Okay so this post is a behomoth that took me a minute to get my head around. When I was whittling down my list of essentials, blazers were at the top of it. If you’ve been around KE for longer than oh even say 5 years, then you know good and well that I wear blazers all the time. And instead of building a post about “THIS IS THE BEST BLAZER EVER” like I did my leggings post I wanted to break down the different types of blazers and how, when and why you’d wear it. So while I will have recommendations of which to buy, in my humble opinion, this post is more of a reference guide to blazers. Hopefully that will be helpful to you and something you can reference as you get ready to expand your blazer collection.
There are lots of blazer options out there, I’ve broken down to the 6 that I wear the most. You will see missing a cropped blazer, I find those to be the hardest to style and always in and out of style. However, the ones I’m sharing below are tried and true. Let’s get to the post!
(Pin for later!)
Classic Blazer
Shop the Anine Bing Madeline Blazer | Shop J.Crew Option | Shop Amazon Option
Dress Code:
Everyday Classic
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the natural waist and top of hips
– Fitted through shoulders, tailored back and darted chest.
– Open placket but with button option. Can be single or double breasted.
Fit:
– This blazer should be fitted at your shoulders (but not too tight), come in at the natural waist and should be able to be worn buttoned and un-buttoned. If you can’t button the blazer, then it is simply too small for you or the fit of the blazer isn’t right for your body type. Finding a classic blazer that fits your shoulders while being tailored elsewhere is a chore, so when you find the right one, invest and keep forever.
– While fitted, keep in mind you want a tailored look, not a tight fit, ,meaning you will want to be able to layer under a classic blazer. You should be able to wear a poplin, linen, silk button down, a tee, a tank and a light sweater under a tailored blazer. Not necessarily a chunky sweater though, think a lightweight classic J.Crew sweater.
– The length will depend on your height. As you can see, this one I have here is actually a bit longer than your typical classic blazer, giving it a more menswear vibe to it. The length that’s right for you will depend on your torso + leg ratio. I would say best practice is somewhere in between your hips and the rise on your jeans. Use the zipper of your jeans as a reference, mine here goes to the very bottom of my zipper, but anywhere in between the zipper will be a great length depending on what’s best for your body type and height.
How to Style:
There is a reason this blazer is a classic — she is incredibly versatile and never goes out of style. Literally never. I will not be answering any more questions on that statement.
If you had to buy ONE blazer, it’s a classic blazer. You can pair a perfectly tailored blazer with dresses, with jeans, with your work trousers, denim shorts or a dress short. You name it and I’ll bet you can put a blazer on it. I would suggest a black blazer, if you don’t know where to start. A classic black blazer will last as long as you need it to.
I’ve had this blazer for about 4 years now (It’s Anine Bing) and she has been in heavy rotation throughout the years. If you are new to Blazers and you think what can I wear with this? Think of the blazer as you would a denim jacket — if you can put a denim jacket on it, you can put a blazer on it. A white tee and jeans? Add a blazer and it’s instantly classic. A dress and a denim dress is go-to for me, but adding a blazer and heels gives me an elevated look.
Suggested Blazers:
Menswear / Oversized Blazer
Dress Code:
Elevated Trend, with a trendier look than a classic blazer
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the hips and mid-thigh
– Loose fit through shoulders, boxier fit
– Open placket
Fit:
– For petite women, keep the length of the blazer closer to right below your hip. You want to keep the oversized look without feeling like you are drowning in your dad’s jacket and the length is key on this.
– For taller women or those with longer torso’s, try to go for a blazer that hits about mid-thigh. For this look, think about the rule of thirds in terms of head, torso, legs. I’m 5’9″ so my blazer is hitting me about mid thigh which still allows for my legs to look proportionate even though my blazer is longer than typical.
– If you need to elongate your legs, pair this look with a jean or trouser that hits at your ankle and a pair of tall nude heels.
– Look for an intentionally oversized blazer, not just sizing up on a regular blazer. This will give you the correct shape for an ‘oversized’ look.
– For a more casual look, cuff the sleeves half way or roll them past your elbow.
How to Style:
This blazer is going to have a more ‘streetwear’ look to it versus the classic blazer, so you’ll want to style this blazer accordingly. Think of an inverted triangle when styling this look. If you pair an oversized blazer with wide leg trousers or a loose wide leg pant, you are breaking the rule of thirds because the eye has nowhere to go. Since this type of blazer will give an illusion of a stronger top, the choice of bottoms should be a skinnier silhouette. That’s why you see celebrities pair this look with biker shorts, it allows the blazer to be the hero of the outfit.
With denim, keep the jeans skinny, straight or a tapered leg like a mom jean (shown here).
With trousers, reach for a skinny leg trouser or tapered Ponte pant.
Stay away from midi skirts with this look as it doesn’t create much shape, but a body con dress or a mini skirt can pair perfectly here.
Suggested Blazers:
Unstructured Blazer
Shop Zara Flowy Blazer | Shop Similar via Nordstrom
Dress Code:
Elevated Casual
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the hips and upper thigh
– Loose fit with no structure at the shoulders
– Open placket, usually flowy panels in the front
– Loose bodice, no darting for shape but a slim silhouette
Fit:
– For petite women, keep the length of the blazer closer to right below your hip.
