The classic navy blazer has a place in most every woman’s wardrobe: It’s an easy way to dress up jeans and a pretty blouse or turn a pencil skirt and cami into a work-friendly ensemble. But the silhouette (Is it dressy or casual?) and the color (Does it go with brown or black? Or both?) can make it a challenge to incorporate.
Lucky for you, we love a good style challenge. So, we concocted not one, but three perfect outfits with a chic go-to — outfits that can take you from a staff meeting to a cocktail party to a lazy Sunday brunch. (Truth: We can’t decide which we like best!) Click through for the how-to for each look, and prepare yourself to look at this sartorial standby in a whole new light.
At Work
Everyone agrees that a navy blazer is office-appropriate, right? But how about we make it office-awesome? A pretty lace A-line skirt in a coordinating hue creates the seamless appeal of a suit without the stuffy factor and a retro-chic bow blouse holds its own when you take off the jacket. A classic pump in a bright coral hue livens up an otherwise minimalist color palette, while a roomy satchel holds all your 9-to-5 essentials. So easy!
Coach Sue Pumps, $188, available at Bloomingdale’s; Collette by Collette Dinnigan Floral Cotton-Lace Skirt, $245, available at Net-a-Porter; H&M Blazer, $39.95, available at H&M; Dorothy Perkins Ivory Short Sleeve Blouse, $45, available at Dorothy Perkins; Fossil Vintage Revival Frame Bag, $168, available at Fossil, Oasis Battered Hoop Earrings, $10.22, available at ASOS
After Work
Nothing says “I wanna have fun” like a sparkly sequin sheath, but when your after-hours plans are happening right after work (a dinner date, let’s say), the added coverage of a tailored blazer can bridge the gap between professional and party-ready. Since navy coordinates perfectly with warm metallics and neutrals, we’ve opted for a palette of gold and cream and incorporated modern bangles, a beaded clutch, and a sleek ivory pump. Finish it off with a bold red pout and you’re ready a truly happy hour.
Forever 21 Box Chain Bracelet Set, $7.80, available at Forever 21; Buxom Full-Bodied Lip Gloss in Hot Mama, $19, available atSephora; Topshop Sequin Cross Back Bodycon Dress, $116, available at Topshop; H&M Blazer, $39.95, available at H&M;Accessorize Beautiful Deco Clutch, $58, available at Accessorize; Cole Haan Chelsea Pump, $298, available at Piperlime.
On Weekends
For weekend activities that involve more than just lounging around — think brunch with the in-laws (or potential in-laws), an errand for work, or some upscale window-shopping — a blazer-and-tee combo is comfy yet classy. The secret to merging your work and weekend wardrobes? Balancing the tailored suiting staple with playful, offbeat accessories such as leopard-print smoking slippers and a deep-red crossbody bag. Choose your best-fitting pair of jeans to add some extra polish.
Merona Crossbody Bag, $19.99, available at Target; J.Crew Vintage Cotton Tee, $29.50, available at J.Crew; Aldo Ostlie Slippers, $70, available at Aldo; H&M Blazer, $39.95, available at H&M; AllSaints Nep Casey Jeans, $120, available at AllSaints, 3235 M Street NW; 202-595-9828; MAC Cosmetics Nail Lacquer in Razzledazzle, $16, available at MAC Cosmetics.
via Refinery29.com
