When men want to dress up their look a bit, they often reach for their blazers.
After all, a blazer is a more casual option than a suit jacket, and it can be worn with jeans or chinos to create an instantly stylish outfit.
But what about a suit jacket? Do the same rules apply when trying to style your favorite suit jacket with jeans?
The fact is, suit jackets and blazers are two very different garments – and
We'll be covering:
- What's The Difference Between A Suit Jacket And A Blazer?
- How To Style A Blazer With Jeans
- How To Style A Suit Jacket With Jeans
- Suit Jacket Vs. Blazer With Jeans: Which Looks Best?
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What's The Difference Between A Blazer And A Suit Jacket?
Blazers and suit jackets look pretty similar.
But don't be fooled – there are some pretty significant differences between these two garments when it comes to the way they're structured, how they look, and what you can wear with them.
This is ESPECIALLY true when considering how to wear a blazer or a suit jacket with jeans. So before we get into the technicalities, I've got to make sure you gents understand the basic differences between a suit jacket and a blazer.
Blazer & Suit Jacket Structure
One of the biggest differences between a blazer and a suit jacket can be seen in the way that each garment is structured.
A suit jacket is a far more formal garment, designed to be worn as part of an ensemble (a full suit). As such, the jacket has a more structured silhouette, with defined shoulders and a tailored waist.
You'll also find that the fabrics and colors used in most suit jackets are more formal and classic than blazers.
Blazers on the other hand are slightly less structured than suit jackets and feature distinctive metal buttons.
In some cases, you may find blazers that have been designed using bright patterns to symbolize the official stripes of certain institutions (Universities, rowing syndicates, or golf clubs), but for the most part, patterns are minimal and colors are muted.
Blazer & Suit Jacket Fabric
The fabric is typically heavier and more luxurious, and the style is often more classic and conservative. What does this mean? In short, a suit jacket is designed to look and feel more expensive so that it fits in with business environments and more formal events.
A blazer, on the other hand, is a far more casual garment. It doesn't have the same structured silhouette, and the fabric is usually lighter in weight. The style is also more relaxed, with less defined shoulders and a looser fit through the waist. This makes blazers much easier to wear on a daily basis with a wider variety of pants and shoes.
Blazer & Suit Jacket Style
The style of a blazer can vary widely, from classic and conservative to trendy and fashion-forward. In some circles, men can be seen wearing classic tweed blazers that wouldn't look out of place at a country club. In others, men are sporting patterned or brightly colored blazers that make more of a fashion statement.
Suit jackets, on the other hand, are usually more classic and conservative in style. This is because they are designed to be worn as part of a suit, which is typically seen as a more formal outfit. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, and you can find suit jackets in all sorts of styles these days. But generally speaking, suit jackets err on the side of conservatism.
Blazer & Suit Jacket Formality
One final way to distinguish between blazers and suit jackets is by formality. A suit jacket is almost always going to be more formal because it is designed to be worn as part of a suit. This means that it is typically reserved for more formal occasions, such as weddings, work functions, and other dressy events.
A blazer, on the other hand, can be either formal or casual depending on the style and how it is worn. A classic navy blazer can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile piece that can be worn in a variety of settings. But a brightly colored or patterned blazer will lean more towards the casual end of the spectrum.
Now that we've covered the key differences between men's blazers and suit jackets, let's move on to styling them with jeans. We'll start with the more casual option.
How To Style A Blazer With Jeans
Knowing how to style a blazer with jeans can help a man unlock a whole host of different outfit options, suitable for a wide variety of different occasions.
However, don't be fooled into thinking that means you can simply throw on any old blazer with pair of jeans and look like the next James Bond. There are a few key things you need to consider when styling a blazer with jeans to ensure you look your best.
Jeans Fit & Color
The fit and color of your jeans are both critical when it comes to styling a blazer with jeans.
For the best results, you should opt for a slim (not skinny!) pair of jeans in a dark wash. This will create a sharp contrast with the blazer, helping to give your outfit a more polished look.
Light wash or baggy jeans will make you look sloppy and unfinished, so it's best to avoid them if you can.
As for the color, black, navy, and grey are all great choices that will work well with most blazers. If you want to add a little more personality to your outfit, you can also try a pair of colored jeans. Just make sure they are still slim-fitting and in a dark wash.
How To Match A Blazer To Your Jeans
The next thing to consider is the fit and color of your blazer.
