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How Do I Wear a Blazer with Jeans?

Sherry Holetzky
Sherry Holetzky

A blazer is a great wardrobe staple as it can be dressed up or down as needed. The idea behind pairing a blazer with jeans is to create a look that is casual and comfortable, but still has that little something extra. Shirts should generally be tucked in and blazers and jeans should both be fitted rather than baggy. Appropriate accessories add to the look. Some of the more classic ensembles include a blazer, t-shirt, jeans, and gym shoes or a blazer, button down dress shirt, dark wash jeans, and boots.

Wearing a blazer with jeans can give you a less than formal but still put-together look that is perfectly suited to many events or occasions. This look may even be appropriate for casual business meetings or lunches, or a less formal office environment. If you usually spend your days dressed in formal business attire, you may not be comfortable going from formal to “street clothes.” The blazer with jeans look allows you to dress it down just a touch without losing that well-dressed look and feel.

A blazer can be dressed up or down.
A blazer can be dressed up or down.

Ditch your dress slacks from work and throw on a pair of comfy dark wash jeans to create a more relaxed look for an after-dinner drink or a bite to eat with friends. The blazer with jeans look is best pulled off with a tailored style that fits well and hangs nicely. Jeans should be fitted as well rather than a baggy style. For an even more casual atmosphere, take it a step further and exchange your silk shirt or blouse for a t-shirt if you like. If you don’t do t-shirts, at least drop the tie and unbutton a couple buttons. A scarf can also be a nice touch.

One on-again-off-again look is adding a hoodie to the look. In this case, distressed or ripped jeans can fit in but generally these styles are not the first choice for pairing with a blazer. Athletic shoes complete this look.

Blazers often go well with jeans and a button-down shirt.
Blazers often go well with jeans and a button-down shirt.

While there are certain accepted choices for pairing a blazer with jeans, your best bet is to try several different looks to see what best suits you. You do not have to look like everyone else to pull off this style. While tucking your shirt in is usually the way to go, you can also try a button-down shirt topped with a sweater under a blazer, letting the shirt tails show beneath the sweater. Keep mixing and matching different pieces until you find a style that looks and feels good to you.

Discussion Comments

honeybees

Fridays is the only day of the week we can wear jeans to work. The jeans can't have any holes in them and have to be a decent looking. I will often wear a blazer jacket with jeans on casual Friday.

I think the blazer adds some professionalism, but the jeans are comfortable and casual.

LisaLou

One of the things I like about both jeans and blazers is you can go as dressy or as casual as you would like. I have often worn distressed jeans with a blazer and don't think there is anything wrong with this look at all.

If I want to dress it up a bit, I like to wear a crisp, white shirt and accessorize with jewelry or a scarf. The shoes I choose to wear can also affect the look I am trying to create.

If I know I am going to just be hanging out with friends or am going to be on my feet for a long time, I like to wear very comfortable shoes. If I am going to a party or a night out, I will choose a pair of shoes that are more sleek and classy.

bagley79

While I would never wear a pair of jeans to a black tie event, there are not many occasions where I would feel uncomfortable wearing a dressy pair of jeans and a blazer.

The blazer gives a dressier look, but the jeans you choose to wear make a difference too. If you have a pair of dark jeans that fit you well, and wear a nice pair of boots or high heeled shoes with the jeans and blazer, you can look really sharp.

Mykol

I am usually cold in air conditioned buildings in the summer so always have some kind of jacket or blazer with me. It is very common to see me wearing a blazer with a pair of jeans not only because it looks nice, but also gives me extra warmth.

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    • A blazer can be dressed up or down.
      By: Alexandra Karamyshev
      A blazer can be dressed up or down.
    • Blazers often go well with jeans and a button-down shirt.
      By: Sarah Fields
      Blazers often go well with jeans and a button-down shirt.