How to Style a Blazer to Look Effortless and Chic
Follow along to learn how to choose the perfect blazer to look effortless and modern. I’ll show you some chic blazer outfit ideas as well as how to style a blazer.
Blazers are a wardrobe staple for so many reasons. Today, I set out to show you my favorite blazers, from fit to styling and how to incorporate them into outfits for various occasions.
1. Length
Length is one of the most important aspects when picking a blazer because it determines if you’ll look proportional or too short/tall. Too long of a blazer will shorten your legs.
Alternatively, a blazer that’s too short will shorten your torso. If the blazer stops at your largest point, it will make you appear larger. A boxy style can make you appear shapeless.
I’m starting with a blazer that falls just above my hips. This length flatters me, because it falls just above my hips:
When I wear a blazer that falls at my widest point, it draws unwanted attention to that area.
Now I’m wearing a blazer that goes past my widest point, which is great if your goal is to camouflage a curvy hip. But remember, this can make you look shorter. Consider your priority when choosing the length of your blazer.
2. Shoulder
A tailored blazer will have the shoulder line right at the curve of your shoulder.
An oversized blazer has a drop shoulder. It gives that 90s vibe that’s so current at the moment.
3. The chest/waist
The blazer should slightly nip in at your waist and fit comfortably over your chest.
4. The sleeves
When compiling the perfect blazer outfit idea, make sure the sleeves reach your wrists and have a little wiggle room for layering and movement.
5. The chest
Make sure there’s enough room for your chest without the blazer “gaping open” or feeling too loose.
6. Body shape
When it comes to finding the best blazer for different body shapes, consider the shape of the blazer itself. For example, a classic, fitted 2-button blazer, wrapped style or angular blazer compliment a straight body shape. This is especially true if every line points to the middle.
The following elements can do wonders to create the illusion of curves for a straight body type.
Strategically placed lapels or pockets.
Flared sleeves:
Peplum hemlines:
A nipped in waist with a single button fastening or belt:
For a pear body shape, a cute blazer that emphasizes the waist and skims over the hips can compliment this shape. It’s also important to look for styles with shoulder pads or nipped in waists to balance your figure.
For the inverted triangle body type, a blazer that’s more fitted at the bottom can balance out your wider, upper half. It’s best to avoid styles with too much bulk in the shoulders. In this case, a straight blazer would be perfect for you.
7. The vibe
With the fit sorted, it’s time to consider the vibe you want to create. Think of the various situations you spend most of your time in.
A chill, effortless vibe:
Take a pair of jeans from your wardrobe, add a white t-shirt, a belt and finish off with your favorite blazer. This is the quintessentially cool, supermodel uniform that I love! For this look to work, the blazer needs to be modern.
This t-shirt and jeans outfit, without a blazer, looks out of proportion:
But not just any blazer will do! A fitted blazer wouldn’t do much for you here:
The right blazer would be slightly oversized since it counterbalances the bagginess of the jeans.
Here’s a day-time, chic black blazer outfit idea with ankle boots that I revisit frequently:
If your outfit needs to take you from the office to a night out, just a quick switch of your boots for heels can make this outfit evening-appropriate.
It’s safe to say that blazers are a hero item in women's closets. This means it should bring your cost per wear close to 0.
The sophisticated vibe:
These rich, brown tailored pants and double-breasted blazer in a light wool are actually separates that I wear as a suit. To me, a rich brown shade is so chic. I’ve styled them in a minimalistic manner, with a lighter top and bag for a bit of contrast. My orange pumps add that ever-so-important polish to this blazer outfit idea.
If you have a meeting in the city or a business dinner, you can even opt for a pair of clean sneakers in a complimentary palette if you prefer them over pumps.
The feminine vibe:
When I’m craving a more feminine look without running the risk of overdoing it, a lime, jersey maxi dress with a minimalist design, topped with an oversized blaze just feels relaxed but elevated and balanced.
I’ve added barely-there kitten heel sandals:
Another way to change up your blazer outfit ideas is to add a belt for more interest and to define your waist more. Keep in mind that this look doesn’t work for all types of blazers.
Stand in front of the mirror and try different blazer and belt combinations. Exercise your creativity and trust your discernment!
How to style a blazer
Hopefully these blazer outfit ideas have given you lots of inspiration. Let me know in the comments how you will style your blazer.
Next, check out 7 of the hottest 2024 fashion trends with me next.
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