As I mentioned before, blazers come in all sorts of different styles, so it's important to choose one that works well with your body type and personal style.
If you're on the taller side, you can get away with a longer-length blazer that sits half way down the buttocks. But if you're shorter or have a more compact build, it's best to stick with a blazer that falls just below the waist. Shorter guys should do everything they can to avoid making their legs look short!
As for the color, again, it's best to stick with classic colors like black, navy, and grey. These colors are versatile and easy to style. But if you want to add a pop of color, go for it! Just make sure the rest of your outfit is fairly low-key so you don't look too overdressed.
Dress Shoes Or Sneakers?
For shoes, men have two options: dress shoes or sneakers.
Dress shoes (like Oxfords or Derbys) are a more polished option that will give your outfit an elevated look. While I don't think Oxfords look great with jeans, a good pair of brown Derby shoes can be a great way to add a touch of formality to a casual outfit. To keep things semi-casual, consider brogues – they're a great happy medium between formal dress shoes and casual sneakers.
Sneakers are obviously the more casual option here, but that doesn't mean they can't look great with a blazer and jeans. Just make sure you choose the right pair of sneakers. Avoid any chunky, dad-style sneakers and opt for something sleeker and more stylish.
White leather low-tops are always a good choice – the minimal design is perfect for a smart-casual look that doesn't draw the eye too much.
Formality: Work And Special Events
When deciding whether or not to wear a blazer with jeans, men need to consider the formality of the event they're attending.
A blazer is less formal than a suit jacket, so it's generally okay to wear one at less formal events (like work or dinner with friends). However, if men are attending a more formal event (like a black tie affair), they should opt for a suit jacket instead of a blazer.
However, when it comes to wearing jeans, it can be tricky to pull these off in a professional environment. Most workplaces will let chinos and a blazer slide, but turning up in denim could be pushing it.
The same goes for special occasions – men should avoid jeans if they're attending a wedding, funeral, or any other formal event.
My advice? Stick to chinos when an event calls for smart casual. If it's dress-down Friday or you're attending a smart-casual event like a dinner party, then jeans and a blazer can be a great option.
Pro Tip: Look at how the person directly above you in the chain of command dresses. If your manager wears jeans and a blazer to work, then chances are you can too.
What Style Of Shirt Works Best?
There are many different shirt styles that men can choose from when styling a blazer with jeans. The contrast in formality between denim and a blazer means that you can go either way when it comes to picking out your favorite shirt.
For instance, a dress shirt gives off a more professional look, while a T-shirt or henley is perfect for relaxed occasions. Either of these options is fine to wear with a blazer and jeans combo – and the option you choose really depends on the formality of the event.
Let's put it this way:
- If you're using a blazer to dress up a casual outfit, then wear a t-shirt, henley, or polo. In combination with a blazer, wearing a button-down may make you look too formally dressed.
- If you're using a blazer to dress down a more formal outfit, then stick to a shirt. It will help you maintain the level of formality that's expected of you and could help you ‘get away' with wearing jeans!
The shirt you choose to wear with a blazer and jeans combo can ultimately be the deciding factor when it comes to your outfit's formality. So think carefully, consider your options and make the right choice for the environment you're in.
How To Style A Suit Jacket With Jeans
In comparison to a blazer, a suit jacket is slightly more restricted when it comes to wearing it with a pair of men's jeans.
The reason for this is quite simple: as an item of fine tailoring designed to be worn as part of a formalwear ensemble, a suit jacket is just less versatile than a blazer.
Jeans Fit & Color
The fit and color of jeans is even more important when it comes to wearing them with a suit jacket. After all, as a formal garment, it's very tricky to make jeans look good in a professional setting.
When wearing a suit jacket with jeans, men should opt for a darker wash and a slim or straight fit. This will help to create a sleek and put-together look. Avoid any baggy or loose-fitting jeans, as they'll ruin the overall effect.
Remember, the key to wearing a suit jacket with jeans is to create as little difference in the formality of the two garments as possible. Light wash jeans that look baggy casual simply aren't going to work for this reason.
When it comes to styling a suit jacket with jeans, men should think of their jeans like suit pants. This means that they need to appear well-tailored and fitted. Depending on your budget, it may even be worth taking a trip to your tailor and having them alter your jeans to fit you properly – that way you can be sure that they'll look great every time you wear them with a suit.
Dress Shoes Or Sneakers?
