How To Style A Blazer For Men? (17 Different Ways)
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A blazer is a versatile wardrobe essential that effortlessly elevates any outfit, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. In this guide on how to style a blazer for men, we will explore different combinations, from formal looks with dress shirts to more casual pairings with T-shirts and jeans. Understanding how to style a blazer will help you showcase your personal style with confidence.
How To Style A Blazer For Men?
There are countless ways to style a blazer for men, but personally, I prefer pairing it with classic pieces like shirts, ties, T-shirts, roll-necks, sweaters, polo shirts, dress pants, chinos, jeans, as well as accessories like dress shoes, loafers, sneakers, scarves, and pocket squares.
Blazer With A Shirt
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Pairing a blazer with a shirt is one of the most timeless combinations in men’s fashion. The structured yet relaxed nature of a blazer complements the crisp lines of a well-fitted shirt. In terms of fit, it’s important to ensure both the blazer and shirt are well-fitted, particularly around the shoulders and waist, which enhances the overall silhouette. Make sure that about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of your shirt cuff is visible beneath your blazer sleeve.
This combination is incredibly versatile and can be worn in a wide range of settings, from smart casual to business casual events. For more professional occasions like meetings or semi-formal gatherings, you can opt for a traditional color palette of navy, charcoal, or black blazers with neutral-colored shirts, such as white or light blue.
When mixing colors and patterns, the classic white or light blue shirt with a navy or grey blazer is a foolproof choice. For a bolder look, consider experimenting with checks or stripes, making sure one piece is always kept simple.
You can elevate this outfit with slim-fit dress pants and leather shoes for formal events or dress it down with chinos and loafers for a more laid-back feel. I also like to add some accessories like a belt that will match the colors of your shoes and a classic wristwatch.
Blazer With A Shirt And Tie
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Adding a tie to the blazer-and-shirt combination immediately elevates the formality, creating a sharp, business-ready look. Your blazer should allow for enough room to comfortably accommodate the tie. I always make sure the texture and fabric of the tie complement those of the blazer.
This outfit is perfect for business professional dress codes, job interviews, formal dinners, or weddings. For business settings, a solid-colored blazer in navy, black, or grey works well with a white or pastel shirt and a coordinating silk tie. For social events, you can experiment with bolder colors or patterns, such as a textured blazer or a patterned tie.
Consider wearing dress pants in a complementary color, along with polished leather shoes such as Oxfords or Derbies. Pocket squares or tie bars are additional accessories that can elevate this look further, bringing a touch of sophistication.
Blazer With A T-Shirt
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One of my favorite combinations, though many men still hesitate to try it, is pairing a blazer with a T-shirt. It’s the perfect example of modern smart-casual style since the relaxed nature of the t-shirt contrasts with the structured elegance of the blazer, creating a balanced, effortless vibe.
The key to pulling off a blazer with a T-shirt is ensuring both garments fit exceptionally well. The T-shirt should be slim-fitting but not tight. Avoid loose T-shirts, as they can create bulk under the blazer and disrupt the sleek lines of the jacket. The hem of the T-shirt should end at or just below the waistband of your pants. Also, opt for plain T-shirts without any graphics or logos to maintain a polished appearance.
This outfit is ideal for casual Fridays at the office, dinner dates, or weekend social events where you want to look put-together but not overdressed. I like to wear dress pants or chinos with loafers or clean sneakers, depending on how casual you want to go. Keep accessories minimal by opting for a classic watch along with a leather belt that matches the color of your shoes.
Blazer With A Roll-neck
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A blazer paired with a roll-neck sweater adds a touch of European sophistication to men’s fashion, which is one reason I love this combination so much, especially as a Portuguese man. This combination works so well because the high collar of the roll-neck contrasts with the open neckline of the blazer, creating an elegant yet modern silhouette.
The roll-neck should be slim and well-fitted to avoid any bulk under the blazer. The material should be soft and light enough to layer without adding bulk, yet substantial enough to stand on its own. Ensure the sleeves are slim and tapered to avoid bunching under the blazer. Opt for blazers with a slightly relaxed fit and texture, such as herringbone or tweed.
