The Versatile Blazer
Whether thrown over a dress for work, jeans for a casual Saturday or a mini-skirt for a night out, blazers are a versatile wardrobe staple that can pull together any outfit. But today's styles aren’t your mother’s stuffy, shapeless blazers, says Nicole DeNicola, founder and CEO of Apple Valley, Minn.-based Mainstream Boutique. They’re modern, chic and add a bit of polish to any outfit, as seen here by Isla Fisher.
An Old Favorite
Blazers are an office mainstay, but that doesn’t mean they have to be stiff and boring. Opt for a well-tailored, traditional version that features classic lapels and back vents, and throw it on over a polished dress, like singer Mary J. Blige does here at a charity event in New York. Keep the look updated using chunky jewelry and stylish accessories, DeNicola advises.
Your New Boyfriend
Fitted at the shoulder and relaxed at the hips, the boyfriend blazer hits slightly below the waist and is a looser silhouette made to look like you stole it straight from your favorite man, say Alicia Ong, Singapore-based fashion designer for contemporary brand Al & Alicia. Roll up the sleeves and wear it over a simple tee, skinny jeans and a pair of pumps, similar to the look actress Eva Longoria shows off at an event in New York.
Looking Fancy
Searching for something a little glamorous and sexy, yet still modern and edgy, to throw on over a lackluster outfit? The classic tuxedo blazer, like the one worn by actress Sophia Bush at a movie premiere in Hollywood, Calif., may be just the answer. Go for a version with contrasting color or fabric lapels or try an ultra-chic cropped style over your favorite LBD.
An Added Edge
Bring a bit of rock 'n' roll to your look with a blazer silhouette that's quickly gaining in popularity: the moto-inspired bomber. This style often comes with detailing like zippers and even leather trim, DeNicola says. Try a version that nips in at the waist to keep your shape or pair it with a sexy pair of black jeans or patterned pants, like actress Kristen Stewart wears at a fashion show in Paris.
Double Duty
One of the most classic blazer styles, the double-breasted blazer is a structured piece that features super-defined shoulders and two rows of buttons. Relax the look by wearing it with a comfy pair of boyfriend jeans or get a chic style by throwing it on over shorts or tailored pants, as actress Kate Hudson does here at a film screening in Venice.
Like a Glove
If you’ve got a great figure, don’t be afraid to show it off with a fitted blazer, like the one singer Jordin Sparks sports at an event in Century City, Calif. This style works well with everything from dresses and skirts to skinny jeans and can flatter many body types because it accentuates curves in all the right places.
A Dash of Color
Though they may not get as much wear as a standard black blazer, DeNicola says colored or patterned blazers brighten any outfit. She suggests pairing a louder style with a basic piece; actress Krysten Ritter shows how it's done at a film screening in Los Angeles. For a night out, a shimmery, metallic blazer paired with a simple dress, heels and a clutch are all you need for a look that wows, Ong says.
Fit Is Everything
No matter what the outfit, fabric or silhouette, a perfect fit—like actress Samara Weaving shows off at an event in Sydney—is the key to making any blazer look fabulous, DeNicola says. Not only can ill-fitting blazers make you look messy, they can also give you a broad-shouldered or shapeless figure. That’s why investing in a tailored blazer—or taking your blazers to a tailor—can be worth every penny.
