The blazer — a certified classic — is once again having its fashion moment. And we know all too well how long these moments last.
But this time, it looks like it’s here to stay.
Menswear for women has come and gone in the past few decades, beginning in the 1960s when Yves Saint Laurent unveiled his mind-blowing concept called Le Smoking.
But while the look had been popular with socialites, celebrities and high-powered female corporate executives, it didn’t translate heavily into the streets until today.
Straight from the runways, to off-duty models and magazine editors, to style bloggers and the girls next door, everyone and their mothers have turned the blazer into a closet staple.
Could it be because it is available now more than ever, or are we all collectively paying homage to the late YSL and his revolutionary ideal?
But unlike the power suit and strictly preppy jackets of yore, women today are rocking their blazers in a whole new way. Variations of the blazer — from the slouchy Boyfriend, to the elegant Tux, to the adorable Schoolboy — are now being worn not as part of a suit, but with jeans or mini dresses, dhoti pants and droopy tanks, leather leggings and paper-thin tees. More cosmopolitan than corporate. Infinitely more street than its staid country club past.
Here are some tips to get the look right:
1. Start with a well-fitting blazer. Make sure the shoulders and length fit you right.
2. To keep it far from looking like office wear, pair the blazer with jeans instead of trousers, or with a pretty dress instead of a shift. Or a plaid button-down and a mini, instead of a button-down shirt and pencil skirt.
3. Soften the tailoring of the blazer with unexpected pieces such as tank tops and T-shirts, or feminine tops like camisoles or ruffly, bowtie blouses.
4. Push the sleeves up for a more casual vibe. You can also wear it with tattered denim shorts! Who says you can’t?
5. Accessorize. Try a scarf with your blazer, long necklaces or vintage earrings, an oversized clutch or a canvas tote.
Try ballet flats, gladiator sandals or this season’s chunky statement shoes. Anything that will dispel its “all business” connotation would be a refreshing alternative.