Fashion
Cartier Tank to Rolex Datejust: Classic Dress Watches for Women
Blazers have been a huge part of our workwear discussions since Corporette began in 2008 — and over the years, we’ve covered just about every question you can have about them. Which blazers are worth buying? How should a blazer fit, particularly if you’re busty or plus-size? Does it actually need to button? What should you wear underneath one? When can you wear a blazer instead of a suit — and when might a blazer be too much?
This guide brings together some of our longtime favorite blazers for women, as well as our best advice on blazer fit, styling, tailoring, and more. We’ve also included answers to some of the surprisingly complicated questions readers have debated over the years, from whether women should unbutton their blazers when they sit down to how to make a blazer look intentionally separate from the rest of your outfit.
This page was last updated by Kat Griffin, September 2026.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our Roundups of Great Blazers for Women
We’ve also rounded up the best affordable blazers, the best splurge blazers, the best lightweight blazers for summer, and the best warm blazers for winter. We’ve also done trendier blazer roundups such as for cutaway blazers, Chanel-style jackets, boyfriend blazers, tweed blazers, velvet blazers, white blazers, three-quarter sleeve blazers, and washable blazers.
How Should a Blazer Fit?
Blazer fit can be really important for comfort as well as versatility — but it can also be surprisingly tricky, particularly if you’re curvy or busty. Over the years we’ve talked about when tailoring can help, how a blazer should fit, and whether you should worry if your blazer doesn’t button.
Does a blazer have to button to fit? We’ve debated this one for years, particularly for women who are busty or plus-sized. Our general feeling is that a blazer should ideally fit across the bust, even if you usually plan to wear it open… but fit through the shoulders, back, and arms matters too, and tailoring may be the best way to get all of those things at once.
(Our verdict for expecting mothers: there are so few maternity blazers and suits that if your regular blazers fit in your arms and look ok, it’s perfectly fine to keep wearing those!)
How can you find a blazer if you’re busty? If blazers that fit your bust tend to swamp the rest of you, start by looking for curve-friendly brands and cuts, then consider tailoring to bring in the waist or adjust other areas.
How do you find the perfect plus-size blazer? Pay attention to fit throughout the jacket rather than focusing on the size on the tag… and don’t underestimate relatively simple alterations (or overestimate the ease of other alterations, like fixing the shoulders!). Also keep an eye on pulling seams, which can be a sign that the blazer doesn’t fit properly or has simply reached the end of its useful life.
How to Style a Blazer
We’ve talked a TON over the years about how to wear blazers for work — including how to break up your suits, what to wear underneath your blazer, and when a blazer and dress can substitute for a suit. Here are some of our best tips for getting more wear out of the blazers already in your closet.
How can you wear a blazer as a separate? One easy way to make a blazer look deliberately separate from the rest of your outfit is to choose one with a distinctive color or texture — think tweed, bouclé, a nubby fabric, or a color that works with your neutral basics. (This blazer is a solid option!) On the flip side, please do not try to “make a suit” by matching different black fabrics together.
Can you wear a non-matching dress and blazer instead of a suit? Sometimes — but know your office (or interview situation!). In particularly conservative environments, including some courtrooms, a nonmatching dress and blazer may not be formal enough. If you do pair them, make the mismatch look intentional and choose a structured, work-appropriate dress that can stand on its own when the blazer comes off.
Should a shirt collar go inside or outside your blazer? There’s no universally accepted women’s rule here. Our preference with suits has generally been to tuck the collar inside for a cleaner look, but readers have reported getting conflicting advice from career counselors and others over the years.
What should you wear beneath a blazer? Almost anything office-appropriate can work, from T-shirts and blouses to lightweight sweaters. We generally prefer something with sleeves — both so you can comfortably remove your blazer and because it can help extend the time between dry cleanings. (Although they do make “underarm guards” you can add to your blazer!) Be wary of tops that fight with the blazer’s neckline or lapels, such as cowl necks, and make sure you’d be comfortable wearing the bottom layer by itself.
