Four Ways to Style an Oversized Black Blazer

I talk about this a lot, but versatility is so key when it comes to adding anything to my wardrobe. There’s the odd exception – of course – but for the most part, I make a point of trying to envision at least 3-5 outfits with an item before going through with the purchase. It’s a huge reason why so much of my closet is centred around basics. As a fun series, I wanted to start sharing four ways to wear many of those core pieces we have in our closets, starting with an oversized black blazer.

1: with a nude bodysuit, skinny jeans + heels

Wearing Zara bodysuit (similar style here); Reformation skinny jeans; Seed Heritage heels; Aritzia blazer (similar here and also here); Chanel vintage classic flap; Laura Lombardi earrings; Muru Jewellery necklace

For the first outfit, I wanted to show you a way to wear them with jeans which is a little “dressed” up. An easy approach for this outfit would be to go with a simple tee and sneaker combo; which is another look I adore. I don’t incorporate a lot of colour into my outfits. But a black jacket (and jeans) serve as a blank canvas, so I used that as a base and injected nude and terracotta tones into the outfit. Because the jacket is so loose and oversized, I wanted the items I wore underneath to serve as a contrast. They’re sleek and fitted, which helps the jacket to shine. This would be a great outfit to wear for wine time with the girls (when self-isolation is over!); a dinner date; or to an event like an art gallery opening.

2: with a white tee, camel mini skirt + minimal strappy sandals

Wearing Mott & Bow t-shirt; Lune Resort skirt; Aritzia blazer (similar here and also here); Everlane mini form bag; Laura Lombardi earrings; Muru Jewellery necklace

Outfit number two pairs the oversized black blazer with one of my favourite trends of the season: neutrals. In the past, I’ve felt like camel and black can be too sharp of a contrast. But more recently, I’ve totally come around to the pairing. The lighter tones help to soften the dark hue of the jacket, which can make wearing black look a lot more flattering (particularly if you have a lighter skin tone). What I liked most about this outfit, is how the blazer barely skims the hem of the skirt. From the back, you can just see the skirt peeking out. It feels a little racy, but the otherwise basic nature of the outfit tones it down. This would make for a great transitional season outfit; if you didn’t want to wear heels, you could easily throw on some cute sandals or a pointed toe flat.

3: with a breton striped top, leather trousers + pointed toe pumps

WearingUniqlo striped top (mens); Everlane leather trousers (same style in cotton); Aritzia blazer (similar here and also here); JW Anderson logo bag; Laura Lombardi earrings; Muru Jewellery necklace

My third look with the Artizia oversized black blazer is a classic combo; breton stripes with black pants. There’s a Parisian element to it; overall, it feels effortless and undone, but put together at the same time with the addition of black pumps. Here, I’ve gone for a relaxed silhouette overall. The striped top is actually from the men’s section – a pro tip if you’re after a boxy, oversized fit. The leather trousers (which you could swap out for regular ones) are fitted across the seat, but are loose through the leg. A true straight cut. They crop just above the ankles, which I think is the most flattering length for trousers like this.

For all four outfits, I went for heels. I think this was mostly as I wanted an excuse to throw them on! Black pumps make this feel like an outfit Emmanuelle Alt might wear, but some sneakers would easily change the vibe and make this more weekend appropriate.

4: with a fitted black dress + pointed toe shoes

Wearing Legoe Heritage black dress (similar here); Everlane editor slingback heels; Aritzia blazer (similar here and also here); Linjer Lana bag (review here); Laura Lombardi earrings; Muru Jewellery necklace

I wanted to end this quartet of outfits with a little black dress. Another quintessential style staple, which can easily be dressed up or down. This particular LBD is actually one I wore during my pregnancy, and I especially loved the cut. It has a flattering scoop neck, which exposes a bit of your chest and clavicles. There’s a pretty button detail at the centre of the neckline (for nursing but works to keep it interesting too!). And my favourite bit? The thigh high split on the left leg. Despite the slit, the length of the dress helps to keep it feeling more on the demure side.

I wanted this outfit to be simple, so went for black on black on black on black. An easy trick if you want an outfit to look put together is to opt for monochrome. It works every single time. For shoes, I went with a pointed toe pump with a low block heel, but a ballet flat would look pretty too. Then I paired it with my current go-to cross body bag, which I’m carrying by the top handle.

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So there you have it. Four outfits with an oversized black blazer. Obviously this doesn’t even scrape the surface on how you can wear this closet essential, but I hope it gives you a few new ideas. Would love to know which piece you’d like to see me style up next. Let me know in the comments below! x