When it comes to fashion, the only constant is change.
However, certain items are staples. Consider the classic blazer and jeans look. Fashion is at its best when it provides an outlet for your own expression. Even still, fashion also serves a more formal role in our society. The clothes you wear dictate where you go, whether you are accepted when you get there, and what people think of you. You wouldn’t go to a job interview in basketball shorts and a tank top, just like you wouldn’t wear a tuxedo to a weekend barbecue in the park.
Still, people are busy, and we rarely have enough time to meet all of our commitments, let alone wear the proper social uniform for them. If you are forward fashion thinker and care about the complexities of your look: this tutorial is not for you. No, rather this tutorial is for the men and women (but mostly men probably) who are hapless, apathetic, or both about what they wear. If that describes you, and you want a basic look that works in most places you’ll go: behold the blazer and jeans combo.
About the Blazer and Jeans Combo
If you aren't currently familiar with this ensemble, it's time for a crash course. No matter your style preference, age, or occupation, a blazer and jeans conveys a command of your look that is neither overbearing, nor overly comfortable.
Who can pull off this look?
One of the beauties of the blazer and jeans combo is it works for literally anyone. Whether you wear men’s clothing or women’s clothing, you can always find smart blazers and trusty pairs of jeans. Unlike some of the fashionable styles, there are no age limits on this look. From toddlers to senior citizens, a blazer and jeans outfit will make you look and feel good, and those who see you will agree.
Can you really wear a blazer and jeans anywhere?
With just a few stipulations, a blazer and jeans serve as a versatile outfit that won’t look out of place in most situations. If you were to show up to a cocktail party wearing workout clothes and a hockey jersey, you’d get stares -- and not the good kind. In most situations when you are under- or overdressed, people notice that you look out of place.
But, in most instances, when you show up wearing a blazer and jeans, people may still think you look out of place, but they’ll note that you look good regardless. Sure, you’d be pushing the limits of social decency to attend a wedding or a funeral wearing this ensemble. But you wouldn’t stand out nearly as much as if you wore anything else.
What You Need to Assemble a Killer Blazer and Jeans Combo:
Now that you know how functional the look is, it's time to recreate it for yourself. While accessories, shoes, hats, and more come into play, the best part of this look is how easy it is. Wearing a blazer and jeans requires only a few pieces to perfectly craft your outfit:
- Blazer – A more formal coat than a sport coat, usually a solid color with nautical buttons.
- Jeans – Denim pants of any color will work, though you might want to save the ripped jeans for another outfit.
- Shoes – The shoes you choose will help dress your outfit up or down and should be matched to your shirt and belt.
- Belt – You could go sans belt, but if you include one make sure it at least matches the shoes.
- Undershirt – What goes under the blazer is a crucial part as well, could be a t-shirt, collared shirt, or even a vest.
Once you've amassed the ingredients to the perfect blazer and jeans combo, you may be excited to put it together. Not so fast! There are a few tips you should keep in mind before shouldering your blazer and buttoning your jeans. Read on for our style guide!
How to Rock a Blazer and Jeans:
It's time to get to work on your blazer and jeans outfit. As you stand in front of your mirror, keep these essential tips in mind:
Step One: Ensure Your Blazer and Jeans Combo Contrasts Light and Dark.
It may seem simple, but you shouldn't just pair any blazer and jeans together and expect them to look great. Especially if you are going for a specific look, you will want to add some variety to the outfit. This will ensure that while still a simple and effortless look, it won’t fail to catch the eyes of the people you want to notice you.
There is some merit to wearing all dark colors when going with the blazer and jeans combo, especially if you want to fudge your way through a formal-ish event. Except, the fact is, no one will really be fooled by a pair of black jeans matched with a black blazer. You may blend in with the crowd and won’t stick out in any photos, but up close you won’t fool anyone. Instead of looking effortlessly cool, you run the risk of looking like a fashion zero. Also, depending on the occasion, you run the risk of offending your hosts.
So, if you’re going somewhere in a blazer and jeans, make sure you look like that’s what you chose to wear. Choose it on purpose instead of trying to fool people into thinking you are better dressed than you are. If you have darker jeans, go with a lighter color blazer. Similarly, if you have lighter jeans, match them with a darker color.
Step Two: Forget the Blazer and Jeans, Let Your Shirt Set the Tone.
