The Comfortable Blazer

This post on The Comfortable Blazer is part of The Five Must-Have Pieces for Your Work Wardrobe series. 

No, a comfortable blazer is not an oxymoron. What’s the secret to a comfortable women’s work blazer that flatters? Fabric with stretch so that it moves with you, but also structure so that it skims the body in the right places. And the correct length.

Many women think blazers are too formal or the fit too constricting. We say this is because they haven’t met the right blazer. Everyone looks and feels more put together in a jacket or blazer. No one feels (or looks) their best in a cardigan. You can carve that on Lani’s gravestone!

What is your challenge this week? Trade in at least one old cardigan or blazer that doesn’t serve you for one that does. Choose from our favorites below, or find your own. Shop new, shop secondhand, or steal one from your fashionable friend’s closet. Just do it!

Happy Shopping!

Lani is wearing her new L’Agence Kyomi Double-Breasted Blazer. Courtesy of L’Agence.

Argent

You might remember that we mentioned Argent in our Power Color blog because it is one of our favorite places to find work pieces in exciting and fun colors. Naturally, we couldn’t make it through our comfortable blazer post without mentioning Argent again. They make some of the best blazers out there, from their classic Single Button style to new and evolving styles like the Belted Peak Lapel Blazer. You’re guaranteed to find the right blazer shape for your body!

Argent Belted Peak Lapel Blazer, $550

Argent Single Button Blazer, $395

Boden

You caught us again! We also had this Marylebone Ponte Blazer featured in the incredible pomegranate color in our previous blog post. However, we wanted to include it again here because, not only does it come in basic colors for everyday use, but it also comes in both regular and petite sizes. For some of our shorter clients, petite blazers are a must to avoid extensive tailoring. This Ponte Blazer is our first suggestion for a petite client at an affordable price point.

Boden Marylebone Ponte Blazer, $220

Cinq à Sept

This year, we’ve included three different styles of Cinq à Sept blazers to accommodate some fun fabrics and various body types. If you’re more on the petite side, the Le Petite Khloe Crop Blazer might be a good option to try. It sits shorter on the body and still has the company’s ruched sleeve detail that we love. Their Khloe Tumbled Woven Blazer is made from a fun crinkled fabric, making it feel less formal, but still appropriate for work (and maybe even a fun evening outing). If you’re looking for a classic blazer style, the Karlie One Button Blazer is the way to go.

Cinq à Sept Le Petite Khloe Crop Blazer, $395

Cinq à Sept Khloe Tumbled Woven Blazer, $395

Cinq à Sept Karlie One Button Blazer, $395

Commando

Everyone knows Commando for their fabulous, seamless underwear and super comfortable tights. But did you know they also make fantastic clothing, including neoprene blazers? The Neoprene CEO Blazer comes in both basic and fashion colors. There are even matching pants for your basic suit colors!

Commando Neoprene CEO Blazer, $348

Eloquii

Eloquii is a go-to for inclusive sizing. Some of their styles lean on the trendier side, so we’re keeping it basic here with their Ultimate Stretch Suit Blazer. It’s a classic cut blazer with a modern flair, available in multiple color options (from black to Barbie Pink!) in sizes 14 to 32.

Eloquii The Ultimate Stretch Suit Blazer, $110, available in sizes 14 to 32.

Faherty

When you think of a blazer, you might not immediately think of Faherty. They’re not exactly known for structure and formality, but if your blazer preferences lean more on the casual side than a typical “office wear” blazer, this Inlet Knit Blazer might be worth a look. It’s made with a good amount of stretch and is 85% cozy recycled cotton. It’s like wearing a sweatshirt with mild structure. Who doesn’t love that?

Faherty Inlet Knit Blazer, $198

Favorite Daughter

Kyle, in particular, has great luck with the Favorite Daughter brand. She always finds the most useful and flattering pieces from them. The Suits You Ponte Blazer is a double-breasted, relaxed-fit blazer that is perfect for travel and effortlessly tops off any look. For an even more relaxed look, this season they’ve paired their Favorite Oversized Blazer with casual jeans or shorts for the ultimate cool girl, warm-weather vibe.

