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From Classic to Casual: 3 Fresh Ways to Wear a Blazer

A blazer can be so much more than just the top half of a suit. Here’s how to style a few of our favorites.

By Madeleine Kim

For most of my life, I’ve mentally categorized blazers alongside pantsuits, pencil skirts, and sensible pumps—the types of pieces that read as conventional office wear, that I wouldn’t reach for on, say, a Saturday night. It took migrating south—moving to Austin—for me to realize that a blazer can be so much more than just the top half of a suit (I know, I’m late to the game).

It started out as a necessity, when I realized I didn’t have a jacket that was quite the right weight for outdoor dining on a Texas winter’s evening. What I did have, though, was my O’Hara blazer—the perfect combination of lightweight and cozy. And once I started wearing my blazers in non-work settings, I couldn’t stop. From weddings to grocery-store runs, you can catch me in lapels almost any day of the week. Below, I’ve laid out a few of my favorite ways to style blazers, from classic suits to laid-back ensembles.

In an Unconventional Suit

Maybe you have a job that requires you to wear a suit, or maybe you just enjoy looking extra sharp. Either way, the best kind of suit is one that suits you—something that reflects your personality and allows you to have a bit of fun. Make use of your classic neutral suit, but add a patterned underpinning. Or go all out with a monochromatic ensemble in an unexpected hue. Prefer something more relaxed? Go for an OrigamiTech jogger suit and a saturated underpinning.

With Slim-Cut Pants

In our book, an oversized blazer + a pair of skinny pants = the ultimate Power Casual look. In other words, it’s right in the middle of casual and formal, with a sprinkle of next-level comfort. You could opt for a boyfriend blazer with cigarette pants, but you could also achieve the look with a luxe textured blazer and jeans. Want something stretchier? Try a head-to-toe knit outfit with the Merritt jardigan and Finley stretch pants.

For Casual Occasions

Personally, I haven’t been dressing up much lately. But I have been putting my blazers to work. That’s because for casual occasions, you can style a blazer like you would a light jacket. Pair your boyfriend blazer with low-key-chic sweatpants, or wear your favorite jardigan with your go-to stretch pants and sneakers. And don’t be afraid to fall back on a classic: a blazer with a T-shirt and jeans is always a good choice.

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Director of Brand & Content Marketing at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

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