The beauty of the blazer and jeans combo is that it blends the casual and the formal into one outfit. Yet, what you put under the coat will set the tone for which of the two styles you lean towards. So, while the blazer and jeans are the essential ingredients to the recipe, the shirt you choose adds the flavor.
First, there is the collared button-down shirt. If you pair this with your blazer and jeans combo, it immediately adds a more formal flair to your look. More business than casual, a button-down can bring color or fabric patterns that enhance the solid colors of the blazer and jeans. Second, you could choose to wear a polo shirt or other shirt that doesn’t have buttons but does have a collar. Consider pairing these with vests or at least choose a bold color that stands out from the rest of the outfit.
Finally, the last option for your blazer and jeans undershirt is one without a collar. Whether a plain color tee shirt or a graphic tee, this style falls squarely in the “casual” corner. This look is best saved for casual Friday and transitioning from work to the pre-weekend happy hours. Decidedly less formal, removing the blazer keeps your style relaxed and ready for fun.
Step Three: To Tuck or Not to Tuck When Wearing a Blazer and Jeans?
As mentioned above, the shirt you choose for your trusty blazer and jeans will help set the tone of the outfit. Yet, after you’ve chosen the shirt to wear, what do you do with it? The central question is one men and women across the world face everyday about their sihrts: to tuck or not to tuck? When it comes to wearing shirts with a blazer and jeans combo the question takes on a whole new level of importance.
If your blazer fits properly, untucking a collared shirt means that the tails of the shirt will likely slip below the bottom of the coat. This can make the look seem sloppier than if it were neatly tucked in, which is great if that’s what you are going for. Leaving the shirt untucked can add a more casual, effortless feel to the look, but can earn derisive disapproval from the fashion conscious in your life. So, when wearing a button-down, it’s probably best to make “tucked” your default.
Other shirts, such as collared polos or tee shirts, you should probably leave those untucked. They likely won’t hang below the bottom of the jacket and tucking in tee shirts or polos won’t really make you look more formal. It just ends up making you look stuffy and uptight.
Frankly, all that really matters is what you think looks best. It’s your look, so wear it however you want. But a good rule to follow is that however you’d wear the shirt normally, tucked or untucked, is what you should do when pairing the shirt with a blazer and jeans.
Step Four: Don’t Get Too Crazy, a Blazer and Jeans Works Best When It’s Simple.
One of the best aspects of wearing a blazer and jeans is that it’s a simple, versatile outfit. If that’s what you like about it, make sure to keep it that way. If you want to push the limits of fashion and really up your expressionistic game, then by all means get blazers in crazy colors, stitched with all sorts of accoutrements, and cut in avant garde styles. The same is true for your jeans.
But, if you’re not looking to make a serious fashion statement, remember to keep it simple. Solid color blazers and solid color jeans without holes are the central pillars in this easygoing look. If you want to blend between casual and quasi-formal situations, simple is the best way to pull it off. If you go too flashy, you can end up looking just out of place rather than like someone with serious style.
Step Five: Keep Your Blazer and Jeans Ready for Travel.
If you are going on a trip, a blazer and jeans might be the best look for traveling. Sure, today people travel in pajamas and comfort is often key. But as a person who cares about how you look, a blazer and jeans is the right way to impress. It can also help save room in your suitcase.
Wearing your blazer means you won’t have to pack it. Wearing your jeans means that while traveling you will be comfortable. Together they create a relaxed, sexy look. However, it also means that you can save room in your luggage. Throw matching suit or dress pants in your luggage so you can repurpose the blazer for a more formal setting. Throw in some tee shirts for casual leisure attire during your downtime. You won’t have to mess with a garment bag or more than one suitcase. With some smart folding, you can have a week’s worth of clothing for almost any occasion in a single bag.
Something as simple as a blazer and jeans can be creative. Yet that doesn't mean there aren't rules.
Wearing a blazer and jeans is an easy look to adopt that allows you to feel comfortable in almost any setting. Like all fashion, your look is a form of creative expression to the world. However, if you’re not looking to make a big statement, a blazer and jeans conveys your care for your appearance without assaulting the offenses. You can look professional, relaxed, or anything in between.
Hopefully, you enjoyed this tutorial, and it’s given you some ideas about how to really make this look your own. What do you think about the advice above? Did we miss anything? Share your thoughts, feelings, reactions, and own fashion tips in the comments below. Also, share the article with your friends and keep the discussion going online!
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