You can pull off sneakers with a blazer and jeans. However, when it comes to the more formal suit jacket, I would avoid wearing sneakers in most circumstances.
Unlike a blazer, a suit jacket is strictly a formal garment. As such, pairing them with jeans AND sneakers is a pretty big challenge! Your jeans should be the only casual element to your outfit, and wearing sneakers instead of dress shoes could throw off the balance of your outfit.
In general, I would recommend avoiding sneakers altogether when trying to style a suit jacket with jeans. The best option is to stick to dress shoes like loafers, or brogues.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you're attending a very casual event or you're particularly fashion-forward, then you might be able to get away with wearing sneakers with your suit jacket and jeans. But in most cases, it's best to avoid them.
Formality: Work and Special Events
When it comes to formality, suit jackets are higher on the scale than blazers. As a result, it's probably easier to pair a suit jacket with jeans at work in comparison to a blazer.
That said, it's still important to be mindful of the dress code at your workplace. If you're unsure whether a suit jacket and jeans would be appropriate, err on the side of caution and wear formal pants instead.
It's also worth noting that, while a suit jacket with jeans can work for some special occasions, it's generally not considered as formal as wearing a full suit. So if you're attending a wedding or another black-tie event, it's probably best to stick to a more traditional dress code.
A safe rule to follow is this: when in doubt, suit it out. As I always say, it's better to be overdressed than underdressed.
Suit Jacket Vs. Blazer With Jeans: Which Looks Best?
It's a tricky question. After all, both styles have their own unique benefits and drawbacks.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and circumstances.
What is important, however, is that you guys know what to wear with both of these garments to look your best. So I've gone ahead and put together a basic lookbook for you to refer to the next time you want to try mixing things up with a blazer and suit jacket.
How To Wear Jeans And A Blazer To The Office
Wearing jeans to the office is a tricky thing to do without getting ‘dress-coded' by your boss. But if you do it right, it can actually look really stylish and put-together, and people might not even notice you're wearing jeans in the first place!
The key is to pick the right jeans and blazer combo. Here are a few tips:
- Choose dark wash jeans in a slim-straight fit. The darker the better.
- Go for a tailored blazer that fits well on the shoulders
- A button-down shirt with a subtle pattern can work here. Just don't go overboard!
- Pair with dress shoes or loafers – no sneakers!
How To Wear Jeans And A Suit Jacket For A Special Occasion
Whether you're attending a wedding (or any other special occasion) wearing a suit jacket with jeans is possible but incredibly difficult. After all, a wedding is a big deal, and you don't want to seem as though you're not taking it seriously by dressing down.
To pull jeans and a suit jacket off at a wedding (without experiencing the wrath of an angry bride) make sure to:
- Opt for black jeans with gun-metal studs and buttons. You need to make sure your jeans look as jean-less as possible!
- Choose a slim-fit suit jacket in a dark color. Avoid bold patterns, you don't want to draw attention to yourself
- Best to opt for a classic white button-down here. Keep it classy and simple.
- Stick to dress shoes. Sneakers will only highlight and worsen your informal wardrobe choices.
How To Wear Jeans And A Blazer To A Dinner Party
This is where the jeans and blazer combo really comes into its own. In fact, I'd go as far as to say a dinner party with friends is the best time to wear this outfit – it's not too formal, not too casual… just like the dinner party itself!
Here are a few tips to make sure you look your best:
- Choose dark wash jeans in navy or gray to keep things semi-casual
- Go for a printed blazer in a fun color or pattern. This is your chance to be bold, don't waste it!
- A light blue/pink button-down shirt will work well here.
- Pair with boots for that extra level of semi-casual style. You want to look slightly dressier than usual without going overboard.
How To Wear Jeans And A Blazer At The Weekend
Whether you're taking your kids to the park or hitting the mall with the wife, a blazer and jeans can still be a great style choice for more casual weekend activities.
Sure, there are certain rules you should follow to make sure that you don't overdress and look too formal, but as long as you stick to them, you'll be just fine. Here are a few tips:
- Choose light wash jeans in a slim. The lighter the jeans, the more casual they are!
- Go for a linen blazer in a neutral color like white, cream, or beige. This will help keep things feeling summery and casual – once again, stick to lighter shades for a more casual look.
- I would avoid button-down shirts here and instead opt for a polo shirt or Henley.
- Pair with sneakers or loafers. You want to look comfortable but still stylish, so avoid dress shoes at all costs.
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