This is a fantastic choice for colder months, especially in smart casual or business casual settings. While a black or navy blazer paired with a grey or beige roll-neck is a classic look, you can also experiment with color contrasts, such as a burgundy roll-neck under a charcoal blazer for a richer palette.
You can opt for textures like wool or cashmere for added warmth and style. This combination works well with tailored trousers, chinos, or even dark denim. Footwear choices can range from Chelsea boots to brogues, depending on the occasion. Accessories like a simple scarf or leather gloves can add functionality and style in colder weather.
Blazer With A Sweater
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There are various types of sweaters to choose from, but I favor pairing a blazer with a crew neck, although a V-neck is also a great option. Fabrics like cotton, merino wool, and cashmere are excellent choices. If you choose a cotton sweater, consider pairing it with a linen blazer. On the other hand, if you’re going for a merino wool or cashmere sweater, opt for wool or tweed blazers to create a more sophisticated ensemble.
Ideally, the sweater’s sleeves should be tailored to hit just above the blazer’s cuffs, allowing for a slight glimpse of the shirt sleeves beneath. The crew neck should not be too bulky and the length of the sweater should sit just above the waistband of your trousers to ensure a clean and tailored look without excess fabric peeking out from underneath the blazer.
Ideal for smart-casual events, office settings, or even dinner dates. For a more polished look, opt for neutral or solid colors in your crew neck sweater, which can easily be matched with various blazer colors and patterns. Neutral colors like white, grey, and black are always a safe choice.
Opt for tailored trousers or chinos for a polished look. You can also pair them with dark jeans for a smart-casual vibe. For footwear, loafers or dress shoes work well, while clean sneakers can add a relaxed touch. Complete the outfit with a scarf or gloves, to maintain a sleek appearance.
Blazer With A Polo Shirt
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While it’s not my first or second choice, pairing a blazer with a polo shirt can still create a stylish look, thanks to the smart-casual vibe that a polo shirt offers. To achieve the best look, ensure the polo is slim-fitting, with a structured collar that lies neatly under the blazer. A floppy or misshaped collar can make the entire outfit look sloppy.
This combination is great for smart casual events such as outdoor parties, dinner dates, or even casual Fridays at the office. A dark-colored blazer like navy or charcoal paired with a neutral-toned polo shirt in white, grey, or beige creates a balanced and easy-going look. For a more summery vibe, consider lighter-colored blazers and pastel polos.
Chinos or tailored trousers are great choices for a polished appearance or go more casual with slim-fit jeans. Footwear options can range from loafers to sleek sneakers, depending on the occasion. Keep accessories minimal with a simple leather watch or belt to complement the outfit.
Blazer With Dress Pants
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Wearing a blazer with dress pants is a timeless, classic look that exudes professionalism and sophistication. Your blazer should complement the structure of the dress pants, with both items fitted but not overly tight. Pay attention to proportion: if the blazer is slim, the pants should follow suit, and vice versa.
This pairing is ideal for formal business environments, cocktail parties, and weddings. A matching or coordinating blazer and dress pants in neutral tones like navy, black, or grey will always look sharp for more conservative events.
You can also experiment with separates, wearing a patterned or textured blazer over solid-colored dress pants for a more contemporary approach to formalwear. For color combinations, a navy blazer with grey dress pants is a classic option. If you’re looking to stand out, try a khaki blazer with black pants (which I love to pair).
To complete the look, wear a crisp dress shirt and leather shoes, like Oxfords or Derbies. Adding a silk tie, pocket square, or a formal belt will enhance the overall outfit and keep it looking sharp.
Blazer With Chinos
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Many guys prefer wearing a blazer with chinos instead of dress pants, and I agree that it’s a great choice since chinos provide a relaxed yet polished look. Both garments should be well-fitted; the blazer should have a tailored cut that complements the slim or tapered fit of the chinos.