Favorite Daughter The Suits You Ponte Blazer, $348

Favorite Daughter The Favorite Oversized Blazer, $398

Frank & Eileen

We’ve mentioned Frank & Eileen in other blogs before, mostly highlighting their chic and comfortable sets for travel and beyond. But this Dublin Sweatshirt Blazer has earned a spot in the blazer blog for its amazing structure and extreme comfort. It literally has the word “sweatshirt” in its title. They’re running low on stock for the white version pictured below, but you can sign up to be notified of a restock. Don’t want to wait? Try one of the other colors or fabrics in the same style.

Frank & Eileen Dublin Sweatshirt Blazer, $328

L’Agence

L’Agence very kindly sent Lani the Kyomi Double-Breasted Blazer to try, and it has quickly become one of her closet staples this season as the weather fluctuates. (See Lani wearing it at the top of the blog!) It has light stretch, the perfect amount of structure, and an interesting double-breasted gold-button detail. It comes in several different colors and textures. Their Amelia Knit Blazer also deserves a mention (especially for spring and summer) for its comfy knit fabric base with a similar structure to the Kyomi blazer.

L’Agence Kyomi Double-Breasted Blazer, $675

L’Agence Amelia Knit Blazer, $695

Marie Saint Pierre

Marie Saint Pierre makes jersey double-knit blazers that are so well-made and flattering, they are truly in a class of their own. As Betsy Fisher of Betsy Fisher Online (formerly the famous DC boutique) always says, “They are an investment in your professional development.” You feel like a million dollars in an “MSP” jacket. We are obsessed with the brand’s quality and design aesthetic, as are many of our clients. The ideal minimalist power wardrobe would involve purchasing just a few pieces of Marie Saint Pierre every season.

I (Lani) am lucky enough to own multiple Marie Saint Pierre blazers. These clothes are made to last a lifetime, and trust me, you won’t regret the investment.

Marie Saint Pierre Anna Blazer, $1,290

Marie Saint Pierre Malta Jacket, $1,400

M.M.LaFleur

Other brands may be making their versions now, but there is no arguing that MM.LaFleur coined the term “Jardigan”. We tell all women that instead of the pilled cardigan on the back of their chair at work, there should be a Jardigan silhouette that works for them. The Jardigan works with dresses, skirts, and pants, depending on your height and the style you purchase.

We have featured various M.M.LaFleur Jardigan styles in the past that are still available. This season, we included their slightly trendier new Evangeline Lady Jardigan below in case you haven’t seen it yet. If you’re looking for a blazer with an athleisure, travel-friendly vibe, try the Moreland Jacket. Don’t forget to check out all the color options and coordinating pieces!

M.M. LaFleur The Evangeline Lady Jardigan, $359

M.M. LaFleur The Moreland Travel Blazer, $329

Modern Citizen

Modern Citizen has a pretty good social media marketing game, which we usually don’t fall prey to. But sometimes their pieces really hit the jackpot! Okay, we admit this is a cardigan, but it doesn’t fall into the same category as the shapeless, thin cardigans every store sells. This Eames Cardigan has a tailored body and sleeves made of cotton and wool, so it won’t fall apart after three wears.

Modern Citizen Eames Organic Cotton-Wool Cardigan, $175

Rag & Bone

Rag & Bone’s Slade Blazer is one of our longtime go-to options for a comfortable blazer. It has all the elements of a classic blazer, but with an edgy, high collar. The Checked Blazer pictured below is one of their newer releases. However, Rag & Bone still offers the classic Slade Wool Blazer in black and the RLS fave, army green.

Rag & Bone Slade Itlian Checked Blazer, $598

Spanx

We love Spanx clothing for work because, as the Spanx brand promises, it is both flattering and comfortable. Although the ponte blazer style can change seasonally, it is always fabulous. Spanx also carries a variety of ponte pants that pair well with the ponte blazers. Our current favorite styles of their ponte pants are the Flare Pant and the Wide Leg Pant.

Spanx Ponte Blazer, $228

Universal Standard

Universal Standard is another brand we love for inclusive sizing, great tailoring, and modern styling. Let’s not forget the incredibly affordable price point. What’s not to love?

They offer the Lennox Collarless Ponte Blazer in sizes 00-40 in six different color options, not just standard black and navy. Looking to make it a suit? Their Audrey Tailored Ponte Pants are tapered-leg pants with a hidden elastic waist at the back for maximum comfort.

Universal Standard Lennox Collarless Ponte Blazer, $198

What is your favorite comfortable blazer? Let everyone know in the comments!

Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander, Kyle Dunphy and Sloane True are based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and serve clients nationwide. We offer personal styling services, and an on-demand e-course.

Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!