Maximizing my closet is the number one reason people believe that I never repeat items. I repeat items all the time. They just reveal themselves in different ways. Sometimes my dress is a top (with a skirt worn over it) and sometimes it is a skirt (with a sweater or crop top layered above it). I’m going to divulge all secrets to maximizing your wardrobe in the “One Item, Five Ways” series. 

This month’s featured item is this vintage oversized blazer:

*I’m the kind of person that people comment about every time they see me wear sneakers. There is one particular individual who is shocked by the fact that I even own a pair. To be honest, it often shocks me too.  These were a birthday gift…from me to myself and I love them.

Maximize It: Your blazer doesn’t always have to be dressed up, but add some sparkle and shine with your accessories when you dress it down to elevate your weekend look.

[look 2 | work and play]

---

Maximize It: Play around a bit and wear your blazer as a blouse! Overlap the lapels—you can pin it at the side with a safety pin if necessary; I didn’t have to—tuck it into a non-formfitting skirt and belt the waist to highlight your natural waistline. Don’t forget about the sleeves! Roll them up to the desired height. Depending on the dress code of your workplace, you may want to wear a tank top underneath to cover the girls. 

---

[look 3 | polished finesse]

---

*I’m beating myself up for not purchasing more than one of this top. It was only $6 and there were so many of them on the rack back then. You know white button-up never last. 

Maximize It: Create a more polished jean look by adding a white button-up and heels. I’m not supposed to wear jeans to work, but the blazer, button-up, burgundy color and heels perfectly disguised my jeans as pants. Hehehe, sticking it to the man.

---

[look 4 | all dressed up]

---

Maximize It: Life is too short to not live on the edge at least once., so…wear your blazer as a dress! This is more of a night time look. Perfect for going to a bar, a night club, whatever your vibe is.  Overlap the lapels, pin the overlap the bottom to keep it from flying away and giving your good up for free, belt your waist for some definition, accessorize like it’s your job and voila! Your blazer is no longer a blazer. 

---

[look 5 | it’s all bright]

---

Maximize It: Belt it with a pop of color. Borrow some color from the print or use a contrasting color if your blazer is solid. In all honesty, I would have loved to keep this look black free (aside from the black in the blazer) but I was moving too quickly and didn’t pack my red shoes when preparing for the shoot.