July 20, 2024

How to Style the Different Types of Blazers for Men

A blazer can make any outfit when you know how to make it work. A blazer is one of the most versatile articles in any closet. You can pair a blazer with a fashion tee for date night or an informal business meeting. They can also broadcast power and authority when paired with the right accessories.

Different blazers demand different styling, though. We've put together a guide on how to style a blazer for any outfit or occasion.

Table of Content

The Classic Navy Blazer

The classic navy blazer never goes out of style. They're as in now as it was in the 1920s. Navy blue blazers are suitable for everything from upscale looks for the boating club to the ballpark, depending on what you pair it with.

If you're going for a more powerful look, pair your navy blazer with a pair of gray slacks. If you're looking for more of a casual style, a navy blazer with a pair of khakis is always a solid choice. Go with a pair of solid-colored chinos if you're looking for a more modern update on the classic look.

The Casual Cotton Blazer

Cotton blazers are a popular choice for more casual settings. A cotton blazer with a nice t-shirt or polo shirt are an excellent choice for casual situations that are still slightly upscale. The pants make a big difference, too. A casual cotton blazer paired with cotton trousers makes an excellent upscale casual look. Pairing a casual cotton blazer with a nice pair of jeans is also a solid choice. Cotton blazers are still appropriate for fancier settings, though. A cotton blazer with a thicker pair of trousers is dressy enough for a wedding or business mixer. 

The Double-Breasted Blazer

The double-breasted blazer is the most extra of all the blazers. For those looking to sport this statement piece, you can absolutely pull it off with the right styling. The double-breasted blazer is already the centerpiece of your outfit, so everything else you wear should support its statement. Slim-fit pants and understated shirts are the way to go when you're rocking a double-breasted blazer.

The Tweed Blazer

The tweed blazer is the look for the upscale country gentleman. It's equally at home on the shooting range as in the bank. Best of all, tweed blazers tend to be slightly warmer, making them an excellent choice for colder events. Tweed tends to be a little busier than plain or solid-colid blazers, though. A good rule of thumb is to match the base color of the tweed blazer with your trousers.

The Linen Blazer

Linen blazers are ideal for hotter weather, on the other hand. They're also an easy way to add a pop of color to whatever you're wearing. If you're looking for a blazer for summer, linen blazers look great with everything from light-colored trousers to a nice pair of shorts. A slightly oversized white linen blazer can give you that Miami Vice chic if you're going to be spending time on the beach or boat.

The Velvet Blazer

A velvet blazer adds a funky, timeless charm to any outfit. It's definitely a bold choice, though, so you need to style it right. Avoid busy trousers that could clash with the blazer. If you're wanting to lean into the '70s aesthetic, a velvet blazer with a pair of solid color corduroys or even a pair of leather trousers for a look that would make Samuel L. Jackson proud.

Mixing & Matching Blazer Colors and Patterns

A man wearing a blazer and posing for a picture, demonstrating mixing and matching blazer colors and patterns.
Demonstrating how to mix and match blazer colors and patterns for a stylish look.

 

Mixing and matching isn't just for velvet blazers. You can create contrast between your blazers, shirts, and trousers by varying colors and patterns. We've already talked about mixing a navy blue blazer with gray trousers, which is the classic blazer mix-and-match look. That works the other way, too. A gray blazer with navy blue trousers broadcasts power while still appearing slightly casual and dressed-down.

Accessorizing Your Blazer

If the blazer makes the outfit, the accessories decide what that outfit will be. Styling your blazer with an expensive watch automatically makes the outfit powerful and authoritative. Wearing it with some boat shoes gives that classic laidback preppy look. You can also use accessories like pocket squares, ties, and belts, which you can coordinate or contrast for even greater effect.

Transitioning Your Blazer from Day to Night

A blazer can easily transition from day wear to evening wear with just a few adjustments. Adding a pocket square automatically makes it more upscale. If you're planning on being out all day, if you bring along some accessories to change into is almost as good as changing your outfit. If you're looking for a more extreme transition, changing from a lighter-color blazer to a darker-color blazer will make your outfit more upscale. 

How To Style A Blazer FAQ

What shirt should I wear under a blazer?

Blazers go with nearly everything. For a formal effect, wear a blazer with a nice button-down shirt. For a more casual look, pair your blazer with a nice t-shirt or polo. You can even wear a blazer with a sweater for a friendlier, more approachable look.

Can I wear a blazer with jeans?

Absolutely! Blazers look as good with jeans as trousers. A blazer with a good pair of jeans is a classic upscale casual look,

How do I choose the right blazer color?

Choosing the right color for your blazer depends on many different variables. A lighter-color blazer is a fine choice for the warm weather months. Dark colors and patterns are suitable for the autumn and winter. Coordinating your blazer with your trousers gives a tailored, fashionable look. Creating contrasts is a way to produce different impressions depending on how you mix-and-match the color.

Are blazers only for formal occasions?

Absolutely not! Blazers are as good for casual situations where you want to look and feel your best as fancy occasions like weddings. 

How should a blazer fit?

A blazer's fit will depend on your body type as much as the effect you're going for. If you want to learn more, you can read our blog post How Should a Blazer Fit?

Elevate Your Style with the Perfect Blazer

Now that you know how to style a blazer, you're ready to find your perfect blazer. Even  better yet, you can pick out a few to experiment with some different styles! Browse the rest of our designer blazers today, and browse our style blog for even more fashion tips!

Written by Austin Coker