Black blazers? Dated??

[Loopylooni]

I'm a colourful dresser at times but thinking of getting a black blazer to balance out my look. I'm worried they may just make me look dull though (I'm darker skinned). Does it sound like a dated look?

So darker blue jeans/black wide trousers, lovely coloured top, black blazer with sleeves rolled up?

I don’t think it’s dated. A friend wears one to work sometimes with black jeans, trainers and a nice top.

Cos has a lovely cropped one at the moment - cropped jackets are very "in", so that one would not be dated. Ii realise not everyone likes cropped blazers, though.

@Chasetherainblownfearsaway love that cropped style but im probably around a tall size 16/18 so im worried ill look massive with a cropped look?

Black blazers aren't dated but paring them with bright colours is IMO. Its more likely to cheapen the look I think too. Maybe cream instead?

Yup - black jackets are as fashionable as ever this season, but they won’t work with brightly coloured tops. You need tops in black, ivory, grey, brown (if you can stand it) or the sort of gentler blues that make nice cotton shirting.

Otherwise the whole look will be overly harsh and retro-80s.

I’m never sure about black and bright colours. It reminds me of the black trousers and a brighter/block coloured top that was once the go-to work look. It just feels like it could easily look quite dated now. I think it’s doable but would depend on the shade of the colour, and the material.

@Isthatarealname i had a coral boucle one but i looked huge in the pictures so i thought something a bit more slimming/streamline would suit?

I tend to wear dark blue wide jeans or black trousers with a pretty top as standard?

what is your body type? Might help deciding a fit style.

38GG top, so i wear a size 18 for a slightly looser fit. I am 5ft 6, have a bit of a belly. I look better in skirts but because ive felt self conscious about my weight, ive worn more trousers.

Ok so I wouldn't go cropped in that case, as on trend as that is. Go for something longer with good shoulder structure and roll up sleeves.

Tricky for deciding on colour, depending on how many different colours your pretty tops are. I'd lean towards a neutral but not black. Even Navy would probably be better. Try cream/beige. But at the same time you don't really want more than 3 colours going on at once as it often looks too busy.

Or go for black and swap out the tops for neutral colours.

BLAZER WITH ROLLED-UP SLEEVES - Blue | ZARA United Kingdom

Definitely keep to a neutral top with black. Pretty tops - reserve for under a coat you take off.

If you’ll forgive me, @Loopylooni , I think £49.99 is too cheap for a size 18 jacket. It’s polyester, with no shaping at the back, and they’ve wasted effort on the sleeves which should have been expended on the shoulders. Really, the fabric alone should cost several times that.

Up to you of course but I’d prefer to economise elsewhere and buy a better quality jacket.

@MetaDaughter im really bad with clothes as i change my mind a lot. Where would you recommend for good quality clothing?

Depends on your budget and lifestyle! Obviously not everyone has to wear ‘nice’, good quality tailoring - I wouldn’t presume to make suggestions for someone who lives in day-glo dance wear, for instance.

What sort of days to you have to get dressed for? Presumably as you’ve linked Zara, you want generally fashionable things? Where else do you usually shop? Do you have the time and interest to stalk the sales, or seek things out on pre-owned sites?

@MetaDaughter i have a professional job but i wfh so no need to go in at all. I have lots of pretty clothes mainly from Anthropologie with bits from Zara, Mango and River Island. I am not very happy with my weight so have mainly worn black trousers and a nice top for a while now whereas i actually have good legs. I guess i've lost confidence in myself and only make an effort if im going out out. My dream look is Dolce and Gabanna style if i were slimmer, thats the bright village style skirt and top!

I feel like no point paying hundreds for something i really wont wear enough if you know what i mean?

But if you really want to wear the colourful tops you already own, you’d be better off with a brown jacket - equally fashionable but less garish with bright colours. This colour is gorgeous but I imagine a single breasted cut would work better for you.

https://www.cos.com/en_gbp/women/womenswear/coats-and-jackets/product.double-breasted-wool-blazer-beige.1169203001.html

Sorry, crossed you!

D&G on a budget?

Farm Rio? They do have sales.