How To Style A Blazer
The blazer has seen many reinventions over the decades - from a practical workwear piece to a pioneering fashion statement. This casually cut suit jacket has long been a staple of high-fashion collections from the likes of Giorgio Armani, Balmain, Gucci and many more. You likely already have some sort of blazer as part of your everyday wardrobe, so why not make the most of it and experiment with styling choices? Consider the following simple styling tips to spark your imagination.
Jeans And T-Shirt
The classic combination of jeans and a t-shirt is profoundly versatile. The beauty of such a simple base is that you can be ready for just about any casual or smart-casual occasion, depending on how you layer and accessorise. For example, with the addition of a linen blazer and a pair of crisp white sneakers, your ensemble could be perfect for a leisurely lunch date. Swap the jeans for cigarette trousers and the sneakers for loafers, and you have a chic yet comfortable workwear option.
Midi Dresses
Midi dresses and jackets work together wonderfully. Styling a floaty midi dress with a cropped denim or leather jacket is a great way to add a little edge to an otherwise remarkably feminine outfit. For slightly more dressy affairs, replace the jacket with a tailored, ¾ sleeve blazer to achieve a similar effect - this outfit is also another excellent workwear option for warmer days when you need something lightweight and breathable.
Co-Ords
Many highstreet blazers can be purchased as part of a co-ord set, with a pair of matching trousers or shorts. Co-ord outfits are wonderfully convenient when you need to look stylish and put-together but have minimal time to build a coherent outfit. Furthermore, you can style a co-ord for just about any occasion. For example, you could layer a simple bodysuit under a pair of high-waisted shorts and a matching blazer for a youthful yet sophisticated outfit perfect for a date night or office drinks. Alternatively, suppose your co-ord consists of an oversized blazer and wide-leg trousers - wear it with a cashmere turtleneck, and you have an elegant professional ensemble.
Oversized Cut
Oversized blazers can be tricky to style, particularly if you have a petite frame. As a rule of thumb, the key to styling oversized garments is to create balance elsewhere. Style an oversized blazer with straight-leg jeans or layered over a form-fitting slip dress to create a balanced silhouette. That said, you could opt for the high-fashion look and style an oversized blazer with wide-leg pants to make a striking, androgynous statement.
Statement Blazers
Statement blazers should speak for themselves, which means styling with comparatively plain pieces. Many Samsoe blazers feature vivid colours and bold patterns, which look fantastic when styled over a monochrome base of black jeans and a long-sleeved top. Of course, you could always add extra pops of colour and texture with jewellery and other accessories. Still, it is always advisable to maintain balance and let your statement garment take centre stage.
Formalwear
While blazers are generally synonymous with business casual attire, they are, by and large, considered appropriate for formal wear. For instance, if you’ve been invited to an outdoor wedding or cocktail party, you could layer a blazer over a dress for a little extra warmth. Alternatively, you could consider a blazer dress - a highly fashionable cut that combines structure and elegance in a singular statement piece.
Sweater Dresses
Comfortable and flattering, sweater dresses are an excellent choice for workwear and smart-casual events. That said, sweater dresses are generally relatively plain and understated. Experiment with layering by styling a neutral-toned sweater dress with a fitted blazer and knee-high or ankle boots (depending on the length of your dress) for a figure-hugging, work-appropriate look that will keep you warm on colder days.
Shoulder Pads
One of the quintessential elements of any blazer is the presence of shoulder pads. While shoulder pads have been a staple of tailored suits since the 1940s, they later worked their way into womenswear and became a defining feature of fashion in the 1980s. Sporting shoulder pads can be tricky for some, but by considering your silhouette and learning how to create balance, you can pull off the ultimate 80s power look. Shoulder pads can also help to balance out pear or triangle body shapes.