A dark blue blazer is one of the necessary and, importantly, functional items of a classic men's wardrobe. Since the thirties of the twentieth century, this type of jacket has been invariably in demand by men of any income and who prefer a variety of clothing styles: office workers, lovers of preppy culture and adherents of the classics.
The blazer owes its popularity to its amazing versatility - it looks appropriate both while walking along the embankment and at semi-formal events (except, of course, for funerals, as well as events with a black and white tie dress code), and can be combined with almost any clothing. It also fills the gap between a formal suit and casual wear: less formal than a suit, but significantly more formal than a sports jacket.
What is a blazer
In Russia, a blazer is usually called any sports jacket (that is, a jacket that is not part of a suit with trousers). This is not entirely true: the traditional blazer is a sports jacket, which is distinguished by its dark blue color and large metal buttons. Then there are variations: the blazer can be either double-breasted or single-breasted, with rectangular or peaked lapels (peaked lapels can be found more often on double-breasted blazers, they are more formal), with one or two vents (a slit on the lower back of the jacket). Also, the blazer can be fastened with two, less often one or three buttons, and the pockets can be patch or with flaps.
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“The blue blazer is a classic men's wardrobe staple. It goes well with almost everything and is suitable for almost any situation that doesn't require a suit. In this context, classic brass buttons can be a little old-fashioned. Dark blue buttons in some cases can give the impression that this is not a blazer, but a suit jacket. Personally, I like the natural bone color - it's neutral and goes well with brown shoes. For the more daring, white bone or horn buttons are suitable. Sets of buttons, by the way, are easy to find on eBay, don’t forget to look for them made of precious metals, as well as club ones. You may not belong to a fencing club, but sword buttons might look good on your blazer.” |
Blazer history
1.
Designer Thom Browne in Japanese magazine Free & Easy. 2.
Michael Caine in Get Carter with his typical 1970s wide lapels. 3.
Old catalogs. 4.
Team USA at the Beijing Olympics. 5.
The naval uniform from which the blazer most likely originated. 6.
Prince Charles in a blue double-breasted blazer
There are several versions of the origin of the item itself and the word “blazer”. According to one of them, the first blazers were worn by members of the Cambridge University Rowing Club; they were bright red jackets, and during the races it seemed as if the boats were “blazing” (from the English word blaze - flame).
According to another version, in 1837, Queen Victoria of England was supposed to visit the royal military frigate H. M. S. Blazer, and the captain of the ship ordered a new uniform to be sewn for the crew - a kind of naval jacket akin to a pea coat. One way or another, the blazer has a distinct “maritime” origin, hence the dark blue color and copper buttons with anchors.
Buttons
Some believe that a jacket with dark bone buttons can be called a blazer - one can argue here endlessly, in any case, massive, eye-catching buttons are a must. Many people change the buttons on their blazer immediately after purchase - for example, they sew on buttons with the school or college crest, monogram or other personal symbols instead of the factory ones. Someone even buys gilded or silver-plated buttons - these can then be passed on by inheritance. But the most popular option is, perhaps, copper buttons with an anchor.
BUTTONS FOR BLAZER B
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Blazer styles
The classic American style blazer has a natural shoulder contour with small shoulder pads, two buttons, one vent and a baggy fit. The English style includes more accentuated shoulders, a tapered waist and two vents. The most fashionable Italian style right now: a natural shoulder line, a minimally structured, figure-flattering silhouette. Lately there has also been a fashion for particularly narrow lapels, but don't give in to this temptation if you don't want the jacket to look out of place in a couple of years, classic proportions never go out of style.
How to Wear a Blazer
The good thing about a blue blazer is that it can be paired with almost any outfit. For more formal occasions, gray wool trousers, black shoes and a white shirt are suitable. A more relaxed option is a polo or a blue Oxford shirt with a button-down collar, chinos in cheerful colors or traditional blue jeans, suede shoes, penny loafers or desert boots - whatever you like.
Classic accessories - a dark tie with large stripes, a simple buttonhole decoration and a scarf in the breast pocket - allow you to choose many successful combinations for one blazer-pants-shoes combination. A blue blazer also works well with bow ties, but in this case you should consider a vest - otherwise too much of the shirt will be revealed.
