Left: Ayr The Cutaway Blazer | $225 at Ayr
Middle: Helmut Lang cropped tuxedo blazer | Last Call – Off Fifth – Shopbop
Right: The Row Schoolboy blazer | $1,325 at La Garconne
I received a request last week from a reader to help her find a black investment blazer for interviews and professional wear, preferably “minimal & sculptural” in style, and similar to the Helmut Lang cropped tuxedo blazer.
It’s funny this email came when it did, because I had just a few weeks ago thought that I’d like to finally find myself a black blazer (no, I don’t already have one!). And then, while perusing local consignment shops, discovered a lot of black blazers and thought that might be a good way to dip my toes back into second-hand shopping; for a black blazer.
Ultimately, I think a good, minimal, black blazer is timeless – even if you think the style of the Helmut Lang blazer is “modern,” it has been around for several years, and is still a very popular style. As long as it’s well-made, without unnecessary embellishment, and FITS impeccably, any black blazer should last many years and work well with many different outfits. Which is why a secondhand black blazer is so appealing (here is a selection at The Real Real).
The key, I think, to finding an investment blazer truly is fit, which will require a lot of trial and error – and probably some tailoring. That said, if I was going to buy one, black, investment blazer:
- I would go for lightweight wool, or “suiting” fabric, so it is suitable for all seasons
- I would choose something I could wear in a professional setting (granted, it would probably be a “creative professional” setting), for interviews, AND with a white t-shirt & jeans
- I would want something that nips in at the waist, with some sort of edgy, architectural detailing; enough to make it modern, and interesting looking without being trendy
- I would select something that fits generally well, but would expect to tailor it (which would require considering that expense in the overall cost).
- I would try things on in person as much as possible to get an idea of how the BRAND fits, and specific styles I like, then search for them secondhand or online
Specifically, I prefer a blazer with one button, hard edges, and that is long enough to cover my hips, but that nips in at the waist. And I’m torn on whether not I would want 3/4 sleeves. My two favorites are the AYR blazer above (love the cutout style in the front, and very clean design. The price doesn’t hurt either…) and the schoolboy blazer by The Row. Of course the one by The Row is TOO big of an investment, and probably a style that you could find similar secondhand, and then get the sleeves shortened. You always hear of editors finding their “schoolboy” blazers in the boy’s department at J Crew, but really? who would that fit???
What are your thoughts on investment blazers for work/professional settings? Have any other suggestions?
A few honorable mentions:
The Reformation Ayden Jacket | $228
Eileen Fisher silk jacket | on sale for $199
Anine Bing classic fit blazer | sold out
And even more great black blazers:
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Good topic. I think I’ve confessed here about my blazer fetish. I’ve recovered from it after seeing so many jackets just sit in my closet because I collected too many and don’t have much use for them any longer. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get weak in the knees at the prospect of finding THE ONE – the most beautifully fitting magic blazer that never goes out of style and works with everything. Black of course. Sigh!
I second that much trial and error is involved, and tailoring is often essential – usually sleeves and shoulders for me. And as a recovering blazer fetishist, I have a couple more tips: If you buy new and have a tailor you like, and you find something you’re not sure of, bring it asap with the tags still on and have a chat to see if it can be made to work for you. I didn’t do this enough and instead hung onto things until the return window closed. Other than second-hand, sample sales, designer outlets and off-price stores like Last Call and Off Fifth can be a great source – not everyone needs to buy a new black blazer every season, but manufacturers will never stop churning them out, so many live to get a second chance at a lower asking price. Just leave the rose-colored sale goggles at home!
There are some great choices here, Grechen. That Kooples one is particularly nice – classic shape and at a price that’s not terribly hard to swallow. I love the Helmut Lang one from the front but not the back. I lusted after it for so long and decided that I’d only wear it for “going out.” It’s embarrassing how little I “go out” these days so it got scratched off my list. Looking at it now, I’m feeling a little pang …
Blazers are an item that I definitely LOVE on other people and not on me. I think it’s the large boobs thing. Too much tailoring would be involved and it’s not worth it to me – I don’t need a blazer for work and I have other alternatives I prefer for work or casual.
I also love that Kooples blazer! I’ve long loved the YSL smoking look (best on small chested women like Bianca Jagger? 😉
For me – I have some knit blazers (the preppy in me could not pass up a black cabled merino option from Talbots last year or year before)
The one by AYR pretty much ticks every box on my “musts” for a black blazer. Gorgeous! (And, no, I don’t own a classic…just a cheap stretchy one from GAP).
You’re guidelines are so spot on – exactly what i’ve been looking (and looking and looking) for! I would only add that I’m looking for something with texture, like a tweed or boucle so that it’s very very easy to wear with black bottoms without looking like you are trying to make a suit but you don’t have one, if that makes sense 🙂 Bonus if it has a black and navy texture so that i can wear it with black or navy bottoms.
I didn’t know about Anine Bing, thanks for that!
I’m all over this, your links are deadly! Do you have any experience getting blazers nipped in at the waist? is that possible? The realReal selection is great!
i don’t personally have any experience, but i’m sure it can be done by a good tailor…they can do almost anything i’ve discovered!!
that’s a good point – i guess i’d generally go for a charcoal blazer in that circumstance (to wear with black bottoms) but some texture would also be nice.
This is a great post! Thank you for indulging me! I absolutely love that Eileen Fisher one. And it looks like it is now down to $149. I love the drape and I think it’ll have a most generous fit than the Helmut Lang. I think it’s relaxed look will pair perfectly with a tailored shift or skinnies and a basic tee. I can’t thank you enough!! 🙂
oh!! and try 551400 for $25 off at eileen fisher, just got that email today.
such a great price, i do love that jacket.
you’re welcome 🙂
yes…so good!
i sort of agree with you – which is probably why i don’t already have a black blazer. for me, it’s my hips, and going through the trouble of finding one I really love and THEN getting it tailored to fit perfectly. that’s such a hurdle for me….
i’ve had knit blazers too, and i love the relaxed style of those sometimes…
amazing tips, thank you! good point to bring something with the tags still on, i probably wouldn’t have thought of that, but it makes so much sense.
i agree on the back of the HL blazer, i think it looks cool (a friend has it and it’s SO GOOD on…), but it would probably keep me from wearing it very often, knowing that i would have to carefully layer it.
Like owning a little black dress, everyone needs a little black blazer. I have two “weights,” one in a wool with a leather lapel (made by FIRMA, an awesome German brand, and been in my closet for 3 years) and the second is a consigned Helmut Lang cotton collarless blazer with lapels. As an event planner, a blazer says you’re in charge. I wholly agree that you can use it to wear up, or down.
I was going to make the same point — if you anticipate wearing the blazer with black slacks, it’s much, much better to get one that is clearly a different texture, i.e. not suiting fabric, because otherwise you’ll look like you’re wearing a mismatched suit. I have two black blazers — one textured, one suiting wool — and I wear the textured one much more frequently because of this.