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"Reader dcmrr writes, &amp;quot;I was wondering if you could do something on jackets and blazers? How do you know what cut fits you best? I&amp;#x27;m short, but bigger in the chest, so petite sizes don&amp;#x27;t necessarily fit well. And where can I find some that are a little more casual? I teach and am trying to strike a presentable-but-not-stuffy look.&amp;quot; Find out how to solve this style problem, after the jump. A great blazer is an absolute wardrobe staple (check out more essentials for your work wardrobe here!), and if you invest in a decent one, you&amp;#x27;ll wear it everywhere from the office to cocktail parties. Here are a few simple rules to follow when it comes to blazers: 1. Go for maximum versatility with a neutral color (black, navy, off-white or slate gray all work very well) and a seasonless fabric (stretch cotton twill, silk crepe, or even denim). 2. Pay attention to your shape. A cropped jacket is a great option for someone with a boyish shape, because it hits above the hips and lets you show off that slim little waistline, while girls who are fuller from the waist down might want to opt for a longer, boyfriend-inspired blazer. If you&amp;#x27;re top-heavy, avoid embellishments, pockets, and anything double-breasted--it will just call more attention to that area. 3. Think outside the &amp;quot;office wear&amp;quot; box. Your little topper doesn&amp;#x27;t have to look like one half of a snoozy suit--a leather motorcycle jacket or a military-style jacket can look just as polished over a party dress or a great pair of jeans, as long as you pay attention to details in the rest of your outfit. 4. Think of your blazer as your go-to &amp;quot;I have no idea what to wear with this outfit&amp;quot; piece. I almost never feel out of place when I&amp;#x27;m wearing a blazer--I throw it over a cocktail dress and if everyone else at the event is decked out, I can take it off, and if they&amp;#x27;re looking more low key, I leave it on and blend right in. Have a sexy top you love to wear but you&amp;#x27;re not ready to bare that much skin until after a few margaritas? Bring your blazer along and wear it like a security blanket. Is there a great spring dress you wish you could get more mileage out of? Add tights and a blazer and it&amp;#x27;s suddenly seasonally appropriate. I&amp;#x27;d say the best bet for jackets that are &amp;quot;presentable but not stuffy,&amp;quot; like you&amp;#x27;re seeking, are stores that do great basics: Gap, Banana Republic, Club Monaco, Express. Or shop some of my favorite options online now: Have you guys been wearing a lot of blazers recently? Do you have your own rules for what works? Do you follow any of these? What&amp;#x27;s your favorite way to wear a blazer for spring? Share! Do you have a pressing style question? Leave it here in the comments section or upload it to our Slaves to Fashion contact form and we&amp;#x27;ll have you looking chic and confident in no time! Photo: courtesy of Urban Outfitters"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
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