Sorry, cardigans and hoodies, but a good blazer is the best for completing a transitional look or adding a touch of sophistication to a casual outfit. You can easily throw one on with wide-leg jeans and a T-shirt to give your outfit some structure. Or, if you’re feeling nostalgic, drape it over a floral dress for a ’90s vibe. For a more formal setting like the office, layering a blazer over a tailored dress creates a polished ensemble.
In the past, blazers were mainly seen as work attire for women, reserved for office days or special events. But in 2024, they’re trendy and versatile, says stylist Desiree Miranda. “Nowadays, you can wear a blazer almost anywhere. Pairing blazers with denim creates a fantastic look for casual weekends or nights out with friends,” she explains. “Blazers can elevate your style effortlessly, giving you that fashion edge and making you feel like a true style icon.”
However, choosing the right blazer can be tricky, especially with so many styles available. Miranda advises selecting a blazer that flatters your body type. “If you have broad shoulders, avoid blazers with strong shoulder styles. Opt for a boxy, relaxed-fit blazer if you want to conceal a bit of a tummy,” she suggests. “And if you’re on the shorter side, look for cropped blazers to accentuate your waist.”
Relaxed, casual blazers like those worn by boyfriends are trendy at the moment, and there’s a good reason for that. They’re comfortable for all body types and can make even the simplest outfits look more dressed up just by adding a jacket. They’re a key item to have in your wardrobe and it’s worth investing in good quality fabrics that will last for many years. Blazers can be worn throughout the year. During the summer, linen blazers and lightweight polyester blends are great for weekends and holidays.
The most flattering style of blazer overall is one that’s slightly relaxed with a somewhat boxy fit. This type of blazer can hide any areas you might be self-conscious about, and if the seams are well-made, they can make you look slimmer and give you a more defined waist.
We spoke to fashion experts and stylists to find out about the best blazers for different styles and budgets. Keep reading for their advice on the best casual blazers, work blazers, and blazers for a night out from all your favourite brands.
Abercrombie & Fitch Classic Suiting Blazer
“This navy blazer from Abercrombie is a great option for a classic blazer under $200,” says Miranda. “Navy is a great transitional color that can work in the winter over gray or ivory sweaters and carry into the summer over floral patterns. This classic oversized boyfriend style will be the easiest to style for multiple looks and body types.”
Djerf Avenue Forever Blazer
Stylist and influencer Elisabeth Kassab is all about an oversized blazer, but one with a slightly structured shoulder. “There is something so cool and powerful about it,” says Kassab. “The Forever Blazer from Djerf Avenue goes with everything and is perfect to dress up a look. I love throwing this one on for dinner with jeans and heels.”
Express Oversized Boyfriend Blazer
“This oversized boyfriend blazer from Express is under $200 and truly just divine,” says influencer Deanna Giulietti. “It’s giving effortless, it’s giving CEO energy, it’s a 10/10.”
WeWoreWhat Faux Leather Blazer
According to Kassab, everybody needs a leather blazer and for this price, you can’t go wrong: “The faux leather on this is so soft and luxe. Wear this with jeans, a white tee and your favorite heels and you have a perfect dinner look.”
Mina Self Linen Blazer
For the ultimate lightweight and budget-friendly blazer, stylist Michelle Barrett would turn to this ruched-sleeve style. “ I love this simple, lightweight version in linen and cotton,” says Barrett. “It’s great to throw on in summer and comes in several colors.”
The Drop Anouk Blazer
“I love a good vegan leather blazer for the wardrobe,” says Miranda. “This one from Amazon is a budget-friendly find in a classic fit to keep you stylish and fashionable through the fall/winter season.”
Casual blazers for women
The Frankie Shop Bea Blazer
Kassab has played around with a bunch of different blazers over the last few years but says that this is the one she keeps going back to when she wants to throw something over a T-shirt and jeans for errands or even over a sweatsuit as an extra layer. “It’s the perfect shape — not too slouchy but not too formal — and you can dress it up or down and it’s still effortlessly cool,” says Kassab. “I’ve had mine for years now, and I still reach for it over all the other ones in my closet. Which also shows how good of an investment piece it is to have in your wardrobe.”
Abercrombie & Fitch Lightweight Suiting Blazer
Giulietti loves a long, colored blazer for a more casual look. “This blazer from Abercrombie paired with jeans and a white T-shirt is perfect for a fun and casual daytime event,” says Giulietti, “and it’s under $100!”
