My Ladies Black Blazer Upgrade: From Cheap to Gracequeens Premium

Finding the perfect black blazer can be a real challenge, and I’ve certainly been there. I began with extremely affordable options and quickly learned that low price often means low quality. In this article, I’ll walk you through my experience and show you how I finally discovered a blazer set I truly adore.

Stage 1: The Cheap Phase

My first black blazer was incredibly inexpensive. I spotted it online for just $20 and thought, “What a bargain!” It arrived promptly, but the quality left much to be desired. It barely lasted a few weeks before it started coming apart.

The fabric was thin and uncomfortable, almost scratchy against the skin. The seams were poorly finished, and the buttons felt loose from the start. After only a handful of wears, the material began to pill. It looked and felt cheap, and I soon realized I’d thrown my money away. In this case, cheap truly meant low quality and shoddy construction.

Here’s what one-star reviews often say about blazers in this category:

Verdict: Avoid ultra-cheap blazers. They simply aren’t worth it. Instead, look for signs of quality like sturdy stitching and durable fabric.

Stage 2: The Mid-Range Phase

Next, I moved up to a mid-range option. I spent around $60 on a black blazer from a well-known department store. It was… acceptable. Definitely an improvement over the super cheap version, but it still wasn’t ideal.

The fabric was a bit thicker and the construction seemed more robust. However, the fit was off—the shoulders were too broad and the sleeves too long. It also lacked any defining shape, appearing boxy and unflattering. While it felt like a step in the right direction, it ultimately missed the mark.

Here’s some typical feedback from three-star reviews for blazers in this range: