How to Wear a Blazer

Last Updated: December 21, 2021 References

The blazer is a super-chic fashion item that can be used to create a broad variety of looks. Wearing a blazer the right way starts with choosing the right cut for your figure. From that point on, you can use your blazer to create professional, dressy, or casual looks by pairing the blazer with clothing items like button-down shirts, jeans, and T-shirts.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Selecting the Right Fit

1
Try the blazer on to get the most accurate fit. Putting the blazer on will allow you to check all of the important areas of the blazer, including the shoulders, sleeve length, hem, and buttons. Try the blazer on over a shirt or other piece of clothing to ensure that it will fit over multiple layers.^{[1]
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- If you’re ordering the blazer online, always leave the tags on the blazer until you’ve tried it on and determined that it fits.
2
Check that the shoulder seams come to your shoulders. The seam of the shoulders in your blazer should be right where your shoulder ends. If the seam is falling off of your shoulder, the blazer is too large, and if the seam doesn’t reach your shoulder, it’s too small.^{[2]
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- If you’re trying on a blazer with shoulder pads, feel your shoulder under the blazer so you know where it ends.
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3
Button up the blazer to ensure it doesn’t pull. When you close the jacket and do the buttons, look in a mirror to see how the blazer now fits. If the blazer is pulling in an ‘X’ shape due to the buttons, the blazer is too tight. The fabric should remain smooth if the blazer fits correctly when buttoned, and your arms should move freely.^{[3]
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- If you move your arms around and feel a little bit of tightness, this is okay - just as long as the blazer isn’t constricting your movement.
4
Look for a sleeve length that hits right below your wrist. A classic blazer has sleeves that reach at least to your wrist, and many of them are even a tiny bit longer. With the blazer on, hold your arms to your sides as well as out in front of you to see where the sleeve hits your arm.^{[4]
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- Some blazers have sleeves that are purposefully shorter, such as ones that are bracelet length so you can show off a bracelet that you’re wearing.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Choosing the Fabric and Hem

1
Choose a blazer that comes to your hip for a classic fit. Most blazers should have a hem that comes to about your hips, or right where the knuckle of your thumb is when you put your arm to your side. When you're trying the blazer on, look to see where the hem hits your hips.^{[5]
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- Stretch out your fingers when your arms are by your side to measure where the blazer hits your thumb.
2
Try out shorter or longer hems for a more unique blazer. Blazers with hems right below your chest or longer ones that go past your hips are options that will give you a more dynamic look. When trying these blazers on, check to make sure the blazer doesn't pull and that the sleeve length works well with your needs.
- For example, a cropped blazer will have a hem that goes right below your chest.
- A longer blazer might go below your hand and have a tail in the back.
3
Choose a linen or cotton blazer in warmer months. Linen and cotton breathe easily and are lightweight fabrics, perfect for hotter weather. Look for blazers made of these fabrics if you plan on wearing your blazer in the warmer months.^{[6]
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- For example, put on a white linen blazer over a tank top and skirt for a great summer outfit.
4
Opt for a wool or tweed blazer in the winter. These fabrics are a bit thicker and will provide more protection against the cooler weather. Select blazers made of wool or tweed to keep you warm.^{[7]
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- Velvet is also a great fabric to wear in cooler weather.
5
Pick out blazers in colors that are versatile to get the most use out of them. When you choose a blazer, you want to purchase one that you’ll wear often and that goes with many pieces in your wardrobe. Gray, black, and navy are the most popular color options when it comes to choosing a blazer as they go with lots of different colors and outfit options.^{[8]
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- Brown and tan are good color options for creating a casual outfit, while maroon and blue are trendier choices.
6
Purchase a patterned blazer to create a statement outfit. Look for a blazer that makes a statement, such as a leopard print blazer or embroidered blazer. Pair the blazer with neutral-colored shirts and bottoms, and choose eye-popping shoes to complete the look.^{[9]
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- Try on a leopard-print blazer with black slacks and a black V-neck.
- Choose a floral embroidered blazer to wear over a neutral-colored tee and fitted jeans.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Styling a Men’s Blazer