Should I wear a blazer AND a winter coat? Actually, yes. When you buy a winter coat you can consider sizing up to accommodate a blazer. Another good hack: wearing a thick cashmere ruana on top of your blazer instead of a coat.
Common Blazer Problems
Even after you’ve found a blazer that fits and figured out what to wear with it, there are some surprisingly persistent questions about how you’re actually supposed to wear the thing. Women’s blazers don’t have quite the same set of traditional rules as men’s suits, so we’ve debated a few of these questions over the years.
Should women unbutton their blazers to sit? Men are traditionally told to unbutton a single-breasted suit jacket when they sit, but there isn’t an equally clear rule for women. When we polled readers, a third hadn’t heard of the sit/stand rule at all, while 44% thought it depended on the particular jacket.
When should a woman button her blazer? It depends partly on the blazer. Double-breasted jackets in particular can look very different buttoned and unbuttoned, and some are clearly designed to look best closed. That said, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be comfortable to sit in that way. There doesn’t seem to be a universal women’s equivalent to the traditional menswear buttoning rules.
When Is a Blazer Appropriate?
Depending on your industry and office, the answer may be wildly obvious… or surprisingly confusing. Over the years we’ve talked about when a blazer can help you look more polished or authoritative, when you really need a full suit, and when a blazer might actually make you look overdressed.
What’s the best thing to wear to a workday holiday party? I’m a big fan of the festive blazer, such as in velvet, jacquard, or other fabrics. Weekend holiday parties are a different story entirely, of course.
How can I show authority without wearing a suit? The blazer comes in handy here… but even that might be questionable depending on your job. A friend used to be in-house counsel for NBC and she said she always left her blazer in her office when it was time to talk to the SNL folks.
I have a lot of personality, and blazers are so… not me. We’ve also rounded up dramatic blazers you can get at Etsy; you may also want to check out our roundup of the best women’s suits for creative industries.
Stock photos via Pexels / Pavel Danilyuk.
This post may contain affiliate links and Corporette® may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.
I have been a fan of M.M.LaFleur since the brand’s earliest days, so I was thrilled when they reached out and asked if I would be interested in receiving a piece of clothing from their fall collection. My blazer collection is in need of an upgrade, so I selected the Yiyan one-button blazer in the “toasted coconut” color for maximum autumnal enjoyment.
The fabric is fantastic — it’s substantial without being bulky and has just a hint of stretch — and the fit is perfect. MMLF’s customer service is top-notch, so when I reached out with questions about sizing, they were able to help me quickly select the best option. (For what it’s worth, I’m between two sizes and the smaller size was the perfect fit.)
I’ve already worn this to a Big Meeting with an ivory blouse and black trousers, and I’m considering buying the coordinating dress to make a full suit.
The blazer is $519 at M.M.LaFleur and comes in sizes 00-20. It also comes in six other colorways, some at reduced prices.
Sales of note for 9/25:
- Boden – Up to 50% off sale + extra 15% off (I’m trying to figure out which color(s) of this sweater I should order…)
- Ann Taylor – 25% off the weekend collection and extra 50% off sale section
- Anthropologie – Extra 50% off sale!
- Athleta – Lots marked down to 40% off; with an Athleta card you get an extra 20% off.
- AYR – Archive sale, up to 60% off
- CVS – Epic beauty sale
- J.Crew – Fall styles start at $39
- J.Crew Factory – 40% off new arrivals, extra 20% off orders $125+
- Nordstrom – over 9800 new markdowns
- M.M.LaFleur – Labor Day Sale Event, save sitewide! (Try code CORPORETTE15 for 15% off on other items)
- Nordstrom Rack – Extra 40% off select clearance
- Talbots – 40% off one item, 30% off everything else
- Theory – End of season sale is on!
Fashion
Best Dressed at the 2026 MTV VMA’s : Olandria in Man Made Skins, Chloe Bailey in Idan Cohen, Teyana Taylor in Zuhair Murad, and More!
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards red carpet delivered a night of sculptural couture, sheer lace, and high-shine metallics.
