The Menswear-Inspired Blazer (I heart)

I heart the menswear inspired blazer! I have actually been looking for one for myself that I love and realized I already have one in my closet that I totally forgot about. This seems to happen the more clothing I accumulate! My blazer is from Banana Republic and I purchased it months ago while shopping with a client for her spring wardrobe. It was on the sale rack and was such a good deal I could not pass it up. Oh, and not to mention it is super cute and olive green!

What is it that defines the menswear-inspired blazer? It is the marriage of men’s structure and masculine style to women’s feminine details and chic styling. The details of the menswear-inspired blazers are shoulder pads, nipped in waists, seams to create more curves for the body, softer patterns and unique colors. The types of styles you will see this fall are the tuxedo blazer, plaid over-sized blazer, double-breasted blazer, and blazers with fun details on the sleeves. You have lots of options in what to pair them with as well, depending on how the blazer fits and what you are trying to achieve with your look.

The average woman might shy away from a piece like this because she would have no idea how to wear it. My thing is to try to convince you to put your own spin on an item like this and make it your own. Don’t think too much about it! What would you normally put a regular blazer with? Pants, skinny jeans, skirts? So try some of these things with it and see what you can come up with. I have worn mine to work, when I worked, with skinny black pants and now my favorite way to wear it is with a white tee and my favorite jeans. I add a feminine statement piece with it like a necklace, scarf or some awesome earrings. Then throw on some great booties and done!

If you need some guidelines to use when looking for ways to wear this menswear-inspired blazer here ya go!

1. Most menswear-inspired blazers can be little bit over-sized and longer than a normal blazer, so consider those things when you are deciding what to pair it with. If you are choosing jeans to go with it, I suggest a skinny, straight or flare leg jean. Some trouser leg jeans will work well with a more narrow cut menswear-inspired blazer, like a tuxedo style. . Honestly, I think a cute ripped semi-baggy boyfriend would be super cute as well, so your possibilities are numerous with this type of blazer.

2. The shirt that you pair underneath the jacket should be a little more fitted to not add any bulk to the jacket. If it is too long be sure to tuck it in.

3. You have lots of possibilities with your shoes. You will need to think about whether you want a dressier look or more casual look. A mule or oxford would create a cute and somewhat masculine look or you could opt for medium to high heeled booties or dress shoes for a more feminine chic look.

4. Add a feminine color such as pink which I have given an example of below with the scarf and booties! Or just choose an amazing colored menswear-inspired jacket like the suggestions below! I absolutely love this option!

5. Lastly, add more feminine details with a beaded necklace, square scarf tied around the neck or some great statement earrings. I have chosen to wear my camo suede earrings even though they are camo because the teardrop shape is feminine and they make a statement! I also thought they were just cute with the blazer and white tee!

6. I feel like the menswear-inspired blazer would also be cute with a skirt or dress but you would definitely need to have the right one to not look too frumpy. The skirt or dress would need to be casual, flattering and a little flowy to offset the masculine style of this blazer. A fun floral maxi dress would be a fun option and make a perfect combination with a boyfriend blazer!

If you are interested in a menswear-inspired blazer, here are my recommendations for some really cute ones! Some are casual and some are even dressy like the boyfriend sequin blazer I found that is DIVINE!

Halogen Tie Sleeve Blazer, H&M Oversized Jacket, Zara Oversized Blazer