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“In a strange way, the formality of a blazer is somewhere between a suit and a sports jacket. Too casual for an office dress code and too formal for most other situations, this metal button blazer finds its way to sporting events, parties and weekend getaways, paired with tan or cream trousers, auburn shoes, a plaid shirt and a casual tie. It also works well for cocktail parties and other late-night events when paired with gray trousers, a white shirt and black shoes.” |
What to look for when purchasing
The shoulders of the blazer should match your shoulders. Many parts of the jacket can be adjusted by a tailor, but the shoulders cannot. The sleeve must be at the level of the wrist, from under it the edge of the shirt cuff should be visible. In general, the sleeve can usually be shortened or lengthened slightly, but on more expensive blazers there will be work cuffs - in this case it will be a labor-intensive job and perhaps not with the best results. With the blazer button buttoned, you should be able to get your fist through at heart level. If the blazer doesn't cover your buttocks, it's too short. You should also pay attention to the placement of the buttons - the top button (or middle button on a three-button blazer) should be buttoned approximately at the waist to ensure a harmonious silhouette.
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Men like to keep their style simple, so the more versatile a piece of clothing is, the better. That's why every man should have a quality navy blazer in his wardrobe. This is a versatile item that can be paired with many items from your wardrobe. It can be worn both to a formal event and to everyday work.
In this article, I'm going to dive into its history and most importantly figure out how to wear a navy blue blazer, pairing it with shirts, trousers and shoes. I promise it will be beautiful and stylish. Forward!
What is a navy blue blazer
Let's first look at this burning question - what is a blazer? One might be tempted to think that this is the one that the trousers do not come with. The Oxford American Dictionary describes it as "a sports jacket not worn with matching trousers."
The Oxford English Dictionary describes a blazer as "a colored jacket worn by schoolchildren or sports players as part of their uniform, a simple jacket not forming part of a suit but considered suitable for formal wear." And the Merriam-Webster dictionary describes it as “a jacket worn over a shirt that looks like a jacket but is not part of a suit.”
Obviously, dictionary definitions are not very specific or complete, but some things can be inferred from men's clothing encyclopedias and from our assumptions about what a blazer is. In many countries, the term "blazer" is synonymous with a jacket, especially in women's clothing, but for the purposes of this article we will use the technical definition and summarize the general features of a blazer:
- A blazer is a simple jacket that is not part of a suit, but is suitable for wearing at formal events.
- Blazers can be worn for both formal and casual occasions.
- Blazers are not worn for weather protection.
- Blazers have solid colors and no patterns.
The History of the Navy Blazer
The story behind the men's navy blue blazer is a confusing one. Today, what we call a blazer is actually a descendant of two different styles of jacket, one of which is double-breasted and has British military origins, and the other is single-breasted, which evolved from the jacket worn in rowing clubs. From 1870 to 1950, there are about 10 stories about how the blazer became a classic - I won't bore you with any of them.
Members of the 1829 rowing team wearing blazers with the team logo What I can say for sure is that the blazer has served men for over 100 years, it is a style that has been favored and used by kings and, due to its naval history, evokes a sense of naval adventure. The modern blazer is a hybrid of this heritage - it can be found in single or double breasted styles, is often cut in a wide range of colors, uses a variety of buttons and patches, and is used by businessmen, athletes and schoolchildren.
Shirt and navy blazer combination
Always looks great with a blazer or jacket, no matter what. Another 100% choice is a regular blue shirt. But if you want to get rid of the monotony, try replacing it with another light color or a patterned shirt. Be bold and create contrasts with your blazer, but stay away from bright colors and black. You don't even need to button up all the buttons, especially for casual occasions. By the way, adding a blue, gray or wool vest to your wardrobe will make your look much cooler.
Pants and navy blazer combination
The best choice you can make is to buy a khaki pair. This is a classic preppy, country club style that has been adopted as the norm in many wardrobes. In addition, light khakis also look great in the warmer months of the year.
Also, a dark blue blazer goes well with medium or light gray pants. Charcoal-colored pants are also a safe, albeit duller option that can make you look the wrong way. You will be surprised to find that even brown trousers go well with a navy blazer. Another tip is to stay away from black trousers and a similar color to the blazer. However, blue itself is not forbidden - as long as it is a few shades lighter. More eccentric guys can try a funky pair of bright pastel trousers.
Trouser fabrics can vary from flannel and wool to khaki and even. Pair your favorite jeans with a blazer for a more relaxed and casual look.
A dark blue blazer is one of the necessary and, importantly, functional pieces of a classic men's wardrobe. Since the thirties of the twentieth century, this type of jacket has been invariably in demand by men of any income and who prefer a variety of clothing styles: office workers, lovers of preppy culture and adherents of the classics.
The blazer owes its popularity to its amazing versatility - it looks appropriate both while walking along the embankment and at semi-formal events (except, of course, for funerals, as well as events with a black and white tie dress code), and can be combined with almost any clothing. It also fills the gap between a formal suit and casual wear: less formal than a suit, but significantly more formal than a sports jacket.
What is a blazer?
