What to wear under a blazer for women

When planning what to wear for a meeting at work or just catching up with some friends, it’s easy to forget about the outer layer. However, choosing the right layer can add something extra to the overall look of your outfit. Wearing a blazer is a great way to smarten up a more casual ensemble. It also works well as a light, breathable layer in warmer weather, where heavier coats or jackets would feel too warm or bulky.

In this article, we’ll go through some tips on how you can style a blazer with a variety of different outfit options. Read on to find out more.

Can I wear a blazer with a dress?

Yes, you can. Blazers complement all different styles of dresses well and can help to create a more formal look. Most people have a little black dress in their wardrobe and this versatile piece can be paired with a business-style blazer, making it ideal professional attire. As the dress is black, you can be creative with the colours and style of the blazer, adding a pop of colour or keeping it monochrome.

Different types of blazers fit well with different styles of dresses. Typically, if your dress has a loose-fitting, flowy skirt – if it’s a balloon or bell skirt for instance – a more structured blazer adds a nice contrast and formality to the overall look. Alternatively, a bodycon dress can go well with a longline, loose blazer, giving a more contemporary, edgy look.

Contrasting colour with your skirt and blazer combinations can also be a great option. A popular choice is a darker shade of dress, such as a black or navy blue, with a much lighter blazer, perhaps in nude or light pink. This adds a touch of femininity and is ideal for a garden party or cocktails with friends.

What shirt to wear under a blazer

The shirt you wear under your blazer really depends on what the occasion is and how formal you’d like to look. In professional settings where you might wear a blazer or even a full suit, you can’t go wrong with a blouse. Blouses typically come in several different colours and patterns so you can mix and match with a variety of blazers. Wearing a dark block colour blazer such as dark green can fit nicely with a patterned lighter colour like a stripy mint green.

Wearing a polo shirt under your blazer is a versatile option which you can dress up or down depending on the occasion. For example, for a more casual look you could wear a polo shirt and blazer with jeans and trainers. Alternatively, you can wear a polo shirt and blazer with formal trousers or a skirt and smart shoes for slightly less casual meetings or events. Quicker and easier to slip on than a blouse, a polo shirt can be a great option, especially if you’re in a hurry.

Can I wear a blazer with a jumper?

Absolutely. Styling a blazer with a jumper or cardigan can offer a nice, cosy look in the colder months of the year. There are a few things to consider though to ensure you feel comfortable when wearing this combination. Finer knits tend to work best as they fit well under a blazer and can be used for layering with a shirt or blouse. Layering is a great idea in the transitional months in autumn or spring where weather can go up and down.

If you do opt for a heavier knit, make sure there’s no bunching. While the blazer may fit when unfastened, the sleeves may feel a little tight when you wear a thick jumper. There are ways around this though – you can go for a blazer with an oversized fit or size up, so your favourite chunky jumper fits well underneath. This can give a more relaxed, comfortable look when paired with straight leg jeans and sturdy boots.

Turtleneck jumpers not only add a bit of extra warmth to your neck but also work well with blazers. As they tend to be a thinner material, for a more formal look you can pair with a thicker blazer made from a material such as tweed or wool. On the other hand, a crew neck style can essentially be used as a warmer alternative to a t-shirt or polo shirt, offering the same casual look.

When wearing a jumper with a blazer, you can play around with different colours and textures. For a sharp look, try a blazer with a contrasting colour to your jumper – for example, a navy-blue blazer with a bright orange jumper. For something more subtle, you can choose a blazer and jumper with similar hues. You can either opt for both in a block colour or pair a block colour with a pattern.

At the end of the day, when it comes to styling blazers, the world is your oyster. There are so many combinations that it’s impossible for us to cover them all here. Why not try mixing and matching your favourite wardrobe staples with a blazer to unlock a variety of great-looking outfits to wear to all manner of events?