1 Item, 4 Ways: Oversized Blazer

Ring, ring! The ’80s called and they are giving you their blazers.

That’s right, much to the dismay of many of the folks who lived through the ’80s, oversized, masculine blazers are back in and, lucky for us, Target has come in clutch.

For the last couple of years, Target has collaborated with designers to create collections sold in-stores and online; this year’s designers included Rachel Comey, Sandy Liang, Nili Lotan and Victor Glemaud. The collection was affordable, ranged from size XXS to 4X and featured really cool clothes that maybe would not have been available at such an affordable pricepoint or to such an inclusive audience anywhere else.

My lovely momma bought me two pieces from Rachel Comey’s collection for my birthday, so today I am styling one of them: The Chevron Oversized Tweed Blazer. The other item I got was the matching Chevron High-Rise Wide Leg Tweed Pants, which I need to get altered. I got both pieces in a 3X because that’s my typical size on the bottom and I wanted the top oversized. In hindsight, I think I could have gone with a 2X on the bottom, but the blazer fits as I would like it to.

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You could style this blazer in so many ways, including with the matching pants and a neutral-colored top, but I really like the idea of styling blazers more casually and for places other than the office and that’s what I did here.

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Outfit #1: Casual with Jeans

This was the first outfit that I thought about creating when I knew I was going to be getting this blazer. I wanted a full ’80s moment and I think I achieved that.

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I threw on my most torn up jeans, a black tee, a silver necklace, white sneakers and round shades to create a look that made me feel cooler than ever before. I also left my hair kind of big and shaggy to perfect this throwback-inspired look.

I was channeling Duckie and Andy from Pretty in Pink mixed with a little bit of John Bender from The Breakfast Club. How’d I do?

Details: T-shirt – ASOS | Jeans – Thrifted | Necklace – The Giving Keys | Sneakers – Ross, Adidas | Sunglasses – Thrifted

Outfit #2: Elevated with Colorful Accessories

For this look, I wanted to emulate the first outfit, but make it a little bit more polished and preppy and less punk.

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I started with a different pair of light wash denim with no distressing and a crisp white tank top. I added orange and yellow accessories to honor the neon obsession of the ’80s and black booties for a neutral, but classic shoe. Lastly, I tossed the blazer over my shoulders for added sophistication and chicness.

I have to say that this look is out of my comfort zone with the tight base layer and bright accessories, but I ended up feeling like myself in this outfit! I think it ended up being something unexpected, but classy.

Details: Tank top – Target | Earrings – Thrifted | Sunglasses – Torrid | Booties – Thrifted, Carlos by Carlos Santana | Jeans – Target

Outfit #3: Bike Shorts

Next, I wanted to try something slightly sporty, very casual and most definitely inspired by the Instagram baddies of the last two years.

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I came up with a black base that included a tank top and bike shorts. This made the blazer the focal point, but it also made it really comfortable. I also dug how the tighter base layer accentuated my curves and the blazer hung loosely over top. I added the same accessories from the first look and was done! Another way to go is to add a bunch of layered gold necklaces, gold hoop earrings and, *gasp*, strappy heels. Some folks make this look pretty hot, so I can see how it would work with heels.

These items don’t feel like they go together, I’ll admit. But, only you get to decide what to put your items with. Experiment with your clothes and I bet you will be surprised at what you come up with.

Details: Tank top – Target | Bike shorts – ASOS | Necklace – The Giving Keys | Sneakers – Ross, Adidas | Sunglasses – Thrifted

Outfit #4: Maroon Pants

And lastly, I wanted to do something that was what I have heard some ladies on YouTube call “a grown woman look.” These sorts of looks give off attitude, confidence, maturity and subtle sex appeal.

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I knew I wanted to incorporate a color, so I chose to start with my maroon pants, which paired well with the gray blazer. Then, I went with a black tank top and white booties for two neutral, but cohesive items. Adding the maroon makes it less monochrome and a little more interesting.

I topped the look off with tortoise shell, square-edged shades and called it a lewk.

Yep, she’s here and she’s grown.

Details: Tank top – Target | Pants – Thrifted, Torrid | Booties – Target | Sunglasses – Target

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Don’t let the ’80s blazer with the big ass shoulder pads and large sleeves scare you. As you can see from all of my outfit photos, I styled this blazer with the sleeves rolled up, which seemed to be the way to do it in the ’80s. This added detail makes the looks more relaxed and less rigid. I also left the blazer unbuttoned so that the fitted outfits and body underneath were showcased.

When striving to look put together and to feel confident in outlandish pieces, balance is key. Of course, you can do what you want and pair something volumnous with something else volumnous. But, if you are worried about being engulfed by fabric, try some of the tips I’ve listed here and seek out balance and cohesion in your looks.

Let me know if you are ready to give ’80s blazers a try and which one of my looks is your favorite.