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.
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.
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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.