– You want this to be a true to size fit, not an oversized fit. The bodice will be loose and flowy so you want the shoulders to fit your shape correctly.
How to Style:
For those who want a blazer look but a more casual vibe, this is your gal. On first glance, she looks like a normal blazer but typically the fabric will be lighter, sometimes unlined and less structured than your typical blazer. This blazer can be worn in the same ways as a classic blazer, but the shape will be different. The shoulders should be fitted, but the bodice will be looser and give a casual look. I paired with a dress here but worn with jeans, it is an updated casual vibe. An unstructured blazer usually comes in more colors than classic blazers, so if you are looking to up your blazer game this one should be your next purchase. I like a camel color in this look as well. This blazer is somewhere between the menswear oversized look and a classic blazer.
Suggested Blazers:
Statement Blazer
Dress Code:
Bold Chic
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the hips and upper thigh
– Structured at the shoulders, darted to give a waist
– Button front placket, can be single or double breasted
Fit:
– You want this to be a true to size fit. Just like a classic blazer, you will want the shoulders to fit — that is the best way to tell if a blazer is for you. If you can easily slide the blazer on without an gapping at the shoulders (too big) and the back doesn’t stretch with tension when you move (too small), then you should be good to go. Look for a statement blazer that fits you well, you want the color, pattern, etc. to stand out not the ill-fit.
– For petite women, keep the length of the blazer closer to right below your hip.
How to Style:
This blazer is for my level 5 blazer enthusiasts. You love a blazer but you really want to make a statement, this one is for you. Or maybe you are bored with your Classic Blazer, then I got you. I chose a bright red for this post but you can find a statement blazer in any color, print, etc. I find that each season brings us a new myriad of options, so if you can’t find the statement you want to make this spring, don’t worry. They’ll be more in the future. 😉
Style this blazer with intention of keeping the blazer as the hero of the outfit. I didn’t want to pair this with a loud top as well because I want my blazer to speak for itself. Going simple with the rest of your outfit gives you a chic look, effortlessly. It’s amazing, pairing a simple shell or a tank automatically makes you look pulled together, when really it’s the easiest top you can chose. Style doesn’t have to be complicated to be elevated.
With that in mind, a statement blazer can be for work or in a casual setting. For work, pair it with neutrals — think an easy shift dress, work trousers or a nice flare leg trouser or jean. For everyday, pair it with denim, leggings, a nice floral dress. Just allow the blazer to do all the talking.
Suggested Blazers:
Structured Shoulder Blazer
Dress Code:
Everyday Chic
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the hips and mid-thigh
– Loose fit through shoulders, boxier fit
– Open placket
– Shoulders are usually padded
Fit:
– For petite women, keep the length of the blazer closer to right below your hip. You want to keep the oversized look without feeling like you are drowning in your dad’s jacket and the length is key on this.
– For taller women or those with longer torso’s, try to go for a blazer that hits about mid-thigh. For this look, think about the rule of thirds in terms of head, torso, legs. I’m 5’9″ so my blazer is hitting me about mid thigh which still allows for my legs to look proportionate even though my blazer is longer than typical.
– Size down if you are smaller on top because the shoulder pads can be overwhelming and you only want one thing to be the feature on this blazer — you want a structured shoulder only not a structured shoulder, oversized, longer length, etc.
How to Style:
This is one of my favorite styles, actually. I already have broad shoulders so a blazer like this fits me perfectly. It’s actually nice to feel small in a blazer, if that makes sense. This blazer will style much like the menswear / oversized and actually the unstructured blazer. However this one works for workwear as well, the structure gives it a bossier feel than leaving it completely unstructured.
Suggested Blazers:
Knit Blazer
Dress Code:
Casual Classic
Key Features:
– Hits somewhere between below the hips and mid-thigh
– Loose fit through shoulders, boxier fit
– Open placket, no buttons
– Usually a thicker woven knit, sweater like fabric
Fit:
– Boxier cut, the shoulders should be about the same width as the hem of the blazer
– Not tailored but should fit well, not oversized but relaxed fit.
– take a size down for a closer fit in this type of blazer, again not oversized but a relaxed look.
How to Style:
Think of this has an elevated cardigan. Cardigan: the next generation. It’s what happens if a blazer and a cardigan have a love child, the best of both world — it’s soft and sweater like but in the silhouette and cut of a blazer. With this in mind, you can style it very similarly as you would a cardigan. Think over tees, tanks, anything that is going to give a more casual or laid back vibe. I like to think of Coastal Grandma goes to the office when styling this look.
Pair this look as you would a cardigan. With denim, trousers, pants — skinny, straight or flare. If you go with a wide leg, be sure to elongate your look with a heel of some kind. Keep that rule of thirds in mind!
Suggested Blazers:
______________________________
Whew! I told you — it was a big post. Hopefully breaking this down can help you when you shop for that perfect blazer for you. This post by no means is suggesting you get all the blazers (I am just very extra + also a style influencer) but I do hope that this post is helpful in finding the blazer that is just right for you! It is after all, an Everyday Essential. The outfits you can make from these essentials are endless. My other ‘essentials’ post was last month where we discussed leggings, if you need a refresher or you missed it, find it here!