In our country, a blazer is usually called any sports jacket (that is, a jacket that is not part of a suit with trousers). This is not entirely true: the traditional blazer is a sports jacket, which is distinguished by its dark blue color and large metal buttons. Then there are variations: the blazer can be either double-breasted or single-breasted, with rectangular or peaked lapels (peaked lapels can be found more often on double-breasted blazers, they are more formal), with one or two vents (a slit on the lower back of the jacket). Also, the blazer can be fastened with two, less often one or three buttons, and the pockets can be patch or with flaps.
Buttons
Some people believe that a jacket with dark bone buttons can be called a blazer - we can argue here ad infinitum, in any case, massive, eye-catching buttons are a must. Many people change the buttons on their blazer immediately after purchase - for example, they sew on buttons with the school or college crest, monogram or other personal symbols instead of the factory ones. Someone even buys gilded or silver-plated buttons - these can then be passed on by inheritance. But the most popular option is, perhaps, copper buttons with an anchor.
Blazer styles
The classic American style blazer has a natural shoulder contour with small shoulder pads, two buttons, one vent and a baggy fit. The English style includes more accentuated shoulders, a tapered waist and two vents. The most fashionable Italian style right now: a natural shoulder line, a minimally structured, figure-flattering silhouette. Lately there has also been a fashion for particularly narrow lapels, but don't give in to this temptation if you don't want the jacket to look out of place in a couple of years, classic proportions never go out of style.
How to wear a blazer?
The good thing about a blue blazer is that it can be paired with almost any outfit. For more formal occasions, gray wool trousers, black shoes and a white shirt are suitable. A more relaxed option - a polo or a blue Oxford shirt with a button-down collar, chinos in cheerful colors or traditional blue jeans, suede shoes, penny loafers or desert boots - whatever you like.
Classic accessories—a dark, large-striped tie, a simple buttonhole adornment, and a pocket square—allow you to create a variety of successful combinations for one blazer-pants-shoes combination. A blue blazer also works well with bow ties, but in this case you should consider a vest - otherwise too much of the shirt will be revealed.
A blazer is a synthesized version of a jacket and coat. It can be recognized by its metal buttons, patch pockets and lapels. The loose cut that does not restrict movement gives this jacket a special appeal and charm.
Before you start looking for what to wear with a women's blazer, you need to figure out how to choose it correctly so that your figure looks most advantageous.
Features of choosing a blazer
How to choose a blazer? First, you need to really evaluate your reflection in the mirror and determine the main features of your figure. If the parameters are far from ideal, then the wardrobe will have to be selected with special care.
Women with curvy hips will look slimmer and more graceful in an elongated version that covers the problem area. And voluminous pockets in this case will be superfluous, because they will add even more fullness to the hips.
If you are the lucky owner of a wasp waist, then you can successfully emphasize it with a shortened model of such a jacket. Models that fit tightly to the figure are also great for slim women.
Tip: Roll up the sleeves to 3/4 length, this will highlight the waistline very well.
Ladies who are proud of their beautiful and lush bust are recommended to wear a jacket, even when buttoned, it has a deep neckline. And if the breasts are not lush enough, then a large collar will add volume to them.
What and how to wear a blazer?
A properly chosen jacket can be worn with almost any clothing, but there are still some secrets that help women look simply irresistible and create a new look every time.
The classic option is a jacket and tight black trousers. Pants can be either textile or leather. To complete such a strict ensemble, you can choose a simple white T-shirt or a blouse of a simple cut. Ankle boots matching the color of the trousers will complete the look. And you can read about this season's fashionable ankle boots
Women's jackets look very stylish with dresses and skirts. Here you can experiment with both cocktail dresses and sundresses. A lady looks very feminine in such a jacket and a high-waisted skirt. It is especially fashionable now to wear colored models. Although choosing clothes to match a bright item is not so easy. For example, what to wear under a yellow jacket or what skirt to wear with a green blazer? When choosing, follow the rule of three colors: the image should contain things and accessories of only three colors.
A woman in a jacket and shorts feels very businesslike and relaxed. Particular chic can be seen in the ensemble, where the blazer is white and the shorts are dark blue. The combination of such jackets with denim shorts is very popular. The look can be complemented with a light, plain cotton T-shirt or a classic shirt.
To create an “every day” look, you can combine this jacket model with jeans. Jeans can be anything from classic to ripped boyfriend jeans. We complement the ensemble with boots, shoes or sandals with wide, stable heels.
You can add a little mischief and flirtatiousness to yourself by wearing a white jacket along with short, tight or classic trousers. It is advisable to choose high-waisted trousers so as not to “cut” your height. Stiletto heels will only emphasize the elegance of the image. In this case, it is strictly not recommended to wear ankle boots. Under the jacket you can wear something simple that does not distract attention from the main wardrobe item.
