3 Stylish Ways to Add Color to Your Work Look with a Blazer

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Adding color to your workwear wardrobe is one of the most powerful ways to express your style while showing up with confidence and credibility. For mid-size and plus-size women in leadership, the right blazer outfit can instantly communicate polish, presence, and authority—without sacrificing personality.

Whether you're headed to a boardroom, speaking on stage, or leading a virtual team, here are three stylish and strategic ways to wear a colorful blazer to work—and feel completely aligned with your role and your body.

1. Wear a Statement Blazer with a Basic Neutral Top

If you're wondering how to style a colorful blazer, start by making it the centerpiece of your outfit. A statement blazer in a bold hue like cobalt, fuchsia, mustard, or emerald green can instantly elevate your look. Pair it with a basic neutral top—white, ivory, black, or taupe—to let the color take center stage.

This look is ideal for plus-size professionals who want to bring color into their wardrobe without overcomplicating their outfit. The result? A streamlined, high-impact look that commands attention and flatters your figure.

Bonus:
If you’re wondering how to style a neutral blazer without looking boring, this is the answer:
Use a saturated blouse as your secret style weapon.

2. Coordinate Your Blazer with Your Shoes

Want to look effortlessly pulled together? Try color coordinating your blazer and shoes. This doesn’t mean they need to match perfectly—just be in the same color family or complementary tones. A teal blazer paired with soft blue suede heels or a burgundy blazer worn with wine-toned ankle boots can add visual cohesion and style.

This tip works especially well for women in executive roles who want to look intentional without being overly trendy. It’s a subtle way to bring personality and polish into your workwear for plus-size and mid-size bodies.

These are ideal if you're looking for colorful blouses that still feel elevated—not distracting.
The goal is presence, not loudness.

3. Match Your Jewelry to Your Blazer Color

Accessories matter. For an elevated look, coordinate your jewelry with the color of your blazer. This could mean pairing a coral blazer with rose gold hoops or a navy blazer with sapphire studs. When your jewelry and blazer share color synergy, it pulls your look together beautifully.

This is a great tip for plus-size women leaders who want to create a signature style without always relying on prints or loud patterns. It’s refined, cohesive, and very wearable for day-to-day leadership settings.

Why this works:
The blazer tones it down.
The blouse brings it to life.
Together? A powerful, polished pairing that looks modern and intentional.

💡 Micro-Shift Challenge:

Choose one colorful blazer from your wardrobe this week and try one of the three strategies above.

Whether it’s matching your shoes, keeping your top neutral, or aligning your accessories—this small shift can make a big difference in how you feel and how others respond to your presence.

FREE Style Masterclass for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women in Leadership

If you’re stuck in a cycle of safe basics, this is your sign:
Color doesn’t have to be risky—it can be strategic.

And a single blouse under the right blazer?
It’s one of the smartest ways to look like you mean business.

👉 Ready to build a wardrobe that feels aligned and unforgettable? Catch the Dress for Impact Masterclass to see exactly how to elevate your wardrobe with presence, polish, and strategy.

🚨 IMPORTANT: You MUST register using the link to receive the replay. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you show up—without changing your body.

Hello!

I’m Melanie — a personal stylist and confidence coach for high-achieving women who want to stand out through style.

Here, I share style tips, personal branding advice, and outfit strategies to help you get noticed and lead with confidence.

Let me know if there's any way I can help you!

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How to Style a Statement Bag for the Office: 3 Smart Color Moves

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You want to walk into the office looking intentional, polished, and effortlessly put-together. But that basic black work bag you’ve been carrying for years?
It’s playing it safe—and playing it small.

Here’s the truth: your work bag isn’t just a utility item. It’s a core part of your visual identity. A smart style shift?
Swap out your neutral carryall for a bold, structured statement tote. It’s an instant confidence boost—and it speaks volumes before you say a word.

If you're wondering how to style a colorful handbag for the office without overthinking it, start here.

1. Style Bold Handbags with Professional Outfits

One of the easiest ways to style a bold tote for the office is to repeat its color subtly within your outfit. This technique creates a sense of visual cohesion and intentional styling, making the bag feel like a natural part of your overall look—not an afterthought.

Whether through tones, textures, or prints, aligning your outfit with the bag’s color brings balance and polish to your appearance.

Style tip: Choose one or two elements—like a top, blazer, or accessory—that reflect the bag’s tone to keep the coordination effortless and office-appropriate.

2. Match Your Work Bag and Shoes for Effortless Office Style

If you’re not into head-to-toe coordination, let your bag and shoes do the talking.

One of the easiest ways to style a bold tote for the office is to repeat its color subtly within your outfit. This technique creates a sense of visual cohesion and intentional styling, making the bag feel like a natural part of your overall look—not an afterthought.

Whether through tones, textures, or prints, aligning your outfit with the bag’s color brings balance and polish to your appearance.

