Last week my friend Joy got her Real Estate license, and went to have professional pictures taken for her business cards. She later posted the picture on Facebook and changed it to be her profile picture (don’t we all) but later called me sounding sad… apparently someone had mentioned to her that she “didn’t look very professional” and that she could “borrow a blazer” if she wanted to redo the shoot.
The thing is… Joy doesn’t wear a blazer. Ever.
I assured her that she looked great in her pictures, and not to worry about it at all. She really did look great in the photos.
Fast forward about two hours when I receive a phone call from a potential new client who had found my Party Plan Divas site and was wanting to hire me to speak at her company’s national convention. We chatted for a while and I asked her how she found me and what drew her to my site. Her response “I liked that you do not look all stuffy in a three piece suit like all the other coaches… you just look NORMAL. Like someone I would WANT to do business with.”
As soon as we hung up the phone – and after she hired me for her event – I immediately called Joy to tell her about the “three piece suit” remark and it got us to thinking…. are Blazers a thing of the past?
The 80′s called… they want you back…
If you look at fashion magazines today, it is hard to miss the old 80s throwbacks peeking in… but jackets have gone for a sexier, more modern look, and less like the old school Blazers of the 80s and 90s. But the question remains… does one have to wear a traditional old school blazer in order to look professional in 2013?
Personally, I would love to see the blazer become a permanent part of the past… right along with shoulder pads. I have done several photo shoots for business and though I did wear a blazer in the first few…. it just wasn’t ME. I felt like a penguin. I do not even wear them for speaking engagements…. for the same reason.
Now, Joy and I are both in our mid early thirties… so that may have something to do with it, but it was funny to have two such vastly conflicting ideas for what someone wanted in business.
So what say you? Are blazers a thing of the past or still a requirement for professional business women of 2013?
I HOPE that 80′s looking blazers are a thing of the past. I like the look that they have now though.
I will say after our chat I hit up Forever 21 & found some cute non boxy blazers..but still can’t say that I’m sold on that look for me!
I sure hope they are a thing of the past. My shoulders are broad enough without shoulder pads!
I think dress codes are antiquated personally, but no one would ever guess that because of how *I* choose to dress. I always dress to the nines for work, but that’s for my own personal enjoyment. It’s funny, once upon a time I worked in retail at shops selling nothing but sweatshirts and jeans, and I would show up in a nice suit. I went to my first job interview in a classy black tailored suit….and pink hair. So I like blazers for me but one other people, it’s up to them. I would totally rock those ugly ’80s blazer suits just for my own amusement, BTW.
I hope those 80′s blazers stay in the past.
Well……ladies…..being a big hair girl from the 80′s I LOVE blazers! But I have all kinds and it is what I feel good in. I have long ones – down to my knees almost. I have short ones – to my waist. And traditional ones that go to just below my butt. I love them all. I think that whether or not to ‘blazer’ is going to be an age/perception thing. When I think of Realtors (my parents are & they wear blazers in their pics) I see blazors. But then when I think more about it…..I have some younger friends who are realtors and they wear cropped jackets and cute outfits. It’s all about age. Just saying. lol
I am both a direct sales rep for Miche and also a Realtor in the Boston area. I like to mix things up for both parties and showings. I do find I wear many “blazers” but they are short and stylish and usually have a classic but not stuffy blouse underneath….its cold here right now. Many times I deal with men in real estate and they are either in blue jeans and a button down shirt or a blazer and jeans. I guess it is what you are comfortable in and perhaps the clientele you deal with.
I have NEVER wore a blazer and don’t plan to.
The only time I’ve ever worn a blazer is if I’m wearing a business suit for an interview. Sadly I don’t think that will ever go away, but outside of a suit I think blazers are definitely a thing of the past!
Lisa
Totally 1990!
I think Joy should have worn a starfish costume for her pictures. I would have hired her
Damn. I hit send to soon lol.
I wanted to add on a more serious note, when I see those professional pics of ladies in blazers, I think they look old. Joy is young and hip!