An option for the bold, daring and outrageous is a combination of a jacket and tapered trousers. In this case, only high-heeled shoes should be on your feet. Choose a fitted jacket to balance out the wide hem and highlight your waist.
Also read:
The most fashionable blazers this season -
In Russia, an opinion has formed that a blazer is a jacket that is not an integral part of a suit. This is not a very precise definition, but it is not too far from the truth, so it can be used.
A blazer is usually made from lightweight, wrinkle-resistant fabrics such as cotton and linen, and is less formal and more versatile than a “suit” jacket.
A distinctive feature of a classic blue blazer is the buttons. Under no circumstances should they be plastic! They come in copper, bone or horn, which emphasizes some old-fashionedness. The so-called club products are very popular - they have the symbols of various clubs, for example sports.
In the old days, the blazer came only in dark blue with brass buttons that featured an anchor. And now, this symbol emphasizes tradition and recalls the connection with the uniform of the British Navy, as well as the club jackets of rowers and yachtsmen of the late 19th - early 20th centuries.
On a modern blazer you can often see factory buttons, faceless, without any image, without coats of arms or mottos. Therefore, the owner often rips off those sewn on by the manufacturers and puts on his own - with monograms, the school’s coat of arms, the emblem of the yacht club, etc. You can read what to wear with a blazer in the article. 
Men's blazer colors, prints and styles
Striped blazer
Stripe is a universal men's print, but at the same time unusual, because... By changing the size and color of the stripes, we completely change the perception of a particular image. In 2015-2016, the most relevant will be the “golden mean”, i.e. stripes of medium size, black or blue and white.
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets with striped prints: Zara, M&S, J.Crew, Uniqlo, Ralph Lauren, ASOS, Jack Wills, Hackett.
Blazer in neutral colors
A jacket in beige, gray, or nude shades will look equally good in both loose everyday looks and more formal ones in style.
Also, a blazer in neutral colors is perfect for the spring-summer period, because... Such shades reflect rather than absorb the sun's rays, so this jacket will be more comfortable in warm weather. The only thing is that for summer you should choose a looser style that will allow air to circulate.
Another advantage is that a blazer in “light” neutral shades is universal and can be combined with almost any wardrobe item of a darker color: shirt, shorts, jeans, etc.
By the way, you've probably heard the rule that the shirt should be lighter than the jacket, but in fact this only applies to formal suits and. In casual style there is complete freedom of action and practically no restrictions (within reason, of course), so if you are confident in compatibility, then why not?
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets of this color: Massimo Dutti, Uniqlo, ASOS, Reiss, Beams Plus, Mango Man, Boglioli, Oliver Spencer, Incotex.
Green blazer
Updating this article, I decided to add green as the most.
It may seem strange to many, but shades of green are universal and go well with many colors: white, gray, pink, blue, beige.
Pastel shades of blazer
Unlike neutral colors, pastels are muted, “diluted” shades of bright colors (eg: red-pink, blue-blue, green-mint, etc.).
The most common and universal is the sky blue shade, which suits almost everyone + most men will be comfortable in it. Bolder pastel shades of yellow, red, purple and other colors are suitable for men who love experiments and are confident in their sense of style.
Brands in whose collections you can find jackets of this color: Zara, ASOS, River Island, Reiss, Aspesi, Richard James, Mango Man, Gant, J.Crew, Austin Reed, Suitsupply.
Double breasted blazer
A classic style that creates the perfect masculine silhouette: powerful shoulders and a narrow waist. has always been considered a formal element of a men's wardrobe and was the lot of office workers only, but the transfer of this style to a blazer made it possible to create loose casual looks.
Brands in whose collections you can find double-breasted blazers: Suitsupply, Dunhill, River Island, Hardy Amies, Burberry, Mango Man, Noose & Monkey, Zara.
Blazer with pattern
The trend towards the use of patterns, from camouflage to men's clothing, has been visible for several years now. A small, barely noticeable print or a large, eye-catching print, the choice is great and depends on the specific image.
Brands in whose collections you can find printed blazers: Topman, ASOS, Sisley, Noose & Monkey, Zara, Mango, Ted Baker, Etro, Paul Smith.
Where to wear a blazer?
Firstly, some models fit into the dress code, as I wrote above.
Secondly, it can be worn to most semi-formal events (the only clear exception is funerals). It fits well into the atmosphere of sports competitions, cocktail and party parties.
Thirdly, these are ideal clothes for romantic walks, and of course, such jackets look good on embankments and ship decks 😉
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