The Suit Jacket: Think of this as part of a team. A suit jacket is designed to be worn only with its matching trousers, made from the same fabric and colour. It’s tailored to create a uniform, cohesive look – perfect for formal events, business settings, or anywhere you need to project a complete, polished image.

The Blazer: This is your independent, versatile star player. A blazer is a standalone jacket, often made from different fabrics (like wool, linen, cotton, or even tweed) and usually features contrasting buttons. It’s inherently less formal than a suit jacket and is designed to be mixed and matched with different trousers, jeans, or chinos.

Instant Style Upgrade: Throw a blazer over almost anything, and your outfit instantly looks more put-together, sophisticated, and intentional. It’s the ultimate cheat code for looking sharp without much effort.

Unbeatable Versatility: From a casual weekend brunch to a smart business meeting, a blazer can pivot for almost any occasion. It bridges the gap between too casual and too formal with ease.

The Perfect Fit: A well-fitting blazer makes you look sharper, broader in the shoulders, and leaner in the waist. It’s like tailoring magic you can wear every day. It takes the guesswork out of “what to wear” and helps you effortlessly project your best self.

Leather Dress Shoes. Oxfords and brogues are your formal options. Stick to black, brown, or burgundy. These work best with wool trousers and dress shirts.

Loafers. The perfect middle ground. Penny loafers or driving loafers work great with chinos, jeans, or dress pants. They’re comfortable and versatile – exactly what you need.

Clean Trainers. Yes, you can wear your trainers with a blazer. Stick to minimal, clean designs in white or neutral colours. This works best with casual blazer outfits and dark jeans.

What to avoid: Avoid athletic trainers, sliders, or anything too casual. The blazer elevates your outfit, so your shoes should match that level of polish.

Q: Should my blazer buttons be buttoned or unbuttoned?

A: Always unbutton when you sit down. When standing, button the top button on a two-button blazer, or the middle button on a three-button blazer. Never button the bottom button – it’s a style rule that actually affects how the blazer fits.

Q: How should a blazer fit through the shoulders?

A: The shoulder seam should sit right at the edge of your shoulder. If it’s hanging over or pulling tight, the fit is wrong. This is the one thing that can’t be easily altered, so get it right.

Q: Can I wear a blazer with jeans?

A: Absolutely. Dark, well-fitted jeans work great with blazers. Avoid distressed or light-wash jeans – you want the contrast to look intentional, not accidental.

Q: How long should my blazer sleeves be?

A: About a quarter to half an inch of shirt cuff should show beyond the blazer sleeve. This creates a clean, layered look and shows attention to detail.

Q: Do I need to wear a tie with a blazer?

A: Not necessarily. Blazers are more flexible than suit jackets. A blazer with an open-collar shirt or jumper can look great and feels more modern and relaxed.

Q: Can I wear a blazer to a wedding?

A: It depends on the dress code and your relationship to the couple. For casual or outdoor weddings, yes. For formal ceremonies, you might want a full suit. When in doubt, ask.

Q: What colour blazer should I buy first?

A: Navy. It’s the most versatile colour and works with almost everything in your wardrobe. You can dress it up or down, and it works in all seasons.

Q: Should I match my blazer to my pants?

A: No – that’s a suit. The whole point of a blazer is that it contrasts with your trousers. Navy blazer with grey pants, tweed sport coat with dark jeans – the contrast is what makes it work.