Can you rock the boyfriend blazer like Robin Wright Penn? Read on to find out! Photo: Bauer-Griffin
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.
"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."
We asked retailers and style experts for advice on manning up to the trend.
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.
Boyfriend Blazers
"Pairing the jacket with leggings, especially sequin leggings and a flowy blouse, a pair of pumps is a great look," Jessica Roberts of Bluefly.com says. "Or look for boyfriend jackets with slight details: studs, matte sequins or satin lapels."
Priorities black studded "The Loraine" boyfriend blazer, $117, Bluefly.com.
Courtesy of Bluefly
"I think it works for most body types and ages," says Jessica Roberts, women's collections buyer for Bluefly.com. "(There are) so many different ways to wear the boyfriend jacket that every person can mold it into their own style."
Ali Ro olive sateen boyfriend blazer, $185, at Bluefly.com.
Courtesy of Bluefly
"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."
Banana Republic menswear-inspired "Heritage" coat, $230, available at Bananarepublic.com.
Courtesy of Banana Republic
T.J. Maxx boyfriend blazer.
To locate the store nearest you, call 1-800-2TJ-MAXX.
Courtesy of T.J Maxx
Mossimo for Target slouchy boyfriend jacket, $29.99, at Target stores.
To locate the store nearest you, call 1-800-440-0680.
Courtesy of Mossimo for Target
Toughen up a floral dress with a slouchy menswear-inspired boyfriend blazer, like this one from Marshalls.
To locate the store nearest you, call 1-800-Marshalls.
Courtesy of Marshalls
Pair a boyfriend blazer with slim pants or leggings, say Laurent and Arik Bitton, from the 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.
IRO "Shira" boyfriend blazer, $480, at Fred Segal, Los Angeles, or at IRO.fr.
Courtesy of Iro
This Guess "Lindsay" boyfriend blazer, $108, has a printed lining which adds interesting detail to your outfit when the sleeves are cuffed.
Guess "Lindsay" boyfriend blazer, $108, available at Guess.com.
Courtesy of Guess
"The boyfriend jacket is a great staple piece for your wardrobe, says Jessica Roberts, of Bluefly.com."It is seasonless and you can wear it so many different ways. It is also a fresh new look for a blazer since everything has been fitted and cropped for so long."
Twenty8Twelve dark gray wool flannel "Drake" boyfriend blazer, $313, at Bluefly.com.
Courtesy of Bluefly
Diesel "Jabbea Ooume" two-button jacket, $210, at Diesel.com.
Courtesy of Diesel
Lesley Kennedy is the editor of Denveralamode.com, an online magazine devoted to fashion, beauty and trends in the Mile High City.