Styling Longline Black Blazer (need to look smart for talk)

[earlgreymarl]

I am speaking in a presentation that is important to me in a couple of weeks & need to be smart - I feel a jacket is required. In spring I bought a longline black blazer, believing it to be a cornerstone of capsule professional workwear, but have failed to find the right things to go with it !

In my area there is not much choice so I will have to rely online ( Next and M&S have failed me and don't have much time now, any ideas of options that would work, or where to try online? Or should I abandon this jacket and start afresh?

I am 5'9" and a 10 /12 , standard length trousers never fit and I like the look of cropped or ankle grazers but slightly fear the half mast impression! I do not have any blouses or shirts so would need to get that too.

[herecomesthsun]

I would go for a midi length black skirt and probably a draped black top with a statement necklace in a colour that suits my face.

I don't suit trousers though.

[earlgreymarl]

thanks @herecomesthsun - trousers are a pain!

[chloechloe]

Keep the jacket it's a good start!

Cropped trousers look really chic with a kitten heel. Lots of people on here swear by Boden Richmond trousers and they have a 7/8 length. Quick delivery and easy returns so you can order a few sizes to try. Buy a plain black pair and then team with a coloured top or shirt. Boden Ravello tops also get mentioned on here a lot.

Personally I would go for a nice silk shirt from Other Stories - they are really good value for the quality and they do lots of different colours and some nice prints (though some are a bit too wacky for formal wear).

[Deecee1012]

My work frequently involves court visits so I tend to wear a long line black jacket with a pencil skirt or ankle grazing straight trousers.
Colour is nice top underneath...I do tend to favour a silk t-shirt style. Add a nice necklace......all done!

[earlgreymarl]

@chloechloe and deecee1012 really helpful thanks :)

[HolgerDanske]

I wouldn't wear black separates with it, it can be difficult to get all the shades to fit together well.

I think I'd go for patterned trousers, cropped. Kitten heel or some kind of court shoe. Lighter blouse or top to contrast nicely with the blazer.

Or a block colour pencil skirt, maybe burgundy? Charcoal is nice too. Or if it's textured you can afford to go with black. With a darker skirt you could go for some colour in your top. Again, court shoes/kitten heel. Or if you want to be a little more edgy, a smart ankle boot.

[earlgreymarl]

@HolgerDanske thanks, good advice, I had always intended upon getting pencil skirt but must have been looking at the wrong time of year . . .

[earlgreymarl]

Any ideas for best online stores to try?

[herecomesthsun]

Very unimaginatively, Boden as it is so easy to try and send back. They have some 40% reductions at the moment, they do pencil skirts and smart workwear trousers. The Ravello blouse is good.

[HolgerDanske]

I actually rate m&s highly for work wear. It depends on style though, and what you like/look good in. I got a skirt there the other day, black with a ruffle down one side, £19.50 to begin with but 20% off so not bad at all, and I got a lovely compliment on it. Looking at their clothes online is rarely any good though as they seem to style them horrendously. Is there one nearby you could visit?

[earlgreymarl]

@herecomesthsun cheers, that's what I need! @HolgerDanske I am actually encouraged by that, I used find it easy to pick bits from the Autograph range in store - but we no longer have that & not much range for me - maybe I can chance a further online order with what you said in mind ! No other stores without a boat or flight !

[HolgerDanske]

Goodness, I'd struggle to live where you live...

Yes I think it's worth ordering a few different styles and hopefully one will be just right for you!

[earlgreymarl]

@HolgerDanske . .. pfff tell me about it!!! Thanks all for the inspiration and pointers!!

[HolgerDanske]

I'm sure there are big pros to the location as well.

Good luck!