So, here I am on the High Line in New York, earlier this year. Thought it was about time I showed my face again. It's been a while. Mainly because, as I've mentioned before, I don't like having my photo taken. Which is probably why I'm squinting. Or maybe the sun was in my eyes. Believe me, after three months of persistent rainfall, I've completely forgotten what that feels like. Actually, who am I trying to kid? Those lines are a permanent fixture. That's what forty-something-without-Botox looks like.
I'd show you a photo of me in Cornwall but there's not much to say about an old kagoule and walking boots. Anyhow. If the Great British summer had not been replaced by a monsoon season, I'd probably be dressed something like this: navy Paul Smith blazer, Gap broken-in chinos, my favourite Church's boots and the Blog Widower's scarf.
So, obviously as soon as I'd found the perfect summer jacket, the weather made like a post-budget George Osborne and took a U-turn. But having worn the blazer briefly, back in March, this is what I know:
1. The navy blazer works well given an androgynous edge. Try slim navy trousers or coloured chinos teamed with flat shoes/boots - or add a casual spin with a pair of Liberty Nike Air Max.
2. The navy blazer looks wrong with denim jeans. Too Sloaney. I've tried it. Once. In my bedroom. And I couldn't get the jeans off quickly enough. Pictures of Naomi Watts as Diana confirm that this is not a good look. And no woman (or man) wants to look like Jeremy Clarkson.
3. On hot summer days the navy blazer looks chic with slim white jeans. As long as the proportions are right. And the general feel is relaxed. Try a mannish jacket with rolled-up sleeves, an open-necked shirt and embellished sandals. The aim is to look like Ines de la Fressange, not Pippa Middleton.
How would you wear a navy blazer?
Loving your High Line look. It's very City and chic and your boots are perfection. Ines is one of my fashion dreams.
ReplyDeleteMy summer dressing has been full of what ifs...
ReplyDeleteGreat outfit and I like the blazer with the pink trousers. The navy blazer question is interesting - I wear them to work all the time so tend to shun them off duty - you've given me food for thought!
I like your look a lot...if I was skinny enough to wear skinny jeans, believe I would! I do not have a summer navy blazer only winter ones!
ReplyDeleteLooks good on you and Ines. Yep that was Pippa. You obviously know her. I thought she looked amazing and want to photograph her again. Xxxx
ReplyDeletelove your pink jeans. you look fab, can't see a single wrinkle. but of course i'm going blind. ahhaaa.
ReplyDeleteines looks amazing as always.
I was going to suggest the white skinnies, but Inez beat me to it. I love the pink chinos!
ReplyDeleteYour photo looks great and so is your outfit. Never had any luck with blazers.
ReplyDeleteThe scarf makes the outfit perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love this look!! The boots too keep it from being too "prep" (which I think corresponds with your "Sloane?") I just bought a pair of caramel pants at the Nordstrom's sale and when it cools down enough again I think they'll be smashing with my navy J.Crew blazer.
ReplyDeleteI miss the 90's and my perfect RL navy blazer...a great friend she was...i have been contemplating an appropriate replacement the last couple of years, your post only makes me miss her more!
ReplyDeleteYou have it all right. The boots match your sunglass color, so the colors on you gather into a perfect circle.
ReplyDeleteEffortless, is the word, that best describes your outfit.
I don´t wear jackets, my lifestyle does not require them.
But I like one on a person, who wears it well - like you.
I really like the look. As a man I wear a navy blazer with pink chinos and tan brogues quite often - it's a look that men and women can share for smart casual.
ReplyDeleteI love navy blazers just have not found one recently that I like. It would need to be slightly waisted or it looks boxy and frumpy.
ReplyDeleteI love it when you show your face, yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
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Isn't the High Line just the greatest new bit of Manhattan? I didn't expect it to make so much of an impression on me. I could have spent my whole holiday up there.
ReplyDeleteYou look super chic in your blazer. With my big bosoms and bottom, androgyny is never on the menu, and a blazer of any shape is frumpy on me. Even my ultra-tailored Westwood jacket made me look like the prow of a ship and I could never figure out how to wear it well. I do love your look, but can't manage it myself.
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ReplyDeleteI bought a navy blazer with contrasting lining in the spring and forgot about it! Thank you for the reminder. Now if the weather (95 degrees) would cool a bit. Love the idea of ankle length white, pink or tan jeans with a loose shirt.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to see you. You have such effortless style. I don't know anyone who's ever had Botox, we don't do that kind of thing in Walsall, we prefer to waste our money on beer and chips, much better for the soul. x
ReplyDeleteWhenever I think of Botox I think of Liz Jones and find it dead easy to leave myself alone! A few lines say 'I'm not mental' and I think that's a good look at any age :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blazer styling, but I have been guilty of wearing mine with jeans. Now Jeremy Clarkson is in my head - I'm off to find some chinos! xxx
Love the look of Navy blazer with your pink skinnies. I would wear a Navy blazer with my white skinnies and a feminine blouse and sling back pumps in a metallic color. I think any of the pastel skinnie jeans would be perfect I just have put off purchasing any because still have not found my perfect fit....if there is such a thing.
ReplyDeleteWore mine with 7FAM Dojo jeans today. Hehe. Also a white tee. Also a straw boater, at least outside. I was probably very Sloaney, but the California version, which has built in irony.
ReplyDeleteI love the pale pink pants.
love your pink jeans. you look fab!
ReplyDeletehttp://wearwithchinos.com
Love to see your face again. Looking good on the High Line, which is always one of the highlights of my visits to NY. You are always so relaxed and elegant no matter what elements you choose. Yes, I would wear a navy blazer in a second, especially with that scarf.
ReplyDeleteSorry for being so late to the party, but you look great! Love the silver streak, love the boots and the pants, just love the whole package!
ReplyDeleteOk, this makes so much sense, but I didn't know it yet. I've been trying to work out 3 navy blazer/jackets and can't get it to look right. Wasn't sure what I was doing wrong- but your post helps me get it. There's certain elements needed. I keep looking like I'm dressing up for Sunday school. Gotta add some edge to it.
ReplyDeleteBlaze on, friend.