"If you told me my house was on fire, I’d run out with my most-loved blazer in tow. Realistically, yes, I’m kidding—but my love for blazers is that extreme. While I generally keep them in rotation year-round, come fall, I become singularly focused on my boundless blazer collection. They’re the saving grace when you don’t know what to wear, the piece that instantly pulls you together, the crème de la crème of fall fashion.
Whether or not you stay ahead of the trend curve, it’s the essential anti-trend piece that works for all style types. What was once synonymous with workwear is now the foundation of every woman’s out-of-office wardrobe. But no matter the dress code or the season, rest assured that no one’s working harder than this versatile, year-round staple.
From oversized to double-breasted, there’s a blazer (and an outfit combo) for everyone. With the anticipation of crisp temps ahead, I’m sharing my favorite ways to sport this fundamental fall layer—all that’s left for you to do is hit copy and paste.
1. With a belt
If you’re looking to tap into the trending hourglass-shaped blazer for fall, but don’t necessarily want to invest in a new blazer, try creating the waist-cinching effect with your go-to belt. This idea may feel stuffy in theory, but in reality, the result is anything but. The nipped-in waist delivers the biggest boost of confidence, and lends to an outfit formula that’s my most-complimented to date. Bonus: This duo doubles as a top for those days when you can’t be bothered to find the right shirt.
2. With a dress
I love the surprise element of a masculine, relaxed-style blazer in stark contrast to a feminine, corseted dress. To me, it screams “I just threw this on,” and it’s one of the easiest combos to put together in a pinch. However, this one’s all about proportions, so my recommendation is the tighter the dress, the looser the blazer.
3. With jeans and a graphic tee
You simply can’t go wrong with jeans and a tee. While you could easily get away with a pared-back approach to styling, I recommend adding statement accessories, like a studded belt or a fun pair of shoes, to the easy combo. And while you’re at it, try swapping your classics for more trending silhouettes, like baggier jeans or boxier tees.
4. With boots and bermudas
Bermudas for fall? I’ll happily oblige. If you’re looking to stretch your summer staples a bit further, look for ways to start incorporating some of your fall favorites into their styling. Enter: an oversized black blazer. Adding a blazer to shorts makes for the perfect transitional outfit for the start of cooler days, especially when you add knee-high boots that allow for just a little skin to show.
5. With an added layer
Unless you’re going for an evening look, most people expect to see a blazer layered casually over a lightweight top. But instead of your classic tee-and-blazer combo, throw in a wild card and add a button-down to the mix. Though you could certainly pull this off with a standard, woven blazer, I’d suggest opting for one made out of leather to help differentiate the already corporate-leaning button down.
6. With Leggings
Give your blazer a more laid-back look by substituting your trousers for leggings. It’ll feel fresh and unexpected, all while keeping you ready to comfortably move throughout your day. If I were to give this outfit a redo, I’d swap the black leggings for a red alternative, and the chunky sneakers for a pair of loafers. Outfits like these will make you totally forget that you’re still in yoga pants from your early morning pilates sesh.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.