My Boyfriend's Back

My boyfriend's back, and you're gonna be in trouble--hey la, hey la my boyfriend's back! Okay, not really. But boyfriend style? Definitely. The boyfriend blazer is everywhere, bringing with it a flirty fusion of prep-school-meets-power-suit. However, wearing it properly can be tricky; as my adorable friend, Kate, pointed out, you don't want to look like a boy. But never fear, Lolly's "how to" guide is here.

Given its name, it should come as no surprise that this wardrobe piece brings a certain amount of androgyny to the table. This means that, in the event that you opt for the boyfriend blazer look, you must create an overall balance with a feminine pairing. Don't be intimidated; this is probably what you would be inclined to do anyway. For example, notice the way Kate Bosworth complimented her loose-fitting Chloé blazer with a sequined tank and fluttery shorts. The effect is one of casual elegance; thank you, boyfriend blazer.

If your inclination is not to show legs for days, you can achieve the same balance in a number of ways. Another option is to match your blazer with a chic dress for a sort of boy-meets-girl appeal. Lauren Conrad perfected this look, wearing her blazer over a dainty yellow mini dress; the dark blazer gives the butter yellow more pop!, and the way she has rolled her cuffs adds a nice twist to the traditional lines of the blazer.

Just remember: balance is the name of the game. Yet another boyfriend blazer strategy is what I fondly think of as "the skinny." This is my personal favorite, as it works well for the predictably unpredictable New England weather. Demonstrated by fashion-savvy supermodel, Agyness Deyn, an over-sized blazer worn with dark leggings (or ultra-skinny dark wash jeans, as I prefer) puts the rock! back in rock star. Seriously. Here, Miss Deyn has opted for some industrial-style ankle boots, but as summer turns to fall, adding a pair of killer knee-high boots is a great way to look uber-chic, while also staying warm (albeit rare, there ain't nothing wrong with practical fashion!).

However you choose to wear yours, boyfriend blazers are definitely a fashion DO. Currently, I have my eye on the Lacey Boyfriend Blazer from Free People, which has that essential "balance" built in (quite literally), given its lace detailing. Plus, the corsett-esque lace-up feature is just too punk rock for me to resist--I don't have the willpower.

Ultimately, sheer versatility is the boyfriend blazer's main appeal. Like boyfriends, with so many styles to choose from, you're bound to find a keeper. So go ahead, give the boyfriend a chance. It might be love.

Psst: This post was inspired by and thus dedicated to the lovely Kate Watts.

Images, in order of appearance: (1) Kate Bosworth, wearing Chloé, photo from In Style (www.instyle.com); (2) Lauren Conrad, wearing Alice & Olivia's Cotton Sateen Rolled Sleeve Blazer $385, photo thanks to Steal the Style (www.stealthestyle.com); (3) Agyness Deyn, photo courtesy of the Daily Mail (www.dailymail.co.uk); (4) Lacey Boyfriend Blazer $168, from Free People ( http://www.freepeople.com/).