How to wear: A Blazer
Updated on March 4, 2024
Going somewhere? This steadfast wardrobe staple isn’t. A tailored blazer will hold its own in any outfit – see how to style this essential for weekends, paired with mini skirts, a midi dress, for the office, over a chunky knit and more.
1. For a More Tailored Look Pair a Blazer with Trousers
In today’s workplace dress code, there is generally more flexibility and room for self-expression. You can step away from the fitted tailoring in classic blacks and greys, while still looking the part in a tailored suit. For twists on traditional women's suiting, opt for new silhouettes and updated colourways like rich shades of chocolate.
Heading into work during summer? Opt for relaxed fabrics like linen or linen-cotton blends that have moisture-wicking properties to help you keep your cool. Shades like grey, cream or camel emulate that summer feeling but remain considered enough to mix and match with your existing blouses and tops. The style statement here is in the matching pants and blazer jacket, while the nonchalance comes from the more languid fabric of linen and cotton and unexpected take on colour.
2. Throw a Blazer over a Classic Midi Dress
There is something endlessly appealing and modern street-style-cool when relaxed fabrics are paired with structured pieces. Wearing a blazer over a midi dress seems simple enough; however, this outfit formula will see you through both warm and cooler seasons with modern accessory updates and tactical fabric selection.
For an alternative to wearing pants in winter, a long sleeve midi dress in heavier drape fabrics, knee-high leather boots and blazer is an easy way to look polished and stay protected from the elements. Fabric and colours are paramount here – heavy wool or twill blazers will keep the warmth in and give you the structure; however, if you really feel the cold, drape an oversized long coat over your shoulders. Neutral colourways of cream and camel all work together seamlessly, or opt for monochrome in black, grey, and white – a pattern like a micro floral will easily inject a bit of texture into this look.
When the mercury is on the rise, swap in a lightweight, breathable cotton or viscose summer midi dress with your linen blazer, slide on your leather sandals or strappy heels and finish with pearl encrusted jewels.
Shop Midi Dresses
3. Combine a Blazer with a Knit and Jeans
The forecasted temperatures are taking a dip and you want to wear your favourite blazer without covering it up with a heavy coat? Layer a knitted jumper underneath. This smart casual ensemble is an absolute street style classic, well suited for the more casual workplace, weekends away, and relaxed dinners. When selecting your knit to wear underneath, we suggest a soft, light but lofty jumper for extra warmth. Layer a light long sleeve top underneath and French tuck the front of your knit into jeans.
With a wide variety of jeans to suit any style and occasion – mid to dark wash mom or straight leg jeans will always finish off the look. When it comes to choosing a blazer, lighter cotton linen relaxed, fabrics will fit nicely without being too restricting, or opt for an oversized look blazer. Footwear will always finish the look – brogues are perfect for the office, casual sneakers or ankle boots for relaxed locations, and pointed pumps or strappy heels for dressier settings.
4. Pair a Blazer with Jeans and a Tee
When it comes to styling the casual look without looking too relaxed, the blazer really adds a refined element. First, start with the basics. The long or short sleeve t-shirt forms a solid foundation for this look. Choose your cut – fitted, V-neck, crew neck, boxy or oversized. Opt for your favourite denim silhouettes, from straight to wide-leg, high waist to mid rise, in whatever wash you choose. Step into leather sandals or sneakers and pull on your blazer leaving the buttons undone and sleeves scrunched up for added nonchalance.
5. Wear a Blazer with a Mini Skirt
Considered tailoring and high hemlines go hand in hand. For a fail proof outfit formula that could readily be worn into the office, we recommend an all-black ensemble – a relaxed or structured blazer, long sleeve top or blouse, an asymmetric mini skirt, and all black accessories – belt, leather brogues and bag. High-shine accents add instant elevation.
However, if you’ve got a dinner planned and you want to make more of a statement, strappy high heels or knee-high leather boots are perfect to elevate those after dark ensembles.
Shop Mini Skirts
6. Wear a Blazer with a Knit Dress
In similar vein to the blazer and midi dress, a complementary balance of fluidity with form combines when you pair the comfort of a knitted dress, with the structure of a tailored blazer. You first might think that a knitwear in general comes across as too casual for the blazer if you are headed out for dinner and drinks but new iterations lend themselves to elevated dressing effortlessly.
Knitwear has certainly stepped out of its wintry confines to after dark with endless structured silhouettes and elevated details – fluid A-line to more form-fitting cuts. This pairing can be both summer or winter-appropriate too – sleeveless lighter knitted midi and mini dresses are perfect for balmy temperatures with a linen blazer thrown over the shoulders, while heavier, nylon-blend long sleeve knit dresses will keep in the warmth along with a thick, woollen blazer.