Hello! How are you all? It’s so good to be back blogging after a longer hiatus than originally anticipated. Before, I get into the subject of styling blazers with jeans, I thought I’d give you a little life update on our move to London. I planned to post every other week, but let’s just say that I severely underestimated my free time, what with packing, last minute tasks, spending time with family and friends and navigating a few unexpected delays around visa processing. However, I’ve just landed in sunny, beautiful, romantic Paris and I’m very excited to spend a few weeks on the road before settling down and making ourselves comfortable nearby the Thames. If you’re from Europe or London, feel free to leave recommendations of places to visit, things to do etc. in the comments below. I’ll also share some travel content about what I packed etc and will set up a travel tab on my main blog so you can see what we get up to.
Now on to the reason you’re really here – styling blazers and jeans. As you know, I’m a big fan of smaller wardrobes filed with pieces which last the distance and transcend trends and blazers are one such piece. They’re incredibly versatile; style them with work pants/skirt and a blouse for an instantly professional look or pair them with jeans and sneakers for a smart casual vibe or with a dress for a day to night look. It’s so easy to find a great quality blazer preloved and this one I picked up for just $18 from my local op shop.
1.Consider the cut and tailoring of the blazer
Proportions make a huge difference to the way an outfit looks, particularly so when it comes to blazers as they are quite a structured, tailored piece. An oversized blazer pairs well with slim fit or skinny jeans as the fitted bottoms balances out the volume on top. Similarly, a slightly more structured blazer pairs well with a relaxed pair of jeans. The blazer I’m wearing above is somewhere in between. Not overly fitted, but this is balanced out by the high waist of my trusty Levi’s Ribcage jeans and the fitted bodysuit I’ve paired them with.
2. Consider the wash of denim
To be honest, it’s hard to go too far wrong when styling blazer with jeans as blazers in generally match most denim washes. That said, the season and event can influence the jeans you choose to style it with. For example, blue jeans are generally a reliable all-round smart casual staple, black jeans can give off a slightly dressier vibes and lighter pair of jeans are great with a lighter blazer or linen blazer in spring or summer. That said, there’s no right or wrong here – after all fashion is about creativity and what makes you feel your best.
3. Patterned or plain
While a plain black blazer is always a classic option, a black blazer can sometimes be quite a stark statement piece and can sometimes be quite formal. If you’re looking to soften a look, jeans paired with a plaid, houndstooth or charcoal blazer can be a timeless alternative.
4. Pair a blazer with wardrobe basics
A bodysuit, camisole or t-shirt (striped or plain) or a white shirt are classic options to pair with a blazer. I tend to avoid blouses which are voluminous or which have a high neckline as this can sometimes create excess fabric under the blazer, detract from the blazer’s lapel (the triangle pieces of cloth around the neckline) and undermine the streamlined lines of the outfit.
5. Choose the right fabric for the season
A lighter linen blazer is perfect for summer, whereas a heavier wool or tweed is great over a knit in autumn and winter.
6. Elevate the look with accessories
One of the things I love about pairing blazers with jeans is it’s a look that can easily take you from day to night. A pair of flats or white sneakers, or sandals is perfect for during the way, while a pair of heels easily makes the outfit evening appropriate. Here I’ve paired this outfit with a pair of neutral pumps, which creates the illusion of elongated legs. Most bags will pair with blazers but I like to follow the three colour rule (incorporating no more than three colours into an outfit) as this makes the outfit look cohesive. A thin belt around a blazer can create a beautiful hourglass shape.
What are some of your favourite ways to style blazers with jeans?
Outfit details: Blazer (thrifted – similar here or here), bodysuit Kookai (old, but similar here), jeans (my trusty Levi Ribcage Straight Ankle Jeans – similar shade here), shoes Country Road (old, but similar here).
Photos: Sara Eshu
Disclaimer – this blog post may contain affiliate links. You can read more about what that means here.
