Wear a blazer if you want to appear to be in control of your life. The greatest blazers for women are no longer remnants of corporate America’s buttoned-up past, but rather flexible styling elements that help you express confidence, elegance, and personal style. While blazer styles have evolved to fit every body type, aesthetic, price point, and occasion, some aspects remain timeless. For example, Zuajeiliy Romero, chief brand officer of Wishi, believes neutral-hued wool-blend jackets are a timeless addition to your wardrobe. She has recently been drawn to “vintage-inspired three-button blazers, suede textures, oversized fits, and bold fabrics like herringbone and fuzzy wool” for a more trend-forward style.
Fortunately, the InStyle crew tested and analyzed nearly every women’s blazer available this season to determine which ones had the greatest fit and fabric—and, of course, endless outfit possibilities. Here are the greatest blazers for women, along with professional shopping and styling tips.
Sometimes all you need is a sleek little black blazer that makes you feel like a boss to get through the day. This garment is perfectly acceptable for a corporate environment (particularly with matching pants), but it nevertheless exudes elegance and cool. In short, it’s a uniform that you’ll want to wear. The blazer is composed of the brand’s characteristic Admiral Crepe, which is manufactured from acetic acid and wood pulp harvested from sustainably managed forests.
Worth noting: People with broad shoulders or broader chests may find the tailored cut too tight.
A blazer is a vital part of a well-rounded professional wardrobe at any time of year, and a linen blazer is the ideal lightweight garment for unpredictable weather. This Aritzia option may be worn on chilly mornings that transition to hot summer afternoons with little sweat, and the looser silhouette adds a professional touch to any look, even if you pair it with your favorite baggy jeans. Wear it over a lightweight tank top or sleeveless blouse for an office-ready outfit that’s perfect for steamy August days when you’d rather be laying by the beach.
It’s worth noting that this blazer can only be dry cleaned.
When the temperatures begin to drop, it’s a good idea to replace your linen and crepe blazers with something more sturdy. This comfortable wool option from Quince looks great layered over a thin sweater, and it’s even nicer with a longline car coat on top. Anyone looking for a new way to wear their huge turtleneck collection will appreciate how this design boosts their style while keeping them warm. And at $100, it’s difficult not to add this classic blazer to your cart.
It is worth noting that this blazer is quite long, measuring little over 30 inches. It would be about mid-thigh for someone 5 feet 4 inches tall.
The secret to wearing a slouchier jacket is to avoid overwhelming your form. In short, it must strike all the proper areas. This alternative gets it right by being relaxed (but not too baggy) and landing just below the waistline (rather than almost dropping to the knee). It’s excellent for the white T-shirt-and-jeans wearer looking for a simple solution to elevate their go-to look, or for those looking for an easy jacket to layer over a miniskirt and top. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, add a belt and hoop earrings to the mix.
Consider sizing down for a smaller fit and shorter sleeves.
If you currently own a basic blazer, upgrading to a sleek leather version is a natural progression. The texture will add complexity to any ensemble without making it appear too busy, particularly in black or brown. It’s also ideal for wearing when the seasons change, as leather’s wind-breaking properties prevent sudden gusts from blowing through your layers, while the material is thin enough to fit under your favorite winter coat.
Worth noting: Caring for a leather jacket like this one is very simple. Simply use a moist towel to spot clean as needed, and add leather conditioner when it appears to need it.