It comes in several classic suiting colors — all of which are prone to selling out, especially when on sale.
ASOS Design Mix & Match Slim Boy Suit Blazer
“I think the key to a good casual blazer is picking something that is a little oversized with a soft fluid shape,” says fashion influencer Carla Rockmore. “It should be able to work with your favorite pair of jeans and easily [be] thrown over your shoulder with a sundress.”
INC International Concepts Menswear Blazer
Try more than one color to spice up your jeans looks. “This borrowed-from-the-boys INC blazer is the definition of a wardrobe staple,” says Jenni Johnson, senior fashion director for Macy’s Ready to Wear department. “This versatile and easy-to-wear jacket comes in a range of colors, so there is no need to limit yourself to just one.”
Calvin Klein Two-Button Lux Blazer
The best standard blazer for work or leisure is this one from Calvin Klein, according to Barrett: “It comes in a range of neutral colors and would fit most body types. In addition, it comes in plus size options.”
Blazers to dress up a look for women
Veronica Beard Miller Dickey Jacket
Both Miranda and Barrett named this Veronica Beard option as their favorite. “If you are looking for a more sophisticated blazer style to dress up your look, the Veronica Beard Miller blazer is a go-to for my clients,” says Miranda. “Consider looking for blazers that have noticeable hardware, like this one has the big gold buttons, or opt for styles in nontraditional fabrics like a tweed or herringbone style. This blazer will give you more of a dressed-up edge when you pair it back to denim, and it has a slight cinching at the waist and is more fitted along the arms to be appropriate for fancier occasions.”
LK Bennett Nina Belted Peplum Blazer
This cinched black blazer is belted with a flared peplum silhouette. “I love this belted blazer, as it has a traditional formal feel about it, but the belt feature makes it more distinctive than more traditional styles,” says Barrett.
Gap Vegan Leather Blazer
“This is my go-to blazer to elevate a look. An all-black fit with a leather oversized blazer over a matching black workout set is chef’s kiss,” says Giulietti. “No one will know if you are heading to the gym or to a dinner date. It’s the best blazer for all occasions.”
Zara Mixed Poplin Blazer
For a dressed-up option, Rockmore picks this oversized blazer with a lapel collar, shoulder pads and contrast hem. “A sharp shoulder, a defined waistline and a brass button will quickly dress up a blazer for a dressier look,” says Rockmore. “Here’s a quick tip: If you have a blazer in your closet that you love, switch out the button for something with a little more sparkle to give it a quick glow-up.”
Happy Sailed Double-Breasted Tweed Blazer
Barrett loves this classic style blazer in tweed and the best part is that it comes in 11 color options. “It’s a timeless style and a decent fit,” she adds.
Evening-out blazers for women
A.L.C. Anderson Cropped Blazer
For evenings out, Miranda recommends a cropped tuxedo style like this one from A.L.C. “You want to use your blazer as part of your look versus a third piece you are taking on and off,” says Miranda. “I love a satin, velvet or colored blazer to wear on nights out, as this is more exciting to showcase and is the main attraction for your night-outs look.”
Futurino Solid Long-Sleeve Velvet Blazer
A dramatic cape blazer, this highly rated version marries three trends: oversize, cape and velvet. Available in 17 colors and several lengths, this is the perfect topper for an evening look.
Extro&Vert Blazer
For an evening out, Barrett also recommends this classic blazer silhouette with a sequined twist: “It’s a great little sequin number in black with a tux collar. Black sequins always look more classy than colored, and it is easier to team it with something else too.”
Helsa Recycled Twill S-Curve Jacket
Kassab’s pick is this hourglass blazer from Helsa with its crepe twill fabric with a darted waist. “It’s feminine yet masculine with the elongated shoulder,” Says Kassab. “Leave it buttoned or completely opened and it’s the perfect addition to elevate your nighttime look. I love how it accentuates your figure and gives you the shape a normal blazer usually doesn’t.”
Petal & Pup Shiloh Crystal Embellished Blazer
Petal & Pup has the best blazers under $100, according to Giulietti, and she says that without a doubt, this crystal-embellished style with the collared lapel is one of her favorite fashion statement blazers. “I don’t need to say another word — the picture will explain itself,” she adds.
See also: Navigating the Fashion Hub: Locating the Heart of Fashion Nova