Style Tip: Choose one or two elements—like a top, blazer, or accessory—that reflect the bag’s tone to keep the coordination effortless and office-appropriate.

3. Pair Your Tote with Subtle Jewelry for a Refined Work Outfit

For a subtle, elevated way to style your statement bag, connect its color to your jewelry or small accessories. This creates a refined sense of harmony without needing bold clothing choices, letting your look feel thoughtful yet understated.

It’s a smart way to bring color into professional outfits while keeping the overall vibe clean and cohesive.

Styling Tip: Choose accessories with similar tones or undertones to your bag—metal finishes, stones, or even a watch strap can make the connection feel seamless.

💼 Micro-Shift Challenge:

Ready to break up with your black bag (at least temporarily)?

Choose one bold handbag and carry it for a full workweek. You’ll be surprised how often you reach for it—and how often it gets compliments.

FREE Style Masterclass for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women in Leadership

This isn’t just about a bag.

It’s about showing up with intention, presence, and polish—without overcomplicating your morning.

The right tote can transform your look, your energy, and the impression you leave behind.
Now that’s what we call smart style.

👉 Want more tips on how to add color to your wardrobe with confidence? Catch the Dress for Impact Masterclass to see exactly how to elevate your wardrobe with presence, polish, and strategy.

🚨 IMPORTANT: You MUST register using the link to receive the replay. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you show up—without changing your body.

Hello!

I’m Melanie — a personal stylist and confidence coach for high-achieving women who want to stand out through style.

Here, I share style tips, personal branding advice, and outfit strategies to help you get noticed and lead with confidence.

Let me know if there's any way I can help you!

SEARCH FOR BLOG POSTS

5 OUTFIT MISTAKES KEEPING YOU FEELING FRUMPY & FRUSTRATED

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How to Coordinate Shoes with Your Outfit: 3 Stylish & Effortless Tips That Look Chic, Not Overdone

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(Hint: This is about strategy, not matching.)

You want to look Polished. Strategic. Effortless.
But when it comes to adding color to your wardrobe, you’re stuck somewhere between “I don’t want to stand out too much” and “I want people to feel my presence.”

So you reach for the neutrals. Again.
And that outfit you spent time curating?
It feels… safe.

Not strong.

Here’s the truth: when done right, color isn’t loud—it’s leadership.
And one of the simplest ways to elevate your entire look without buying a new closet?
Letting your shoes and outfit speak to each other.

These are three easy (and powerful) ways to start.

1. Printed Top + Colorful Shoe

You already own that printed blouse that lights you up—but you always wear it with black pants and flats.

Why? Because it’s safe.

Instead, pull a color from the print and wear a coordinating shoe.

Colorful floral blouse outfit anchored by stylish shoes: blue slingback heels and tan block heels, paired with blue and black pant options and pearl drop earrings.

This instantly turns a passive outfit into a power move.
You’ll look like you planned it—not panic shopped it.

Micro-shift challenge: Look at your printed tops.

Which shoe in your closet pulls color from one? Try the pairing this week.

2. Colorful Topper + Anchoring Shoe

A blazer, cardigan, or structured jacket in a statement color adds presence instantly.
Now—tie that look together with a matching or tonal shoe.

Woman in a pink plaid jacket with white outfit, next to four stylish shoe options.

This bookends your outfit—top and bottom—with polish.
Even if the rest is a simple white tee and trousers, this pairing says:
I know what I’m doing.

Quick tip: Stick to one focal color. Keep accessories minimal and let the color do the work.

3. Statement Shoes + Echoed Top

Have a bold, printed or multi-color shoe you never wear because “nothing matches”?
Flip the script.
Pick one color in the shoe and echo it in your top.

Suddenly, the whole look feels thoughtful—not random.
And that shoe becomes your new signature.

Professional woman wearing a camel leather blazer and white pants, holding leopard print high heels as part of a stylish power outfit.

This is how color stops being “extra” and starts feeling like edge.

FREE Style Masterclass for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women in Leadership

These aren’t outfit hacks.
They’re strategic shifts that reflect how you want to be seen.

When you stop defaulting to safe basics and start pairing color with intention?
You build a presence that feels aligned—and unforgettable.

👉 Want to go deeper? Catch the Dress for Impact Masterclass to see exactly how to elevate your wardrobe with presence, polish, and strategy.

🚨 IMPORTANT: You MUST register using the link to receive the replay. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you show up—without changing your body.

Hello!

I’m Melanie — a personal stylist and confidence coach for high-achieving women who want to stand out through style.

Here, I share style tips, personal branding advice, and outfit strategies to help you get noticed and lead with confidence.

Let me know if there's any way I can help you!

