From borrowing a shirt from the men’s wardrobe to the rise of boxier, unisex silhouettes, menswear has long influenced women’s fashion. But perhaps, the first instance of this amalgamation can be traced to the humble blazer.
Don’t believe us?
This wardrobe staple has its origins traced back to two instances. The first came from Jack Carlson, author of Rowing Blazer, who claimed that the label was first coined in 1952 after rowers from the Cambridge and Oxford boating clubs wore them during practice and races. Not only did the blazer keep them warm and shield them from frigid winds, the brightly coloured jackets also helped supporters identify which team the rowers belonged to.
The second origin story referred to the doubled-breasted jackets that the captain of British frigate H.M.S. Blazer created for his crew in order to look spiffy and ready for Queen Victoria’s visit to the Royal Navy vessel.
Photo: Instagram/chanelofficial
Regardless how the blazer came to be, the jacket slowly trickled down to the masses and into womenswear — through the preppy, collegiate crowd of the Ivy League schools and Teddy Boys subculture youths in 1950s Britain, to the postwar signature tweed suits by Coco Chanel, who sought to redefine notions of femininity with this menswear-inspired silhouette that differed from the feminine, hourglass silhouettes of Christian Dior’s New Look.
Since then, the tailored fit of the blazer has been synonymous with propriety and respectability, and can be seen as the uniform of salaried workers in industries that require decorum and proper, professional dressing. These days, it’s also an instant remedy to your outfit, due to its amazing transformative ability to instantly dress up even the most laid-back ensemble.
Whether you’re dressing for brunch or for work, or prefer single or double-breasted, cropped or longline pieces, here are 14 of our favourites to get you stylish and ready to conquer any social situation.
Splurge:
https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/power-blazers-work-wear-weekend-singapore/
power blazer splurge
Gucci grosgrain-trimmed cady blazer, US$2,666.78 (S$3,624.95), from Net-a-Porter
image
Channel American West Coast preppy chic vibes with this tri-toned creation from Gucci. Play up the Gossip Girl look by finishing this piece with a pleated skirt and court sneakers.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
House of Holland belted canvas blazer, US$616.58 (S$838.12), from Net-a-Porter
image
This piece diverges from the usual rectangular, boxy shape that most blazer offers. The slouchy fit is comfortable and the tie belt allows you to fake an hourglass silhouette. Pair with faded jeans for a laid-back flair.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Victoria, Victoria Beckham lurex blazer, US$645.12 (S$876.78), from Net-a-Porter
image
The metallic fashion trend of the ’70s seems to be making a comeback. But for those who aren’t ready to dive headlong into the disco fever, try dipping your toes with this shimmering Victoria Beckham creation by wearing it with black trousers and slingback heels.
Photo: Net-a-Porter
Pallas x Claire Thomson-Jonville episode single-breasted crepe blazer, US$1,294 (S$1,758.87), from Matchesfashion
image
Pair this ethereal white blazer with dark tailored pants for work, or swap for a distressed denim for a weekend with the girlfriends.
Photo: Matchesfashion
Stella McCartney tailored wool blazer, US$1,210 (S$1,644.69), from Matchesfashion
image
Go full out on the fun, flirty vibes by wearing a slip dress underneath this feminine blush pink number from English designer Stella McCartney. Not only is this combination an excuse to wear the your slinky slip to work, it also makes you look sharp while staying comfortable in Singapore’s heat.
Photo: Matchesfashion
Gabriela Hearst sophie checked double-breasted wool-blend blazer, US$1,834 (S$2,493.05), from Matchesfashion
image
Exclusive to Matchesfashion, this cerulean gingham number can be paired with matching trousers for a co-ord look or with denim for a monochromatic yet smart casual finish.
Photo: Matchesfashion
Pinko snakeskin print blazer, S$550, from Farfetch
image
This one’s not easy to pull off, but we couldn’t help recommending it because animal prints continue to be the rage in S/S’19. An easy way to slither into the trend is to pair this white snakeskin printed blazer from Italian label Pinko with neutral coloured (think: cream, beige and the like) bottoms. We’re loving the surprising neon stripe on the back.
Photo: Farfetch
Steal:
https://www.herworld.com/style/fashion/power-blazers-work-wear-weekend-singapore/
power blazer steal
Zara crepe blazer, S$119
image
Command attention in the meeting room and at the bar by pairing this flaming red Zara blazer with sleek cigarette pants and black stilettos. Keep your accessories to a minimum.
Photo: Zara
Mango essential structured blazer, S$59.90
image
A blazer in navy blue or black should be a staple in everybody’s wardrobe. Why? Because its versatility can make even a t-shirt and jeans combination look put together. We love the structured and slim fit of this one.
Photo: Mango
Topshop Boutique colour block blazer, S$276
image
Going minimalist doesn’t mean you have to forsake style. This ivory colour block creation from Topshop is muted yet unique. You can play up the boho vibe by matching it with neutral coloured palazzo pants.
Photo: Topshop
Bershka check blazer, S$35.90
image
Bored of looking like your colleague that sits beside you? Inject some fun into your blazer wardrobe and swap out the usual solid coloured creations with this preppy check number. Pair with skinny blue jeans and booties.
Photo: Bershka
H&M linen-blend jacket, S$74.95
image
Here’s another way you can style a blazer: Swap out the usual tailored shirt and wear a sexy bralette or satin spaghetti top underneath to amp up the sexy vibes. Wear this classic white piece with some mustard pants for a pop of colour.
Photo: H&M
Pull & Bear long notched collar blazer, S$69.90
image
The earthy brown hue of this Pull & Bear number makes it versatile enough to match with most colours and separates while adding some colour that isn’t the usual black and blue. You can even go ’90s and wear them with corduroys and ankle boots.
Photo: Pull & Bear
Stradivarius stripe blazer, S$59.90
image
The vertical stripes and longline silhouette of this Stradivarius blazer give the illusion of extra length, perfect for those who have a shorter torso and wish to look taller. This feminine pastel pink shade will also soften a masculine shirt and trousers combo.
Photo: Stradivarius
ALSO READ: THESE PIECES WILL RAMP UP YOUR WORK ENSEMBLE, AND YOUR CONFIDENCE
