (from http://www.stylelist.com 20-Oct-2009)

What to wear it with:

• The blazer should be mixed with slim pants or leggings, say Laurent and Arik Bitton, French label IRO's design team. They also say it's always strong to mix opposite volumes -- even if a woman wants to be masculine.
• "Skinny pants or jeans with a soft layering piece," says Banana Republic's Kneen. "Be sure the top is super feminine to balance the masculinity of the blazer. Don't worry if the top peeks out of the bottom – that's cool!"
• Piperlime.com's Jennifer Gosselin says you want to balance the seriousness of the blazer with the rest of your outfit. "Pair the boyfriend blazer back to rolled or cuffed jeans topped off with some fabulous shoes. The jeans make the blazer more casual, less serious and the shoes should add the feminine twist. We love it best with high, high heels – think platform."

Who can wear it:

• "The boyfriend blazer looks great with so many things," says Jessica Roberts, women's collections buyer for Bluefly.com. "Throw it over a pair of skinny jeans for day, or pair it with a cute mini skirt or mini dress for night. It's also great to wear with leggings."
• All ages can wear this look as long as the fit is right, says IRO's design team. Make sure the size is not too big, to avoid looking too boxy, but also watch out for versions that are too tight or you will look uncomfortable, which is never chic.

Details to look for:

• "Look for a sleeve lining that's interesting, like a ticking stripe or a fun pop of color, so you can stylishly roll up the cuff," Kneen says.
• "The coolest versions are the ones with interesting sleeve lining so you can cuff the sleeves and show some menswear detailing, or ruched sleeves for a permanent pushed up sleeve look," Piperlime.com's Gosselin says.

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