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Style a Blazer to Steal the Show: The New Three Piece

Style a blazer effortlessly with the new three-piece look. Discover tips to stand out and steal the show with confidence and modern sophistication.

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Four different outfits displayed; pink, black, and yellow/black plaid blazers over white shirts, with gold ties and belts.

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Styling a blazer is a struggle for the uninitiated. The shoulders get bulky, the sleeves too long, and more often than not, it comes out tacky. That’s because you don’t know the secret to blazer personalization.

It happened to me when I was younger. Bored of dresses and desperate to stand out, I bought a ketchup-red blazer from Amazon. It was hideous. 

Years later, I’ve finally compiled the necessities to write you this helpful guide. 

Fashion is an art form. It is a unique expression that allows us to stand out in a crowded room. Some of us prefer a feminine look, but personally, I feel powerful dressing in a styled blazer. It’s versatile; the blazer can work for anyone. 

 A woman in a plaid jacket over a black shirt, standing confidently with a neutral expression.
Photo by Jax McCandle

In This Post:

Your Blazer Encyclopedia

Classic Blazer

Tweed Blazer

Printed Blazer (Do Not Wear)

Styling The Blazer

Where To Search

 

Your Blazer Encyclopedia

A man dressed in a black suit stands confidently, showcasing a formal and professional appearance.Photo by Jax McCandle
A woman wearing a pink blazer over a white shirt, standing confidently with a neutral background.Photo by Jax McCandle

 

People commonly confuse a blazer with a suit jacket. The easiest distinction is thus: suit jackets (dress coats, lounge jackets, dress jackets, etc.) are always accompanied by a matching pair of dress pants.

It is expected to wear one with the other.

Blazers, more versatile, do not need to follow this rule of thumb. Although the three-piece suit is considered “timeless and formal,” I highly argue for the use of the blazer. 

The three-piece suit is praised for a bleak set of colors, expensive fabric, and a lack of creative input. Have you watched the red carpet? Too many men wear the same boring combination. It lacks creativity.

The blazer is not only inexpensive, but styling a blazer is customizable, unique, and it can be worn with a variety of things. The same suit fabric can look just as lovely on a blazer. 

“A dress coat that transcends the norm of formal wear.” 

That is how I would define the blazer. Additionally, there are plenty of blazers out there to choose from. The three main blazers are classic, tweed, and printed.

 

Classic Blazer

The classic blazer is perfect for any formal gathering. It is the stereotypical blazer that can be styled to your needs. This is the blazer I argue over the three-piece.

I wear a classic blazer when I want to win an argument, blow people away, and nail that job interview. When you style a classic blazer correctly, all eyes are on you.

Once, I accompanied my brother to a college job expo. He wore a standard suit, but I chose a yellow plaid blazer with tan dress pants and a black button-up.

No one saw my brother that day, but I was offered three internships on the spot. I stood out.

People see the classic blazer. Deep down, most of us are worn out of the suit. We need something more creative and colorful to bring out our best personality.

Related: 10 Stylish Winter Clubbing Outfits to Keep You Warm and Chic

 

Tweed Blazer

If you are looking for a business casual look, a step down from formal fashion, then look no further than the tweed blazer.

It is named after the woolen fabric that brings it together. 

The fabric is textured, more mature for a school or library environment. I wear this blazer during a presentation or conference.

Many people recommend cool colors, but I argue that a pastel color would look far more positive and alluring.

 

Printed Blazer (Do Not Wear)

There is a special place for people who choose this type of blazer. As bright and unique as this blazer is, the printed blazer is completely lacking in texture. 

That ketchup blazer I bought was a printed blazer. I call it the “ketchup blazer” because the texture and print made me look like a bottle of sauce. Styling this blazer takes a unique personality.

If you cannot part with the print-on blazer, I can give you some advice. 

Do not choose this blazer for a formal event. This style of blazer is an entertainment piece.

If I find myself wearing this blazer, it is for the stage, a party, or a costume. It is tacky enough to be used ironically. Think costume, not fashion statement.

Trust me, you can thank me later. I promise you, the other blazers can be just as unique and creative. The effort is worth it.

Related: How to Be a Classy Woman – 50 Traits of an Elegant and Sophisticated Woman

 

Styling The Blazer

A man in a suit and tie stands confidently against a textured brick wall.Photo by Jax McCandle
 A man wearing a yellow plaid jacket over a black shirt stands confidently, showcasing a stylish and vibrant outfit.Photo by Jax McCandle

Color and texture aside, the blazer has three different modes: the unbuttoned look, the button-up, and over the shoulder.

