Get acquainted with a wardrobe classic.
Have a fashion crisis that needs solving? Every week our editors answer a reader-submitted question, so tell us all about your wardrobe woes. Read on for this week's advice!
Thirteen-year-old Daniela G. of Colombia writes: "I want to know what to wear with a blazer! Thanks in advance...P.S. I LOVE Teen Vogue!"
Aw, thanks! We love you too—and we love this short and sweet question. Blazers are certainly a wardrobe staple, but they're also a bit difficult to figure out. How can you strike a balance between stuffy and sophisticated? (We'll show you.) Is it possible to look feminine in a menswear-inspired piece? (Yes, if that's what you're going for.) Bonus: This little fashion crisis is especially relevant as intern season approaches and you may be trying out office attire for the first time.
Click through, and learn how to show off a blazer in style!
Before we get into the styling nitty gritty, let’s discuss choosing the right blazer. Though originally a coat for dudes on boats in the 1800s, the preppy basic is obviously very much welcome on land (and on girls) nowadays. And since the market is saturated with cute cover-ups, there’s no excuse for an ill-fitting one. Pick a piece that flatters your shape, and don’t be afraid to take it to a tailor if you need little alterations (sleeve shortening or what have you) to make it fit just right. Also, feel free to go a little wild and find a blazer in a bright color or rad print.
Rag & Bone Peak lapel blazer. Rag-Bone.com.
Look we love: a blazer over a dress. Look we don’t love: a blazer with a skirt. Why? A dress can look super fresh, especially when its material is way less structured than the jacket’s (example: this lace frock/double-breasted blazer combo we saw at Harvard). Conversely, a skirt with a blazer can feel dated (think: corporate office vibes circa 1985) or school uniform-y.
Michael Michael Kors Striped satin dress, $150. Net-a-Porter.com.
You can also wear the exact opposite of a dress, which is of course a graphic T-shirt. Cute boys in bands have been rocking the tee-with-a-blazer look forever, and it’s just as cool when girls do it. Pair with skinny jeans, patent brogues, and lots-o-jewelry, and you’re set. And whatever you do, don’t wear your blazer with any sort of collared shirt situation if you want to avoid that corporate and/or uniform feel.
Zara Shark T-shirt, $35. Zara.com.
Even a plain black blazer can look extra-special with the help of some well-placed pins. Stick some small buttons on your lapel or opt for a single unique brooch (or go really crazy and pile on a bunch of ’em). Be wary of pin holes, but know that thick fabric damages way less easily than thinner material.
Kenneth Jay Lane Lipstick pin, $77. Shopbop.com.
We’re not sure if it’s the Blair Waldorf-ness of it all or what, but we love a little hair flair with our blazers. Bracelets might get hidden under structured sleeves and necklaces can get lost among lapels, but a standout headband or a well-placed ribbon is totally on display when you’re wearing a blazer. Play up the prep with a polka dot bow, or add a dash of punk sensibility with a spike-embellished band.
Forever 21 Polka dot bow hair clips, $1. Forever21.com.