This combination is suitable for a variety of settings, including casual Fridays at the office, social gatherings, or daytime events like brunch or garden parties. Chinos in neutral shades like beige, navy, or olive work well with classic blazer colors such as navy, grey, or black. When choosing colors, light-colored chinos paired with a darker blazer offer a nice contrast and maintain a semi-formal aesthetic.
For a smart casual look, you can wear this outfit with a button-down shirt or polo, but for more relaxed settings, a plain t-shirt or sweater also works. Loafers or brogues are great footwear options to complete the look. For a more relaxed vibe, clean white sneakers can be worn, though it’s important to ensure the outfit maintains a neat, put-together appearance.
Blazer With Jeans
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The blazer and jeans combination is a staple in modern men’s fashion, blending casual and formal elements for an effortlessly cool look. The structured nature of the blazer elevates the casual denim, while the jeans tone down the formality of the blazer. Opt for a slim or straight-leg fit with a tailored look, avoiding overly distressed or baggy jeans. Your jeans should not have any holes.
This combination is perfect for smart casual occasions like cultural events, a night out, or dinner dates. It strikes the right balance between relaxed and refined, making it appropriate for settings where you want to look stylish without seeming overdressed.
A dark wash or black jeans pair best with a burgundy or grey blazer. You can also introduce a textured or patterned blazer for a bit more flair while keeping the jeans simple. A white shirt or a casual T-shirt can work under the blazer, depending on the occasion. For footwear, leather boots, loafers, or even clean sneakers are ideal choices. Adding a pocket square or a belt can also elevate the look without sacrificing its laid-back charm.
Blazer With Dress Shoes
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I tend to focus less on the blazer and dress shoes combination and more on how well the trousers pair with the blazer and if the shoes complement the overall look. Oxfords, Derbies, brogues, monk straps, and even loafers are the go-to dress shoes that pair well with blazers, especially when paired with tailored trousers or dress pants.
Ensure the dress shoes are polished and sleek, with a well-maintained appearance. Your pants should have the right break to showcase the shoes without excess fabric pooling at the ankles. The blazer needs to complement the formality of the dress shoes, which means opting for a structured, well-fitted jacket.
The color of your dress shoes should complement your pants. Black shoes pair well with black trousers for a sleek look, while brown shoes are ideal for navy pants, adding a touch of warmth and contrast. Ensure your belt matches your shoes for a cohesive look. Complete the outfit with a shirt, and add accessories like a tie or pocket square to elevate the formal vibe.
Blazer With Loafers
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Loafers may be considered part of the dress shoes I talked about above, but I want to highlight just how great they can look when paired with a blazer. Loafers, being less formal than traditional dress shoes, add a touch of laid-back elegance to the blazer’s structured style.
Leather loafers are generally considered more formal, while suede loafers lean towards a casual vibe, so the blazer you select should align with that distinction. Among the various types of loafers, I prefer three styles to wear with a blazer: penny loafers, tassel loafers, and horsebit loafers. I find Belgian and kiltie loafers a bit too casual for pairing with a blazer, although some men are perfectly comfortable with that combination.
This outfit is perfect for occasions like casual Fridays, summer weddings, or stylish weekend outings. It suits a business casual or smart casual dress code, especially when worn with slim-fit chinos or tailored trousers. You can add a casual shirt. A pocket square or a leather belt that matches the loafers will help pull the look together, giving you a cohesive and polished finish.
Blazer With Sneakers
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Pairing a blazer with sneakers has become a modern go-to for stylish men seeking a blend of casual and refined looks. The key to pulling off this combination is ensuring the blazer has a slim, modern fit, and the sneakers are sleek, clean, and minimal, usually in neutral tones like white, black, or gray.
This combination is ideal for smart casual and casual events, such as weekend social gatherings, casual workdays, or dinner dates. It’s perfect for environments where you want to look sharp but not overdressed. A navy, charcoal, or light grey blazer works well with minimalist white or black sneakers.
