Reader Request: Navy Blazer.. and?

Frazzled writes:

Hi FB!

I’ve been reading your blog for several months now and I must commend you on your detailed and amazing responses to questions! Thanks!

Today I do have a question of my own – regarding matching outfits!
I am a state officer for a national organization – Future Business Leaders of America. For this organization, we are required to wear the official blazer.

Unfortunately the smallest size doesn’t fit perfectly – it’s a little boxy/big, but I’ll make do I guess!

In a little more than a week we will be having an official meeting and we will need to discuss a blouse and a skirt that all of the state officers will need to wear for all FBLA events – it’s a big deal! I was wondering if you could give age-appropriate (we are high schoolers, not 20-some executives!), affordable (we’re all, like you, fabulously broke), and cute suggestions for business formal attire!

Thank you so much for your help!

First off, wow! I’m so flattered you asked *blushing*

Second, let’s start with some basics. Ignore all the colours and patterns below unless I mention them – just focus on the cut and style of the pieces, and try and replicate them by having them as a point of reference in a store.

That blazer isn’t THAT bad. I’ve seen (read: worn) worse. And with navy, it’s a nice neutral to work with, so at least it isn’t some awful gold corduroy or some ugly grass green. *ahem*

Everything I’m showing for clothing only, came from Suzy Shier or Smart Set, but I’m sure you have stores similar to them in the States that you could hit up. H&M might be a good bet as well.

I’m not sure how fashion forward you want to get, or how feminine you think you can take it, but you’re lucky to be wearing a blazer. Why? Because almost anything you wear underneath it, will be covered by the blazer.

This means that for tops, you could wear a cute camisole (umm.. not too low cut, revealing or see-through), or a cute tank top and get away with it. Not that I’m suggesting it, but you could because as long as the top is high enough to cover your chest and NOT show too much cleavage, you’re all right. It can also be printed (a small or large print), or in light stripes, or anything like that — but only if you want to go a bit younger and fresher with your look. For something VERY conservative, stick to solids alllll the way.

Here are some suggestions for tops. However, I do caution that if you plan on taking off the blazer at any time, then pick something that COVERS your shoulders, like a cap sleeve at the bare minimum. Don’t go for anything with skinny or thick straps. You HAVE to cover your shoulders. Capisce?

Couple of other things:

Don’t buy a wrap or tie anything because it’ll bunch up under the blazer either at the back, the front or the side, and will be unnattractive, I guarantee it.

Anything shiny, be careful with. If you don’t want to be too flashy, stay with matte fabrics. But for me, depending on how I want to portray myself, I’d wear that shiny satin-y top under that blazer for a bit of pop.

Here are my suggestions for skirts. Now, you could go more corporate and go for a pencil skirt, but that might be a bit too boring and formal with a blazer like that. Plus, you’d have to find a navy that matches that exact blazer in a pencil skirt, AND make sure you don’t end up looking like a stewardess.

I really recommend bigger, A-line skirts to the knee, in solid colours (I have a preference for white or yellow with navy), but if you’re all willing to be a bit more daring, I’d go for a nice big floral print, or something a bit more graphic and fun with stripes. But if you want to err on the side of conservative, solid colours, in a matte, fabric (that means NO eyelets or “holes” in the skirt), should do it.

Now for the fun part. Even if you pick a conservative light yellow or white top to wear under the navy blazer, and a plain solid white skirt that’s knee length, you can really make or break any outfit with accessories.

(All Accessories from FB Closet (homemade pics), ASOS.com, or J.Crew.com – which isn’t exactly budget conscious but they’re just examples)

Again, if you’re more adventurous go for a brightly-coloured, chunky necklace, but if you want to be more dainty, go for something simple and elegant like a bunch of circles strung together to add some understated glam to the look.

You could always go the pearls route, but.. that’s a tad boring unless it’s in a pair of earrings and are dangly.

OR you could wear earrings (long thin, dangly) OR a chunky bracelet or watch.

I DEFINITELY do not suggest wearing a necklace and a pair of earrings AND a bracelet. I’m usually one of those types (Coco Chanel-like), that cautions against that. Pick ONE statement piece and let it stand out. Don’t make too many elements in your outfit clash with one another or else peoples’ eyes are going to get confused trying to figure out if they should’ve focused on your very loud, brightly coloured printed skirt, or on your multitude of accessories.

My ideal outfit for what I’d wear would be the following:

If I didn’t plan on removing the blazer….

OR this one because I like the simple, yet daring graphic print on the side that doesn’t overwhelm the skirt.

And any one of these accessories that really brings out the teal, black and gold-y graphic print in the skirt, or matches with the whole neutral tone.

The first necklace would match well with the skirt, without overwhelming it, or you could go the chunky pearls + gemstones + chains route with the second necklace.

Lastly, shoes.

If you want to just keep it neutral, wear conservative black, navy blue or brown shoes.

If you want to be a bit more fun.. go for yellow shoes, red, or something to add some life to the outfit.

Don’t go for the 3″ – 4″ heels, stick to under 2″ because that’s going to not only be more comfortable, but more appropriate for the event.

If you want to be uber conservative, stick with CLOSED toed heels. No open toes please, back slingbacks are fine (open heels)

All shoes are from Nordstrom or Nine West (again, as examples.. they’re too expensive for your budget!)

And again don’t mix too many patterns or prints. If I wore solid coloured skirts and tops, then I’d wear printed heels, and vice versa. Keep it simple. (And it goes without saying… but wear pantyhose. Icky, but necessary. )

Phew! Hope that helps

Any suggestions, readers???

- FB

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• Confessions of an Experienced Shopper (ES)
• What to take for a month-long business trip
• What the hell does business casual mean?
• Professional Clothing in a Casual Marketplace
• Business Casual Wear for the Summer (NSFW)

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