Casual Blazer Styling❣️

Plus, your best bet for outfit inspiration 🗞️

Hi Shortie,

You know those posts with floating product images arranged into an “outfit”? Judging by the success of countless ‘stylist’ Instagram accounts, chances are you do.

Flat lay collage of four casual-chic outfits featuring neutral and denim staples like a yellow tee with jean shorts, a black blazer with jeans, a taupe cardigan with cream pants, and a denim shirt with wide-leg trousers, accessorized with designer bags and sunglasses.

But if I’m being honest… they kind of irk me.

And I say that as someone who used to get paid to design them. Sure, they’re visually appealing—but they provide little value.

Maybe to some, these pretty collages might be a helpful starting point, but in my opinion, they’re a fast track to those frustrating moments when nothing looks quite right on your body.

Building a great look is all about how garments lie on a three-dimensional body. The allure lies in how the clothing moves – how it fits your curves, how it layers, and the way it drapes.

For outfit ideas that actually translate, OOTDs are your best bet. Skip the frustrations and set yourself up for success by getting inspiration from a fellow Shortie’s feed.

I think the next directory should be for petite fashion influencers…

Sincerely short,

Lwany

Lwany

P.S. Should a Shortie directory be next? LMK❣️

The beauty you see is a reflection of the beauty in you.

KATE SPADE

SHORT READS

Q: I’ve always struggled with styling blazers casually.

Most of mine are black or dark, which makes them feel really formal. Part of the challenge is figuring out what to wear underneath and how to pair them with jeans for a more relaxed look.

I’ve thought about investing in pastel-colored blazers to soften the look, but I always hesitate because I’m not sure I’d wear them enough to justify the cost. Black feels more versatile, so I want to get better at making blazers work for everyday wear.

A: I can relate to this on a deep level—blazers always make me feel dressed up.

Also, I feel like unless they're worn as dresses, they tend to overwhelm petite statures—case in point:

Side-by-side images of a Lwany, a petite woman, in tailored blazer outfits. Left: khaki blazer worn as a dress with a faux fur coat and black pumps. Right: black pinstripe blazer dress belted at the waist, styled with strappy sandals and a black handbag.

The formal association with blazers runs deep, but I've discovered a game-changing styling strategy that completely transforms how they read.

You're absolutely right that color plays a huge role—darker blazers do lean more formal. While lighter colors can work, I'd actually recommend trying a khaki or camel blazer before pastels—they offer the softness you're after without the risk of looking too Easter-y or seasonal.

However, before investing in new pieces, let me share what I learned from experimenting with my black blazer. The key is in the pairings.

The Casual Pairing Formula

Pair your blazer with the most casual pieces in your wardrobe. For me, it was tees, denim bottoms, and flip-flops. For you, that might include a ribbed tank and denim shorts.

Lwany, a petite woman, in a casual outfit: a pinstripe blazer over a white tee and a dark denim mini skirt, styled with black flip-flops and rectangular sunglasses.

The contrast between the formal blazer and casual basics creates an unexpectedly chic, Scandinavian minimalist vibe.

Lwany, a petite woman, in a pinstripe blazer layered over a black top and straight-leg jeans, paired with black flip-flops and sunglasses.

The monochromatic top-to-blazer flow creates a sleek silhouette that elongates.

The flip-flops were crucial—dressier sandals immediately elevated the look back into formal territory, while the casual footwear kept it grounded and approachable.

The Finishing Touch

I wasn't totally sold until I added gold jewelry, so I highly recommend chunky accessories to seal the look.

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