The Goldilocks Velvet Blazer
After years of searching for the perfect velvet blazer, I’ve finally found my Goldilocks version: not too structured, not too soft, and the color and fit are Just Right.
A blazer this good you don’t save for special occasions. I’ve been wearing it regularly with my casual outfits. For a daytime running-errands-meeting-a-friend-for-coffee look, I styled it with a striped tee and jeans. I cuffed the sleeves for a more casual look, and may have them shortened to my preferred length.
Earrings | Blazer | Tee | Jeans (similar) | Bag | Bracelet | Shoes
This tee is a nice variation on the traditional marinière. The red-navy-taupe colorway adds a pop to my neutrals, and the cut isn’t too long. I’m wearing the Small here. It’s also offered in a traditional navy-on-white stripe, as well as pink stripe, and up to size 3X.
These earrings are from ABLE, a lifestyle brand that’s focused on ending generational poverty through providing economic opportunity for women. They offer jewelry, scarves, leather goods, denim clothing and footwear made by women in Ethiopia, Mexico, Peru and also in Nashville, TN. I bought the earrings because I loved the design, and was delighted to support a company that’s supporting women. They’re very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Lipstick is NARS “Red Square.”
Photos by Tannaz Photography. We often meet on Abbott-Kinney Blvd. in Venice Beach to take photos, because there are so many great backdrops. (And good coffee places!)
Have you found any Goldilocks (“Just Right”) pieces lately?
Find Your “Just Right” Velvet Blazer…
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I love these photos–wonderful backgrounds, fabulous blazer, your hair looks great…I wish I could get my bangs to fall like yours. They always do weird things…
Thanks so much! My bangs sometimes do weird things too, especially at this in-between length. I’m letting them grow out for now, will see.
Your navy blazer is stunning…I would love to own this too but just too pricey for my budget. The length/color/cut is perfect!
Thanks, Nancy!
The navy blazer is to-die-for! But I’m curious if you’re wearing a regular size or a petite size as you had to roll the sleeves???
Hi Carol, thanks! I’m wearing the Petite Small. The sleeves are a bit longer than usual for EF Petite sizes. They don’t have buttons so should be easy to shorten.
Lovely blazer and you styled it so well with the striped sweater and pretty lip colour. Unfortunately way too over budget simply because my work/private life wouldn’t support the wearing of such a garment on a regular basis enough to justify the purchase. I wear a lab coat at work and live in a climate that, come November calls for much more robust clothing as outer wear.
Regardless, it is very beautiful.
Love the whole outfit and the way you wear velvet casually. Very chic.
Thanks so much!
Your hair is looking wonderful. I love the accessories, and wonder if a winter white outfit would look well with them, I love that look.
Great outfit. Love the blazer/bag/shoes/bracelet, etc., but totally out of my budget range. When doing a quick calculation, the total outfit is beyond what I can afford. I looked at the blazers you show and those also are pricey. I would love a nice soft velvet blazer! Darn!
Hi melmi, I understand. My experience has been that the velvet pieces at lower prices often don’t hold up. Have you tried ThredUp? They offer gently used pieces at great prices. Here’s their current selection of velvet blazers (some nice ones in there!) https://rstyle.me/n/dcmmexrdpn
I bought the EF velvet shirt, similar to the blazer but less structured, and it’s already my go-to for dressy casual. Will be festive for holiday lunches and dinners but will also transition to January.
That shirt is a wonderful piece too!
Yes, that’s the perfect velvet blazer! I got it in the burgundy color and just love it. Even though I am not a petite (5’6”), I bought the petite small. It hit me just right at the hips. The lovely salesperson at the EF store actually suggested that size. It is pricy but so well made. And my local EF store price matched the 30% off price that Bloomingdale’s was offering. A wonderful investment piece to wear for years to come! It looks great with the EF leggings that have the satin stripe down the side. And with my favorite French Kambe necklace, of course!
Hi JoM, the burgundy color is gorgeous too! Even though I’m 5’1″, I sometimes find I prefer the proportion on the regular sizes. It’s nice to have options!
Susan, this is a lovely jacket! I looked on EF website, and now I’m worried about the fit. They describe the jacket as “Shaped with ease: slimmer at the bust, easy through the waist and hips.” Sadly, this sounds slimmer where I need more ease. I typically wear a petite Medium if it’s generous through the bust. How would you describe the proportions of the jacket?
Hi Polly, the jacket is definitely more fitted than many of the oversized pieces of late. That said, I’m busty, and usually a Petite Small. The PS in this jacket is a beautiful fit. Not tight and I have no trouble buttoning it. Hope this helps!
Another wonderful ensemble – So great!
Thanks for posting, Suz from Vancouver
Thanks, Suz!
For the folks who are looking for a less expensive option try this link to Steinmart. I had never shopped there before but stopped in person yesterday between errands and happened to find this one, the softest jacket I’ve ever felt! And look at the price! https://www.steinmart.com/product/velvet+single+button+blazer+68724889.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=Search&selectedOption=100594
The link above didn’t work, hmmm… try this one? https://www.steinmart.com/product/velvet+single+button+blazer+68724889.do?sortby=priceAscend&refType=&from=Search&selectedOption=100594&ecList=6&ecCategory=
Never thought of Steinmart…might be an option. I happen to have one near me so I’ll try shopping there.
Thank you for the link.
I don’t wear velvet very well, and I couldn’t tell you exactly why; it just doesn’t suit me. But you look wonderful in your lovely blazer!
Thanks very much!
This is absolutely the perfect blazer for me; soft, flowing, not heavy. Unfortunately I had to order the PP size as the PS is totally sold out. It’s a little tight in the shoulders and I could never were it closed and there’s about a 5 1/2″ opening through the chest for a shirt to show. I’m debating whether to keep it…would love to but always that lingering question in my mind of when others see me in this blazer, do they know I can’t really close it? I’d wear it open anyway and style it casually.
You’re so smart to be wearing this everywhere and not treating it like it’s precious. It’s so gorgeous on you! I need to find my Goldilocks blazer! Thanks for the inspiration!