Make the Most of Your Blazer: 7 Easy Styling Tips
What to do with fashion’s favorite security blanket.
This no-lapel blazer is from Loulou Studio (half off!!!), shirt is Tory Burch (here is something similar). Stuart Weitzman loafers. Honestly, I’m pretty sure these tights are from CVS! The sheer to opaqueness ratio is perfect, but I don’t recommend these because they have a white patch at the crotch. Try these Falke ones instead.
There’s something about a structured, sexy, sophisticated blazer that never really goes out of style. By the same token though, they run the risk of being taken for granted and…boring. Our blazers don’t deserve to be the predictable choice in our closet and deep down we all know it! Here are some ways to honor the sacred, centuries-old piece:
TIP #1: Make your life easier with triple layers.
You know when you’re rushing and don’t have time to put together any outfit that takes above 5/10 effort? Queue the blazer—Easy enough to throw on for an “I tried” vibe, even when you didn’t.
The secret sauce is your white T-shirt, topped off with a sweater, polo, vest, etc. to add some pizazz and personal style. Plus, if there’s a sudden weather shift you can lose the blazer and still have a “complete” look.
Here is an almost disrespectfully easy to put together, five-minute look. I threw this on to test out my Loulou Studio blazer when it arrived (shout-out to 5 Things You Should Buy for the blazer recommendation).
Put together with a Tory Burch sweater vest, Uniqlo T-shirt, The Group by Babaton (via Aritzia) pants and the same Stuart Weitzman loafers.
Here’s another idea for triple-layering:
The blazer and skirt are Uniqlo. My beloved Tory Burch sweater vest again, layered on a Scanlan Theodore turtleneck. This Everlane one is on sale, and here’s a J.Crew option.
In my tried and true CVS tights and Hunter boots.
TIP #2: Try no-lapels.
Who even knew a blazer could be a blazer without them?! I predict we’ll be seeing a lot of this trend in the spring and summer. Here are a few brands that are perfecting the no-lapel look in outerwear:
Tibi
Tibi SS24 Look 28
Tibi SS24 Look 30
We will probably be seeing lots of monochrome soon, too! New York-based brand Tibi does a great job of showing how shape and structure come together to form feminine lines in a square silhouette.
Jacquemus
Is it just me, or do a lot of men look like they’re suffocating in their suits? I like how this guy looks like he can breathe. Paris brand Jacquemus shows us a men’s no-lapel version in their spring 2024 show. Now, this might technically be a suit jacket rather than a “blazer,” but for all intents and purposes we’ll make it work.
Oh and check out his red socks. The trend continues! But back to losing our lapels.
There is plenty of deconstruction in fashion these days and Jacquemus utilizes it again here. A traditional look is pared down with asymmetry and a lack of lapels, mixing things up without being obnoxious.
The no-lapel look is also versatile in that it makes the blazer or jacket less formal, yet it can still be worn formally. It’s also less bulky under a coat or with a scarf. I mean, hey! It’s kind of a game-changer.
Tory Burch
Tory Burch SS24 Look 3
Tory Burch SS24 Look 4
Also more outerwear than blazer here, but I’ve included the looks above because they showcase the same trend currently at play. Notice again how the lines create a flattering shape to counter the boxiness. It also draws the eyes to the legs.
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TIP #3: Zhuzh up the classic blazer/white-tank combo.
Try a statement skirt and bold accessories like the ones in this look below.
Sigh—Matthieu Blazy does it again! The Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta has practically re-invented the white tank top in recent years. The look here is from their resort 2024 collection.
Certainly something you could wear to the crêpe station.
There is something comfortable and chic about what the team at Bottega Veneta creates. There’s no fuss. Each piece has its place, making the white tank and blazer combination fresh. And another thing this look got right…
TIP #4: A little oversize goes a long way.
Big earrings, big colors and big clothes at Valentino Spring Couture 2024. I don’t even know what to say.
Cos blazer via JJ Neo on Instagram. Not mega-oversize, but just big enough to give that look.
I’m not exactly sure what makes an oversize blazer look so damn good. Honestly, if you know please tell me. More than just good looks though, an oversize blazer provides security. When I’ve destroyed a container of PB brownie honeycomb from Van Leeuwen, my oversize blazer is there to hold me and tell me it’s going to be alright. I know you know what I’m talking about.
TIP #5: Pair your blazer with cropped jeans.
Sometimes a little peak of ankle is just the pop of skin you need to balance out all the thick fabric that typically accompanies a blazer look.
Just look at Tibi’s creative director Amy Smilovic at her spring 2024 show looking absolutely fabulous.
BONUS TIP #6—Wear your blazer as a cape. My sister compared me to an anime villain when I did this, but that’s kind of a vibe? Just try it. You’ll feel cool, I swear.
Cropped jeans also work well with a more fitted blazer:
Scanlan Theodore blazer and camisole (here’s a similar cami) with Everlane jeans (on final sale!). Yeahhh my mirror is a lil’ smudged. :)
These are looks that are meant to be easy to recreate, and the tips applicable to a variety of closets. Sometimes though, the best thing you can do is just let your blazer be a blazer. Let it do the work of powering up your ensemble just by being itself. Which leads me to…
TIP #7: When in doubt, go classic.
Swedish fashion house Toteme is the epitome of elegance. Above, FW24 Look 3.
Toteme perfects “trans-seasonal” pieces. Here, FW24 Look 25.
I think the key here is to remember the skinny belt (here’s another cute one) and to add a little pop somewhere. In look 3 the necklace, bag and what appears to be a strap of some kind adds the funk we’re looking for. The flowing, white blouse and V-neck add the pop to look 25. You don’t need to do much to make a blazer work, but the details count.
Toteme just might convince me that fitted is preferable.
Another effortless look from their fall 2024 collection that can be recreated with relative ease.
So let’s recap:
Make your life easier with triple layers.
Try no lapels.
Zhuzh up the classic blazer/white-tank combo.
A little oversize goes a long way.
Pair your blazer with cropped jeans.
Wear your blazer as a cape. Just do it! :)
When in doubt, go classic.
With that, thank you so much for being here. If you’d like to receive AYS in your inbox Sunday mornings, I gently encourage you to subscribe below! I’d love to connect with you. I mentioned in my prologue post that I would be talking about having imposter syndrome in fashion this week, but this post is getting a little long…I will say this: If there is one thing I’ve learned from this industry it’s that fashion truly is for everyone. Don’t be afraid to share your opinion or attend that event. You belong here!
Yours Truly,
Kyoko
I am not compensated for the features listed in AYS. My sincerest thank you to the brands that participated in the creation of this post.
