This season's must-have item is the Versatile Blazer
If your notion of a blazer involves elbow patches or rolled up sleeves with pastel shirts, it's time to revisit today's version of the blazer. And you thought the only place for blazers is the boardroom or country club, think again. The Blazer is one of this season's hottest wardrobe items and with so many ways to wear it, it makes sense to have at least one in your closet.
"Blazers are an ideal layering piece to lend a more polished, well
put-together look whether casual or dressed up," says Robert Rogers, design director for NYNE (New You New Energy). "The blazer has enjoyed an evolution that has seen it go from strictly a dress/office attire item in traditional fabrics, patterns and colors to a no-holds-barred crossover piece that can be mixed with anything from athletic apparel to denim and everything in between. Throwing a blazer on casually really helps create the impression that you are together style-wise."
Not to worry, blazers can still be worn to the office, only now you'll get more out of your investment. "Guys can wear blazers so many ways these days," Rogers says. "Of course, the traditional way for a blazer to be worn is with a shirt and tie or with an open collar shirt, polo shirt or even a sweater...but a newer, cooler way to wear a blazer is mixing different and even conflicting elements of a wardrobe. Blazers are generally thought of as a dressier garment so to 'hip' it up, pair a blazer with favorite jeans, tee shirt and running shoes or with jeans, dressy, open collar shirt and boots ... or dress it up with an open collar sport shirt-no tie, dress pants and shoes. There are no rules anymore for how a guy can wear a blazer and the most interesting looks combine unusual colors and fabrics with denim."
Tips for the Casual Blazer
Here are some tips from Rogers for turning that business blazer into a casual affair.
Pair with tee-shirts, washed and untucked open collar shirts, denim and corduroy jeans and boots or running shoes.
Contrasting colors and unusual, quirky color combinations look newest.
Up-to-date dressy blazer looks:
Wear with sweaters, V-necks, crews, half-zips and even cardigans.
Layering lightweight v-neck sweaters over an open collar shirt with a pair of dress trousers and shoes is another smart look.
Subdued colors and tonal pairings usually come off dressier and more sophisticated.
Tips for Fall/Winter Blazers:
For fall and winter, blazers in blacks, greys, and browns are key, with browns being the most fashionable and directional. Velvets, tweeds, Herringbones and corduroys are the best options for looking "with-it". Paired with denim gets Rogers' vote for hottest looking way to wear a blazer.
Okay, so there seem to be rules about every fashion item but when it comes to blazers, it's no holds barred.
"I would say that there are no rules anymore for wearing blazers," says Rogers. "Depending on the situation and wardrobe, if a guy wants to wear a brown blazer with black shoes, he should make sure there is another black element to the outfit like a belt or black shirt...otherwise he won't look pulled together. And brown and black is a great color combination anyway!"
Wondering where to get your next blazer?
NYNE is featuring some great casual blazers that are perfect with jeans and more casual pants ... vintage washed ribless corduroys and organic cotton twills. These blazers are unlined and washed so they are smartly paired with a great woven shirt or t-shirt without feeling like you have a very constructed piece of outerwear on. There is something magical about what a blazer can do for an outfit. Throw on your favorite jeans, a great NYNE open collar shirt and washed velvet blazer for a smart, hip look.
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