This pairing can easily be worn with dark denim, chinos, or even slim-fit dress pants, giving you multiple outfit options for different settings. A plain T-shirt or a sweater under the blazer are also great choices. A sleek watch or simple leather belt will complement the look without overcomplicating it.
Blazer With A Scarf
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Adding a scarf to a blazer outfit is a stylish way to incorporate warmth and personality into your look. The scarf should be well-coordinated with the blazer, and both pieces should fit comfortably together, with the scarf draped or wrapped in a way that doesn’t add too much bulk.
Wool scarves are ideal for colder months and pair well with heavier blazers, such as those made from wool or tweed. Cashmere scarves offer a luxurious feel and look great with both casual and formal blazers, providing warmth without bulk. For a lighter, more relaxed vibe, cotton or linen scarves are perfect for pairing with blazers made from lighter materials like linen or cotton.
As for styles, a classic drape (where the scarf is simply laid around your neck) works well for casual outings, while the once-around or Parisian knot is more secure and polished for colder weather or dressier occasions. You can tuck the scarf neatly under the blazer’s collar for a streamlined look or let it hang loosely for a more relaxed, casual vibe.
When mixing colors and patterns, a solid-colored blazer pairs well with a patterned scarf, while a textured or checkered blazer should be paired with a more understated scarf. This combination works best with slim-fit trousers or jeans, and you can complete the look with leather boots, loafers, or brogues. You can wear a pocket square for a touch of elegance, but make sure it doesn’t clash with the scarf for a balanced look.
Blazer With A Pocket Square
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By now, you know that a pocket square pairs perfectly with a blazer, effortlessly elevating your style. The fit of the blazer is critical, as a pocket square will draw attention to the chest area. The pocket itself should sit flat and not bulge and should complement the color and style of the blazer, adding a touch of elegance without overpowering the outfit.
The color and pattern of a pocket square should complement your blazer and shirt. For a plain blazer, a printed pocket square works well, but if the blazer has a pattern, like checks, keep either the tie or pocket square plain. Avoid matching the tie and pocket square directly. For a wool or tweed blazer, silk or cotton pocket squares add a touch of elegance. Linen pocket squares pair well with lighter cotton or linen blazers for a relaxed look.
This combination is perfect for formal and semi-formal events, such as weddings, business meetings, or upscale dinners. Pair the blazer and pocket square with slim-fit dress pants and polished dress shoes. Adding a tie clip and a dress watch can enhance the overall look.
Blazer With Patterns And Checks
I also want to demonstrate how to wear patterned and checked blazers, which are bold yet stylish choices. Patterns and checks add visual interest to solid-colored outfits, breaking up monotony while still keeping a sense of formality.
When wearing a patterned blazer, it’s generally best to keep your shirt and pants plain to avoid clashing and to maintain balance in your outfit. Conversely, if you’re wearing a patterned shirt or pants, opting for a solid-colored blazer helps to anchor the look and prevent it from becoming too busy.
Buttoned Blazer
Buttoning the blazer helps define your silhouette by drawing attention to the waist, giving you a streamlined and polished appearance. This style works well for men who want to exude professionalism and elegance in formal or business settings. The blazer should have a close, comfortable fit when buttoned, especially around the chest and waist, ensuring it doesn’t pull or bunch up.
The general rule for a two-button blazer is to fasten the top button while leaving the bottom undone. Many believe that the top button should always be buttoned while standing and unbuttoned only when sitting. However, I have a different perspective on this.
Unbuttoned Blazer
Wearing an unbuttoned blazer can convey a relaxed yet stylish vibe, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. When opting for an unbuttoned look, ensure that the blazer fits well. This means it should drape comfortably over your shoulders without looking baggy.
This style works particularly well in smart casual settings, such as lunch dates or informal gatherings, where you want to maintain a polished appearance without being overly formal. Wearing a blazer unbuttoned can enhance mobility and comfort, allowing for easier movement, especially when seated. It helps create a more laid-back aesthetic while still maintaining a polished appearance.