HOW TO WEAR A BLAZER

Now, this question actually comes along at just the right time for me, because it just so happens that I’m just a little bit obsessed with blazers right now – in fact, you can see some of my own blazer outfits here, here and here. Of course, the blazers I’ve been wearing aren’t velvet, but I think the same basic principles apply to styling ANY blazer, which is why I’ve focused this post on how to wear blazers in general, as opposed to velvet blazers in particular.

In terms of styling a velvet blazer, the main difference between it and any other style is that, as Sara points out, velvet is most appropriate for the autumn/winter months, so it’ll look best with winter-weight fabrics, tights rather than bare legs, etc etc. With all of that said, here are some different ways to wear a blazer!

HOW TO WEAR A BLAZER | WITH JEANS AND HEELS

This look is an all-time classic, and one of my personal favourite outfit formulas right now.  As much as I love jeans, I always tend to feel a little sloppy in them, and one of the reasons I love blazers so much is that they’ll take that basic “jeans and a top” outfit, and effortlessly make it look polished. Heels do that too, of course, although this look would also work with flats – or, indeed, with boots, or whatever form of footwear is most appropriate for your style/the season.

HOW TO WEAR A BLAZER | WITH A DRESS

Blazers are also an easy way to add structure to a flowy dress, and, as with the jeans, will instantly dress up your look, too. Having said that, I’ve kept this look fairly casual and autumn/winter appropriate, and think a velvet blazer would look fantastic here – oh, and you’d probably want to add a pair of tights, too!

HOW TO WEAR A BLAZER | WITH A SKIRT

Although I love the look of blazers over flowing dresses, I’m less keen on them with flowing skirts – between the volume of the skirt, and the straight-up-and-down shape of the blazer, blazers and prom-style skirts will make your waist disappear, so unless that’s the look you’re going for, I find tube or pencil skirts a better bet. This is another very casual look, which could easily be dressed up or made work-appropriate by swapping the sneakers for shoes, the t-shirt for a smarter top, and choosing a slightly less clingy skirt.