The image above is me being a little model for your reference.

Everyone starts with the button-up look. It isn’t a bad look. This closed style is a classic for any serious event.

Interview coming up? Close the blazer. Funeral? Please close that blazer.

Unfortunately, people who close their blazers often appear bulky and stiff. A blazer needs to be well-fitted to your body type.

The sleeves should always match your arm length, and the shoulders shouldn’t lump. You wear a blazer. The blazer shouldn’t fit you.

Alternatively, people can leave the blazer unbuttoned. This is my go-to. I strut down the hallway with this look. It’s the confident look.

“I’m powerful and I know it.”

It flows better than the first look. Great for any standing event, I’d wear this over any three-piece.

It’s creative, chic, and I get compliments in return. In order to make this blazer style work, you need to feel as confident as you present.

Finally, the fashionista favorite. You are walking down the square of New York City. You are posing for that red carpet.

The modeling company wants to hire you. That is this look. 

It isn’t the most mobile look. You can’t lift your arms too high. That will risk you losing the blazer completely.

However, it flows the best, and the look is limited only by color. The texture is secondary.

You do not need to style blazers like a three-piece suit. The colors can contrast, be adjacent to the primary color of choice.

For example, I love black and gold, and tan and yellow. Black and gold contrast completely, but the yellow and tan are adjacent.

If you take nothing else from this article, then please remember this. Dress bright. Not obnoxiously bright, but enough people walk around in navy blue. Be different. Be memorable.

When it comes to texture, you are limited to two distinct textures. When I wear my tweed blazer, the rough texture is paired with something softer underneath.

When I wear my classic blazer, I try to replicate the texture throughout the outfit.

Related: 150 Ways Being a Well-Dressed Woman Will Change Your Life

 

I have always been a fan of Etsy. The clothing is endless, I support small businesses, and shipping is more sustainable.

The site is more expensive, no company is perfect, but I trust the quality of Etsy over Amazon. After my blazer incident, you can understand why.

I always recommend this business for a casual blazer. Linen is one of the best fabrics out there.

While not a high-fashion choice, this business is willing to be bespoke and change color for the personalization of the customer. 

For a styled blazer, I branch out to a different merchant. H&M is beautiful for its affordability.

They focus on modern fashion. The clothing is branched by gender, but luckily for you, I went ahead and found their best female and male blazers for you.

H&M and I have a wonderful relationship. I walk into their store with a dilemma twice a year, and they always send me out with something that fits my small frame and color palette.

Finally, for the feminine presenters out there, I leave you all my secret weapon. Shop at Loft.

When my mother sent me into the Loft, I thought she was insane. Nevertheless, Loft is under-recognized for its unique color and texture palette. This is craftsmanship.

The loft is where I found my plaid blazer all those months ago. While it is not offered online, I have found plenty of replacements on their website. They think bright.

You are very welcome.

Tweed blazers are incorrectly titled “vintage” or labeled as a sports jacket. A sports jacket, while similar, is not a blazer.

Research with caution. I have one recommendation, but I highly suggest you find something unique to your style. Here is a start on Etsy.

Clothing is all over the internet. We all have a favorite store to run to. I am fortunate enough to make my own clothing. That probably isn’t you.

Nevertheless, there is a joy in endlessly scrolling for a unique find. May you find that perfect blazer for your collection.

Final Thoughts

A woman wearing a yellow blazer and black pants stands confidently, showcasing a professional and stylish appearance.Photo by Jax McCandle

As a designer myself, I thank you for taking this time to better understand the blazer. Color and texture are important, but in the end, how you wear it is up to you.

If you enjoyed my list, we have more lists for you to choose from. Personally, I recommend the following rabbit hole.

Fashion is a fascinating world to be explored, and we have a wide range of topics for you to choose from.

THAT’S A WRAP! THIS ARTICLE WAS ALL ABOUT STYLE A BLAZER!

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Stylish blazers in various colors and patterns, including gold, pink, red, and plaid, showcased with coordinating shirts, demonstrating three-piece outfit combinations.

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Jax McCandle

Jax McCandle

Jax is a storyteller and creative visionary. When they are not acting or writing, they are sewing together their newest project. While attending UNCG, Jax discovered a deep love for advocacy. They dream of being a Jericho writer.  
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