Blazers are a staple in my wardrobe and definitely one of my favorite garments. This is probably because of their versatility. Blazers can be dressed up to create a professional look, but they can also be worn with jeans and more casual outfits. Not only are there many different styles of blazers that can be paired with any outfit, but there are also blazers made of various fabrics, so they can be worn during any season.
At one point in time, blazers were commonly associated with job interviews and “stuffy,” professional office settings. They weren’t really considered fashionable garments that people would regularly grab from their closet, but rather something people would only wear when absolutely necessary (like for a job interview).
Fast forward to today, and blazers have become very trendy (and, thankfully, much more stylish). With designers offering a wide variety of styles to suit almost any occasion, blazers are no longer reserved just for job interviews and important work meetings. With so many styles available, like double-breasted, single-breasted, collarless, cropped, open front, and many more, you can incorporate a blazer into just about any outfit.
Because of the many different blazer styles, it can be tough to know what styles are most flattering on your specific body type. If you are petite, like me, certain styles will more likely be better fitting and flattering than others. Some styles just simply weren’t designed with petites in mind. And that is ok, because there are plenty of styles that look great on petites. Some blazer styles that are flattering on those who have a petite body type include cropped, schoolboy, single-breasted, three-quarter-length sleeved, peplum, belted, and structured blazers, which we’ll explore in more detail below. Understanding what blazer styles are best suited for petites will help you look and feel your best. So, let’s dive into the best blazer styles for petites.
Cropped Blazers
If I had to pick a favorite blazer style, a cropped blazer would be the clear winner. Cropped blazers offer a fun twist on the refined tailored blazer, allowing for a more fashionable, relaxed look. Cropped blazers look great on most body types, but they are especially flattering on petites. Regular and longer length blazers hit past the hips cutting off a portion of the legs, which makes the legs appear shorter. Unlike longer length blazers, cropped blazers hit near the hips, so they don’t cut off any part of your legs. This makes your legs appear longer, and you taller overall. Try pairing a cropped blazer with high-waisted pants for an even more elongated, flattering look.
Schoolboy Blazers
A schoolboy blazer is a tailored blazer that draws inspiration from traditional schoolboy blazers. It typically features a slim and slightly cropped fit, emphasizing a more feminine silhouette while maintaining the classic elements of the schoolboy blazer style. It usually has a single-breasted design, notch and lapels, and is offered in a variety of materials. Because schoolboy blazers feature a tailored look and slightly more shrunken design, they are a great style for petites. Unlike most classic style blazers, schoolboy blazers feature a more feminine silhouette that won’t swallow your figure. Another unique feature of schoolboy blazers is their lining. Most schoolboy blazers have a lining, often striped, that is intended to be shown off by cuffing the sleeves. This adds a little extra flare to an outfit.
Single-Breasted Blazers
Single-breasted blazers with two buttons or more create a vertical line down the center of your torso, which is a plus for petites. Vertical lines create the illusion of height by moving the eyes upward and downward, so single-breasted blazers can make your torso appear longer. Double-breasted blazers tend to have a boxier look, which can take away from your body’s natural shape. Plus, the buttons create horizontal lines across the front, which can have a widening effect.
Blazers with Three-Quarter Length Sleeves
Blazers with three-quarter-length sleeves can be a great option for petites. Full-length sleeves can often be too long on petites creating a poor-fitting, less flattering look. Three-quarter-length sleeves help solve this problem. Not only that, but three-quarter-length sleeves can visually elongate your arms and make your upper body appear longer.
Peplum Blazer
A peplum blazer is a more stylish and feminine variation of the traditional blazer. The term “peplum” refers to a flared strip of fabric attached to the waistline. A peplum blazer features a slightly flared hem starting around the waistline and extending down to the hips. Peplum blazers define the waistline and accentuate the body’s natural curves. The defined waistline and flared hem create a balanced, hourglass shape. If you’re seeking a more feminine look, then a peplum blazer will do just the trick!
Belted Blazer
Belted blazers can be tricky. However, when worn correctly, they look great and can help create a more balanced look. Belted blazers tend to be longer in length, but if you are petite, it’s best to opt for belted blazers that are shorter or cropped as these won’t “chop” off a portion of your legs. The belt cinches the waistline creating a more balanced, hourglass shape.
Structured Blazers
Structured blazers simply distinguish themselves from other blazer styles by having shoulder pads. Shoulder pads create a flattering silhouette that compliments the body’s natural shape. By emphasizing the shoulders, structured blazers create a more balanced, hourglass shape. Not only that but there is something about a structured blazer that exudes sophistication and a feeling of empowerment.
Blazers are a great way to enhance any outfit, whether you are going for a professional look, a casual look, or anything in between. The many different blazer styles make them extremely versatile and appropriate for any occasion. If you are petite, like me, you understand that blazers can be tricky as some were simply not designed for petites. However, there are several styles that look great on petites, like cropped, schoolboy, single-breasted, three-quarter-length sleeved, peplum, belted, and structured blazers as outlined above. Try adding some of these petite-friendly styles to your wardrobe to easily elevate your look!