Here are the stars who dressed best.
Olandria takes the top spot in an Man Made Skins Spring/Summer 2026 gown, styled by the Resimans. Fresh from Milan Fashion Week, she arrived in a lace-up corseted mermaid silhouette in rich brown, finished with red beaded trim and ruffle detailing. It was a precise, fashion-forward look and the standout of the carpet.
Chloe Bailey shimmered in a nude Idan Cohen gown covered in mirror and crystal embellishment, styled by Jason Rembert. The long-sleeved, sheer silhouette featured a dramatic keyhole cutout at the bust and a sculpted beaded bra. Geometric mirrored panels traced the waist and skirt. She wore her locs in a sculpted updo with blonde face-framing pieces and completed the look with a diamond cross pendant.
Aniya Harvey sparkled in a silver embellished halter mini dress from Maria Harper Designs. Crystal fringe swung from the hem, and another strand draped from a sculpted shoulder appliqué. Silver ankle-strap sandals and a high updo kept the focus on the beadwork.
Teyana Taylor went full drama in Zuhair Murad Fall/Winter 2026 Couture. The black sheer lace gown was beaded throughout and cut with a plunging neckline and a velvet belt. Ostrich feather trim lined the cuffs and the hem.
Normani wore Robert Wun Fall/Winter 2025 Couture. The gown paired a metallic gold-bronze bodice and matching gloves with a sculptural leaf appliqué at the shoulder. A black pleated mermaid skirt fanned out into a dramatic train.
Tyla wore Mowalola Summer 2027, a snake-print bra top and matching pencil skirt in shades of blue. She added a coordinating snake-print choker and pointed pumps.
What waist? Jojo showed off her svelte figure wearing a Nue Studio bejeweled bra and an embellished skirt.
Bebe Rexha channeled gothic romance in Dreaming Elie Fall/Winter 2026 ready-to-wear. The black lace corset gown had a tulle overlay and lace-up thigh-high boots. She accessorized with Loree Rodkin jewelry, including a diamond cross pendant, and Jimmy Choo heels. Timothy Luke styled the look.
Raye sparkled in Georges Hobeika Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026. The sheer gown was covered in champagne and silver beading, with a cowl bodice trimmed in pearl fringe and a halter neckline. Sculpted burgundy waves and a red lip gave it old Hollywood glamour.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Outfit Details: Kallmeyer Top (sold out, similar here), Adam Lippes Skirt, Dior Heels, Chanel Bag, Sherman Field Earrings (similar here), Dior Sunglasses
I’ve decided that animal print counts as a neutral. At least, that’s what my closet is telling me. Leopard has been in rotation for years, but lately new patterns like tiger stripes have been catching my eye. The trick is pairing a louder print with deeper shades like purple, olive, or a rich red, which gives it an instant touch of elegance. Tiger works with an aubergine top and a bright sandal for a little flair, leopard looks especially good beside mustard yellow or cobalt blue, and a zebra shoe can break up black and white in exactly the right place.
Beyond that, all the look asks for is accessories that don’t take themselves too seriously, whether it’s a brooch or a stone necklace with a bit of whimsy. Once you land on a fall formula that works, animal print becomes as easy to mix into your wardrobe as any other neutral.
This week’s Amazon Sunday is about the pieces I reach for when an outfit needs one more finishing touch. A foolproof weekday outfit always starts with something familiar: a great jean, a white tee or knit, and then a detail added that gives it direction. A velvet flat can make denim feel dressed up, a feather brooch gives a sweater an unexpected flair, and a printed scarf or colorful pendant brings more character to a wardrobe staple.
A new season brings a new mix of everyday pieces to give those details something to work against. A roomy cardigan, wide-leg denim, or corduroy trouser become a starting point for endless outfit combinations, depending on what you add next. Right now, I’m especially drawn to combinations of green, chocolate, and burgundy, with touches of fringe, velvet, and paisley, mixed in.
Browse the full edit below, and explore more in our JB Amazon Shop and Amazon Storefront, refreshed weekly.
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