Something Old, Something New: Tips for Shopping 2nd Hand Blazers

A girl can never have too many blazers, am I right? The right blazer can elevate any outfit. So easy to style, blazers can be paired with just about anything: jeans, skirts, slacks, dresses…even shorts. But with that versatility often comes a hefty price tag. You can easily spend anywhere from $200 and up for a nice, quality blazer. But what if I told you, you could easily buy a beautiful, well-made blazer for under thirty bucks and you’ll never have to worry about seeing anyone else wearing the same one? Well, I do it all the time by shopping 2nd hand blazers.

Vintage Liz Claiborne Blazer | Paid $25 @HotCocoaVintage

Now thrift shopping for blazers can be challenging if you don’t know what you’re doing. I’ve been shopping vintage finds for longer than I care to admit, and I’ve picked up some awesome tips and tricks to curating some beautiful blazers to add to my closet.  Follow these tips and you won’t be disappointed.

Tips for Shopping 2nd Hand Blazers:

1. MOST IMPORTANT, SMELL TEST!!  2nd hand blazers are THE most notorious when it comes to strange previous owner B.O. (yes, funky body odor).  If you detect even the slightest funk DO NOT BUY IT…PUT IT BACK!!  You will never get the smell out…never ever.
2. FIT:  Once it passes the smell test try it on.
   • Make sure the shoulders are hitting where you want them to.
   • Look in a mirror (if available) to see where the length is hitting on leg/hip area.
   • Check the sleeve length as well.  I have super long arms so this is particularly important to me.
3. STYLE:  Are you feeling the style?
   • The fit is super important but so is the style. For example:  Does it have shoulder pads?  If so, are they too big for your shoulders?  Does it have cap sleeves, can you picture the “Look” going with your wardrobe?
   • Oversized blazers are great, but then there is TOO oversized.  Like a little girl wearing her Dad’s jacket.  It may be sloppy.
     

     Styling Your Blazer: So Q-UTE to scrunch up the sleeves or unbutton the sleeves and roll them up revealing the inner lining.

4. CONDITION:  What kind of shape is it in and does the price fairly and accurately reflect it?
   • Look for holes, rips, open seams, missing buttons, stains.  In particular check the inside lining, cuffs, collar, and elbows.  One or more of these areas may have damage.
   • If there’s damage,  see if you can get a dollar or two knocked off….unless the price already reflects the damage.

[blockquote author=”” pull=”normal”]Get the Look![/blockquote]

Following these rules, I’ve been rather successful at finding timeless pieces. On top of that, I can feel good about shopping because I know I’m doing my part to protect the environment. I hope this will inspire you to hunt for your own thrift store treasures! As for me, the hunt continues…on my current “must find” list…a velvet blazer. Wish me luck!