Oversized Blazers Are Spring’s Easiest Fashion Trend—Here Are 5 Ways to Wear One

Photo: Tim Gibson for Well+Good
What I'm about to say might sound incendiary, but what if you left your leather jacket hanging in your closet this spring and swapped it for another reliable throw-on-and-go: the oversized blazer? With a little more tailored flare, it’s a worthy alternative, especially considering some of the chic styles being released right now.

Its relaxed fit will make you feel like Jane Birkin with high-waisted denim, the epitome of Parisian chic when thrown over a little white lace dress, and have you channeling your inner ‘80s working girl when styled with matching trousers or shorts for a full-blown suit. Shopbop Fashion Director Caroline Maguire sums it up best: “There’s something really classic and timeless about a blazer," she says. "A strong statement blazer in a bold color or print screams power.”

When it comes to shape, Maguire is all about those on the larger end of the spectrum. She observes, “We’re seeing a huge ‘80s movement as of late, especially with oversized plaid blazers. Shoulder pads are making a return, and I love to add them in to give tops some extra structure.”

And as for styling, there's a lot of room to play with personal style. Wear a tuxedo blazer by day with denim and by night with a satin mini skirt, use the new topper to add some unexpected color into your look, or streamline the already-bold with a more classic menswear style. Maguire suggests her own twist on tailoring: “If I’m wearing a two-piece tailored suit, I typically pair it with a graphic T-shirt and sandals. It’s the perfect balance of professional and stylish.” To get a feel for what she means, check out the five outfit ideas below.

Feminine menswear

To keep it classic—with a twist—opt for a little white dress and hair bow to juxtapose the tailored feel of a double-breasted, deep navy blazer. Oh, and don’t forget a little bit of whimsy with a pair of floral boots and colorful jewelry.

Acne Studios Velvet Suit Jacket, $1,050

oversized blazer style tips
Photo: Acne

Ganni Slate Dress, $225

oversized blazer style tips
Photo: Ganni

Dr. Martens Ankle Boot, $155

oversized blazer style tips
Photo: Dr. Martens

Jennifer Behr Wide Grosgrain Bow Barrette, $152

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Bergdorf Goodman

Roxanne Assoulin Rainbow Brite Bracelet, $75 each

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Roxanne Assoulin

Tailored and classic

When you’re looking for an easy way to dress up those blue jeans, look no further than an oversized blazer. Have fun with the new essential, though, by opting for a bright hue or something printed when topping your white T-shirt and loafer look.

Isabel Marant Melany Corduroy Blazer, $885

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Isabel Marant

Agolde Riley High Rise Straight Crop, $168

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Agolde

Madewell The Frances Loafer Mule, $128

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Madewell

Everlane The Square Tee, $18

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Everlane

Alison Lou Medium Jelly Hoops, $145

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Alison Lou

The full suit

Another play on pattern this season, other than plaid, are check prints like houndstooth or gingham. Opt for a matching set (or leisure suit) and make it feel modern with an oversized blazer top and more cropped bottoms—maybe even an '80s Yuppie short.

Zara Plaid Blazer, $70 And Zara Plaid Shorts, $40

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Zara

Wolford Colorado String Bodysuit, $250

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Shopbop

Church’s Burwood Glossed-Leather Brogues, $750

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Church's

Zara Mini Leather Crossbody Bag with Tortoiseshell Handle, $70

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Zara

Evening wear

Don't just save your blazers for day wear. Keep them in rotation for cocktail parties and candlelit dinners, alike. Consider topping your slip dress with an oversized blazer instead of a more traditional coat for a going-out look you can wear with ease and the least amount of fuss.

Anine Bing Madeline Blazer, $349

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Shopbop

Raey Fitted Deep V-Neck Silk Slip Dress, $163

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Matches Fashion

J.Crew Double Crystal Drop Earrings, $65

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: J.Crew

Schutz Enida Sandals, $170

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Shopbop

Loeffler Randall Cecily Bow Clutch, $244

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Loeffler Randall

Suiting lovers gone rogue

When you really just want to wear the most comfortable pieces in your closet, an oversized tuxedo blazer is just the thing to instantly pull everything together. Underneath, keep that tux vibe going strong with a pleat-front tunic, untucked and thrown on over your favorite pair of ankle-cropped skinny jeans.

& Other Stories Double Breasted Blazer, $245

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: & Other Stories

H&M Shaping Skinny High Jeans, $50

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: H&M

AYR The Easy Shirt, $125

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: AYR

Everlane the editor slingback, $155

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Everlane

Serpui Marie Olivine Wicker Bag, $298

oversized blazer styling tips
Photo: Shopbop

If you need more inspo, try these blazer style tips from a beauty editor who wears them 24/7

Loading More Posts...