SEARCH FOR BLOG POSTS

5 OUTFIT MISTAKES KEEPING YOU FEELING FRUMPY & FRUSTRATED

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Discover Outfits On Autopilot

3 Style Shifts That Instantly Elevate Your Presence—Especially for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women

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If you’ve ever stood in front of your closet asking, “How do I show up today?”—you’re not alone. And the answer isn’t more clothes—it’s smarter styling. Especially for mid-size and plus-size women, how you dress can be a powerful tool to lead with visibility, authority, and self-expression.

These three style shifts are what I teach my clients—executives, entrepreneurs, and changemakers—who want to command rooms, exude confidence, and stand out in every space they enter.

Shift 1: Stop Dressing to Disappear—Start Dressing to Direct

Wearing color doesn’t make you “too much.” It makes you memorable. For plus-size and mid-size women especially, color is an asset, not something to hide behind. Strategic use of bold hues instantly builds authority—no words needed.

A stylish cobalt blue pantsuit with wide-leg trousers and a matching top, worn by a mid-size woman with wavy hair and strappy heels. Paired with interchangeable tank tops in mustard, pale blue, and coral.

💥 Style Tips That Command Attention:

  • Try a deep plum, emerald, or cobalt suit with a sleek neutral shell underneath—think power and polish.

  • Layer a structured cobalt blazer over a cream column dress to energize any boardroom.

  • Add bold pumps—like emerald green or scarlet red—to a black sheath dress for a balanced, eye-catching look.

👉 Explore power pieces I style clients in Wear Color.

Shift 2: Prioritize Fit Over Flattery

Your body isn’t the problem—your clothes might be.
For too long, women have been told to “flatter” by hiding. But baggy, shapeless silhouettes only erase your presence. The real key? Fit that honors your shape, gives structure, and radiates confidence.

Elegant outfit featuring a rich purple pleated midi dress with long sleeves, paired with magenta and purple slingback heels. A bold magenta oval clutch, dangling earrings with purple and blue stones.

💥 Plus-Size & Mid-Size Style Tips That Define (Not Disguise):

  • Opt for a belted dress that cinches your waist and elongates your frame.

  • Choose structured dresses with defined shoulders or a statement neckline to instantly polish your look.

  • Go for a wrap dress that hugs your curves and moves with ease—perfect for desk-to-dinner impact.

These aren’t “figure-fixers”—they’re presence-enhancers.

👉 See my top client-recommended dresses in Pieces with a waist.

Shift 3: Lead with Identity—Not Apology

Every outfit speaks. What’s yours saying?

Before you get dressed, ask: “What message do I want to send today?”

Especially as a plus-size or mid-size leader, your style can reinforce your voice—or undermine it.

Your clothes should reflect who you are, not who you’ve been told to be smaller for.

a bold floral blazer, light blue sleeveless top, magenta wide-leg trousers, light blue textured block-heel pumps, a structured light blue handbag, and dangling earrings with purple and blue gems.

💥 Style with Identity-Driven Confidence:

  • Throw on a statement blazer that draws compliments and sets a tone of authority.

  • Add bold glasses, patterned scarves, or sculptural earrings that echo your personality.

  • Choose a luxe wrap dress or matching set in a fabric that speaks volumes—without you needing to.

This isn’t about being louder—it’s about being more you. Fully aligned, fully seen.

👉 Explore power pieces I style clients in Statement Pieces.

From Invisible to Impactful—Without Changing Your Body

You don’t need to shrink yourself to lead with presence.
These style shifts help mid-size and plus-size women own the room—whether you're running a meeting, speaking on stage, or networking at an event.

When your wardrobe is aligned with your power, you’re not just dressed—you’re directing the room.

FREE Style Masterclass for Mid-Size & Plus-Size Women in Leadership

What if the very clothes you were told to wear to “look professional”... were actually the reason you feel overlooked?

If you're tired of playing small with your style, join me for:

Ditch the Corporate Armor: Elevate Your Executive Presence & Dress for Impact

In this masterclass, you’ll discover how to:
✅ Build a streamlined wardrobe that reflects your authority and leadership
✅ Dress with confidence and clarity—without panic shopping before every event
✅ Stop letting outdated dress codes keep you invisible in high-stakes rooms
✅ Position yourself as the high-impact leader your work already proves you are

Perfect for mid-size and plus-size professionals, executives, and entrepreneurs ready to stop blending in and start commanding respect.

🚨 IMPORTANT: You MUST register using the link to attend live or receive the replay. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform how you show up—without changing your body.

Hello!

I’m Melanie — a personal stylist and confidence coach for high-achieving women who want to stand out through style.

Here, I share style tips, personal branding advice, and outfit strategies to help you get noticed and lead with confidence.

Let me know if there's any way I can help you!

SEARCH FOR BLOG POSTS

5 OUTFIT MISTAKES KEEPING YOU FEELING FRUMPY & FRUSTRATED

Discover Outfits On Autopilot

Discover Outfits On Autopilot