7 of 30: Knits and Florals

Happy Blazer Day!  Are you wearing your favorite blazer, too?

I've had this wool knit blazer for ages, and it's one of my most worn pieces.  By itself, it's not super exciting.  But it goes with everything.  EVERYTHING.   Every outfit gets cuter when this blazer comes out of the closet.  Jeans and a tee for a weekend.  A pencil skirt and heels at an academic conference.  And, as I have on today, a floral skirt and bright leather accessories.

My Look:  Blazer by Jones New York.  Skirt by JCrew.  Shirt by pure+good via anthropologie.  Tights by JCrew.  Belt by GAP.  Boots by FRYE via eBay.  Earrings via craft fair.

I think a lot of women believe blazers have to be professional.  Or dumpy.  Or polyester.  Or dressy.  And they don't!  A blazer adds a quick bit of polish to any outfit, whether you're wearing flares and a concert tee or a silk blouse.  That's one reason I decided to have some fun with my blazer today.  It's honestly one of my most versatile pieces, and I wanted to show off that playful spirit.

I think a lot of women also believe that floral prints are juvenile.  Or matronly.  Or prissy.  And they definitely don't have to be, either!  There are so many wonderful floral skirts and dresses out there that will work for a multitude of occasions.  With a knit blazer, you have a cozy but fun outfit that can take you easily from the classroom to a playdate, and then to a real date when the sun goes down.

So, here's the Mom-ula (that's "Mom Formula", for those of you who are wondering):

• Knit Blazer:  Think sweater material, but with a blazer shape.
• Floral Skirt:  Florals are personal.  Find a pattern that speaks to you.
• Belt:  Yes, you want the belt on top of the blazer.  Trust me - your waist will look tiny.  Just make sure you belt your true waist, which is somewhere around the bottom of your rib cage.
• Colored Shoes

Look 1:  Cozy Academic

Knit Blazer and Florals by BiblioMOMia featuring leather belts

This outfit is almost exactly what I'm wearing, with slightly different colors.  The basic grey knit blazer matches essentially any floral print, so choose your coordinating colors from the print of the skirt.  Here, I chose the olive and pinks for the leather accessories, along with dark grey tights for a simple canvas.  The overall effect is quirky but polished, and definitely not "matchy."

Look 2:  Vintage Librarian

Knit Blazer and Florals 2 by BiblioMOMia featuring brown tights

Everything from the seafoam and orange color palette to the circle skirt and t-straps feels just a bit Mad Men - which is a very good thing (I mean, seriously, have you seen January Jones?)  Again, play with the colors of the skirt to choose the accessories - seafoam and mustard are excellent coordinating shades next to the rust knit and retro floral.  I would LOVE to teach in this outfit!

Look 3:  Western Belle

Knit Blazer and Florals 3 by BiblioMOMia featuring over the knee socks

Florals, stripes, and cowboy boots?  Why, yes!  Maybe choosing coordinating colors freaks you out a little.  Maybe you just love blue and white (or black and white would work, too).  If so, this is an easy look for you - choose a floral with only 2 colors, then a striped jersey blazer in the same shades.  I love the knee socks and boots with the dress, which keeps things from getting too prissy.  How cute would this be worn to a kid's birthday party?

How do you wear your blazers?  Are they work-only pieces, or do they get to come out to play, too?