1
Wear a blazer with a tie to create a dressier outfit. Pair your blazer with a button-down shirt, tie, and nice pants. This is a great, put-together outfit that you can wear to work, to a dressier event, or even on a night out.^{[10]
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- For example, wear a navy blue blazer, white button-down, light blue patterned tie, and khaki pants.
- Pair a tweed blazer and tie with corduroy pants for a more textured look.
- Opt for dress shoes or loafers with this look.
- You can button the blazer or leave it unbuttoned.
2
Pair your blazer with jeans for a casual look. A blazer instantly dresses up a pair of jeans and makes your outfit look more sophisticated. Pick out a shirt to wear and put your blazer over it, slipping on a pair of dark-wash jeans to complete the outfit.^{[11]
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- Wear a tan blazer, blue plaid button-down, and dark-wash jeans along with loafers.
- Put on a textured blazer to wear over a solid-colored white T-shirt with your jeans and lace-up shoes.
3
Pick out a solid-colored T-shirt to wear under your blazer if you want to dress it down. This could be a V-neck or a crew neck, though V-necks tend to be more popular when paired with a blazer. This dresses up the tee and gives you an outfit you can wear out to lunch, to the store, or to meet up with a friend.^{[12]
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- For example, pair a white linen blazer with a gray T-shirt underneath.
- Pick out shoes to wear with this outfit depending on whether you want to dress it up or not - dressier shoes will make it fancier while a simple, stylish tennis shoe will make it more casual.
4
Select a button-down to wear with your blazer for a versatile outfit. Button-downs come in so many different colors and patterns that they make a great choice when paired with a blazer. Wear this outfit combination to work, out for drinks, or on a date.^{[14]
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- Leave the blazer unbuttoned when wearing it with a button-down.
- Wear a black blazer with a light purple button-down and jeans.
- Pair a solid brown blazer with a navy blue button-down and khaki pants.
5
Opt for a graphic tee under your blazer for an artsy vibe. This is a great outfit to wear on a night out or to an informal event. Pick out a graphic T-shirt from your closet to wear with a blazer, finishing off the look with a pair of fitted jeans and nice sneakers.^{[15]
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- Put on a band tee under a solid black blazer with dark-wash jeans.
- Roll up the sleeves of your blazer, if desired.
6
Add a cardigan under your blazer for a layered look. This is a great outfit for colder weather when you want layers that you can take on and off as needed. Wear a V-neck or crew neck cardigan under the blazer, opting for a cardigan that can easily be pulled on over your head or one that buttons up.^{[16]
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- Try on a light green cardigan under a navy blazer along with trousers and suede lace-up shoes.
- You can wear a shirt underneath the cardigan too.
7
Choose a textured or patterned blazer for a bold outfit. If you want your outfit to make a statement, look for a blazer in a funky fabric, like velvet, or in a pattern such as plaid, florals, or chevron. If you choose a bolder blazer, make sure the rest of your outfit is neutral-colored so the blazer doesn’t overshadow it.^{[17]
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- For example, pick out a red plaid blazer to wear over a black tee and dark-wash jeans.
- Opt for a black velvet blazer with a blue button-down shirt and khakis.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Creating Outfits with a Women’s Blazer

1
Wear a blazer over a dress for a professional yet feminine outfit. Look through your closet to find a fitted dress that you like, and then pair it with a blazer that matches. Choosing a fitted dress looks better with a blazer, though you can sometimes find flowy dresses that work with blazers as well. Pair your dress with heels or flats.^{[18]
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- Select a solid cream blazer to try on over a floral cream and black dress with black heels.
- Put on a solid black blazer with a red dress and black flats.
- This is a great outfit to wear to work, out to dinner, or to a nice event like an auction or art opening.
2
Choose a monochromatic color scheme with your blazer for work. This is a great outfit to dress up or down. Pick out colors like blues, blacks, creams, and grays. Whether it’s a button-down, sweater, or tee shirt under your blazer, the monochromatic color scheme makes you look more sophisticated.^{[19]
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- Wear a gray blazer with a white button-down, light gray tailored pants, and heels.
- Try out a light blue blazer with a cream-colored sweater, light wash jeans, and cream-colored flats.
- You can also wear this outfit to run errands, meet a friend for coffee, or go to an informal meeting.
3
Pair a blazer with a button-down and jeans for a sophisticated outfit. Button-downs are a staple in nearly every closet and they work well with a blazer. Pick out a solid-colored or patterned button-down to wear with a blazer. Dress up the outfit with tailored pants or dress it down with jeans.^{[20]
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- Create an outfit made up of a pink blazer with a white and gray striped button-down, high-waisted jeans, and pointed heels.
- Put on a dark green blazer with a white button-down, fitted corduroy pants, and flats.
4
Dress up a T-shirt by wearing a blazer over it. The T-shirt can be solid-colored or graphic, though a solid-colored tee will create a more sophisticated and versatile look. Tuck your tee into the front of your pants for a super chic look before throwing on your blazer.^{[21]
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- Pair a gray V-neck tee with a red velvet blazer and distressed jeans.
- Put on a white graphic T-shirt with a navy blue blazer, tailored pants, and a belt.
- Add heels to this outfit to make it dressier, or opt for boots for a more comfortable and edgy look.
5
Select a hoodie to wear under your blazer to stay comfortable. The blazer dresses up the hoodie, making your super casual outfit a bit fancier. Make sure the hood of the hoodie is pulled out of the blazer and that it isn’t too bulky to contrast with the sleek look of the blazer.^{[22]
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- For example, put on a solid light pink hoodie with a black blazer, black skinny jeans, and sneakers.
- Tuck the front of your hoodie into your pants to give your outfit more shape.
- Wear this outfit with a winter hat and boots for colder weather.
6
Create a bold outfit by pairing a metallic or sparkly skirt with your blazer. This is a perfect outfit to wear on a night out or to a party. Find a fun, bold skirt in your closet and pair it with a more neutral-colored shirt and blazer. Finish off the outfit with a pair of heels.^{[23]
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- Wear a solid gold metallic mini skirt with a black spaghetti strap shirt, black blazer, and black heels.
- Put on a black sparkly skirt with a white blazer and tee with the shirt tucked into the skirt.

Community Q&A

Question

Can't I wear flats or ballet flats with a blazer?

Community Answer

I wear flats with my blazers and skinny jeans and I feel great. Go for it!
Question

I have a navy blazer. How should I wear it to church?

Community Answer

Your blazer would look good with a white top, black cropped trousers and shiny, dark shoes.