The Blazer, Reimagined
Kelli Conway • 09/13/2017
Photo: The Impression
We may not be going back to school, but our wardrobes certainly are. Because the blazer is back, people! And if New York Fashion Week is any indication, we'll be pairing ours with everything from step-hem jeans to bohemian floral dresses all through fall and winter.
Originally the uniform of old boys’ clubs—the garment's stuffy connotations were ripped up in the '80s with women adopting the style complete with razor-sharp tailoring, taking the relationship between masculine and feminine dressing to a whole new level. And since then, it’s become a staple of French style, worn with effortlessly rolled-up sleeves and perfectly messed-up hair.
This season, the traditionally preppy piece has been reimagined, and trust us...you’ll want in. We're talking full-on power suiting, oversized silhouettes, and (gasp!) even shoulder pads. While we know these words may conjure a fear of looking like an extra in a Debbie Gibson music video, fret not! The blazer has been revitalized with a contemporary new spin.
Gucci gave it an eccentric and whimsical twist, with sharp lapel piping in bright colors, gold fabrics, and floral embroidery, while Saint Laurent’s version amped things up with Grace Jones-esque touches. Stella McCartney favored extreme proportions (think super nipped-in waists and wide shoulders), and over at Tibi there were plenty of traditional grays and checks.
Gucci gave it an eccentric and whimsical twist, with sharp lapel piping in bright colors, gold fabrics, and floral embroidery, while Saint Laurent’s version amped things up with Grace Jones-esque touches. Stella McCartney favored extreme proportions (think super nipped-in waists and wide shoulders), and over at Tibi there were plenty of traditional grays and checks.
Clearly, designers have proved that the blazer can be spun every which way. There's really a shape, hue, and style to suit everyone (and your fall wardrobe won't be complete without a few)…