We can’t live without our black blazers. They save us time and time again, making an appearance at job interviews, at important presentations, and at least once a week when we’re convinced we have nothing to wear. But hear us out: There’s a whole world of blazers out there that go beyond the basic, and they’re the perfect way to power-dress while keeping your 9-to-5 feeling stylish.
What’s on our blazer-update checklist? Firstly, it should speak to our favorite trends while still feeling like a classic investment piece. Secondly, it should be anything other than basic and black. And finally, it has to be effortless to wear—there’s nothing worse than feeling uncomfortable at work. Our blazers are the hero of our outfits: We don’t want to have to take them off while we’re sitting at our computers, so they have to be made from fabric that breathes and has our back when we're under pressure. That’s why when we’re shopping for blazers this season (and every season), we’re looking at the fiber content to make sure it’s made with cotton.
So yes, while some days it’s fine to feel like you just need that safe option, we’re here to show you a few updates you can make instead.
Select Stripes
Blessed with a casual office but don’t want to stress about unexpectedly bumping into your CEO in the hallway? A blue-toned blazer is perfect for making a subtle statement, and we can always call on pinstripes to add a touch of business-ready polish. Add on-trend details: wide-leg denim, pops of red, statement earrings, and a graphic cotton tee. To be honest, this fresh look makes us wonder why we’d ever wear black again.
Go for Tweed
Tweed is Coco Chanel’s favorite fabric for a reason, right? Let’s face it: The fabric that seems like it goes with nothing actually goes with everything and elevates any outfit to optimum levels of chic. If your favorite black dress doesn’t quite feel office-appropriate enough, throw on your tweed blazer and make an effortless statement. Accessorize with a sleek leather watch and woven black flats, and stow all your belongings in a tote bag with clean lines.
Wear More White
Whoever told you that you can’t wear white after Labor Day clearly did not own a white blazer. You can do virtually anything with a white third piece (and it's easy to clean since it's made out of cotton) because it acts as a blank canvas to throw color against. While it’s obviously perfect with denim or navy, try taking things up a notch: Opt for a fluted-sleeve blue top and terra-cotta cotton trousers, and balance things out with luxe off-white loafers. It’s an outfit that’s both comfortable (look at all the room you’ll have in those breathable trousers) and elevated.
Power Up the Pantsuit
You can go two ways with a pantsuit: Pair it with heels and feel classically chic, or opt for crisp sneakers and embody that whole Jil Sander vibe. We’re loving a waist-accentuating option to create a sleek silhouette, and we currently can’t get enough of this neutral tone. Consider this pantsuit your shortcut to looking completely put together (with minimal effort).
Dial Up the Details
An all-black look is great when you hit snooze one too many times and need a chic no-brainer outfit stat. Because black doesn’t necessarily mean basic: There are blazer options out there with elevated moments like luxe buttons, interesting cutouts, and unexpected sleeves (like these wrist-ties details dreamed up by Brock Collection). Pair with more great pieces that elevate black basics: high-waist cigarette jeans, a flouncy top with of-the-moment ruffles, and statement-making shoes.
Have we convinced you to ditch your black blazer and turn to a fun piece? Shop more of our favorites here!
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