When it comes to easy, yet stylish outfits, it’s hard to beat a blazer with jeans combination.
Simply throwing on a blazer with your jeans can instantly elevate your style and can make a humble pair of jeans either office appropriate, or ready for a dinner date.
In this article, you will find plenty of tips and tricks for styling your blazer with your favorite denim, as well as outfit inspiration.
Why wear a blazer with your favorite jeans?
First of all, why would you want to wear a blazer with denim, when jeans tend to be thought of as the ultimate in casual attire (well, apart from tracksuit bottoms, that is) and a blazer is a formal piece.
Well, that’s the whole point. Combining your jeans with a more formal blazer can give your outfit an immediate lift as well as being a modern way to wear your blazer.
Kate Middleton often wears a blazer with her skinny black or blue jeans and always gets this look right.
So, are there any dos and don’ts?
How to wear a blazer and your jeans
It really is hard to go wrong with this outfit combination. It’s one of those outfits that you can put together without even thinking about if you are having one of those days when outfit inspiration is proving tricky.
But, while it is hard to make a mistake, there are some things you might want to think about:
Fit is everything
There is a current trend for over-sized blazers. But, generally, you will want to ensure you get the perfect fit on your shoulders and across your bust.
Jona @the50plusgirl above opts for a pink blazer with silver shoes.
She is wearing a blazer from Gibsonlook. Check out this similar shirt, jeans, pumps, woven bag (another option here) and sunglasses to complete the look.
Take a look at how to fit a blazer.
Balance is key
As with the rest of your outfit, wearing a blazer along with your denim is all about balance.
For instance, if you choose a blazer with a more relaxed fit, this is likely to look better with slimmer jeans. Or, you could opt for a more fitted blazer with a wider pair of jeans.
Mix and match your styles
A blazer works beautifully with denim because of the combination of casual and formal. You can continue to mix up your outfit anyway you want to. Wear with sneakers, for example, or with high heels.
Melissa @melissabultburns above matches her blazer to her shoes.
Recreate her outfit with this similar shirt (plus size here), blazer (another option here), jeans and pumps.
This combination works with any jeans
You can wear a blazer with everything from skinny jeans, to a boyfriend style or flares. Get this combination right and it will take you to everything from work to an evening out.
9 outfits featuring blazers worn with all styles of jeans
So now that you are thinking about your preferred combination, let’s look at some different outfits you could try.
I’d love to hear if this is a combination you often wear. Let me know in the comments below.
Classic monochrome
Black and white is always a beautiful option. You can either stick entirely to neutrals, or choose to add a pop of color, such as red.
Massimo Dutti Kimono Suit Blazer – The Drop Natalie Lace Trimmed Camisole Top – AG Mari High Waist Slim Ankle Straight Leg Jeans – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Tory Burch Ella Coloblock Cotton Canvas Tote – Open Edit Mismatched Orb Hoop Earrings
Adaline @sdmomstyles above keeps her look neutral with a black blazer and gray denim.
Get her look with this similar tee, blazer (another option here), jeans, loafers, handbag and necklace.
Tuxedo and jeans
A stylish and very hip option for an evening out.
This would be a lovely look for dinner with your other half or with friends, just as long as the restaurant you are going to isn’t too swish and won’t have a no-jeans dress code.
Urban Coco Open Front Blazer – Vince Silk Button-Up Blouse – Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution High Waist Itty Bitty Bootcut Jeans – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Nina Crystal Frame Clutch – Kendra Scott Elisa Layered Pendant Necklace
Oversized blazer worn with slim jeans
One clear trend on the catwalks and the high street recently has been the oversize blazer because it evokes a certain, stylish nonchalance.
This can be a tricky trend to wear as it can make you look larger than you actually are. But, you can avoid this by keeping the rest of your outfit in balance. Opt for skinny or slim jeans.
Leaving your blazer open to create a long, lean line down the center of your outfit can also help to elongate your figure rather than to add width.
ANINE BING Kaia Blazer – rag & bone Nina High Waist Coated Ankle Skinny Jeans – Sam Edelman Bianka Slingback Pump – Nina Crystal Frame Clutch – Deepa Gurnani Lana Mixed Media Hoop Earrings
Abi @stealmystyle40 above chooses a loose blazer with skinny jeans and ballet pumps.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, flats, tote (another option here), earrings and necklace.
For more inspiration, read our article on how to wear jeans for women over 40.
Double breasted blazer and denim
A double-breasted blazer is very on-trend right now. But it can also be tricky to wear, particularly if you have a larger bust.
That’s because it can create width across your chest that you perhaps don’t want. Choosing a tailored or belted style, however, can ensure that you show off your waistline.
J.Crew Chelsea Linen-Cupro Blend Double-Breasted Blazer – FRAME Le Palazzo Crop Wide Leg Jeans – Dune London Jessie Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Crystal Frame Clutch – Kendra Scott Elisa Layered Pendant Necklace
Blazer with white jeans and sneakers
You don’t get any easier when it comes to casual dressing than a pair of jeans, t-shirt and sneakers. Just popping a blazer on can really elevate your everyday style.
J.Crew Chelsea Linen-Cupro Blend Helena Blazer – J.Crew Jersey Pocket T-shirt – J.Crew Demi-Boot Jeans – AllSaints Shana Low Top Sneaker – Tory Burch Ella Coloblock Cotton Canvas Tote – Open Edit Mismatched Orb Hoop Earrings
Jas @thefashionstylefile above mixes her prints by teaming stripes and leopard print with her blazer and jeans outfit.
Check out this similar top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, bag, belt and sunglasses.
Cropped blazer and wide jeans
You don’t have to choose a classic blazer ending slightly below hip level. You could choose a cropped option if you feel this is more flattering for your figure. Choosing a cropped blazer can help to create the illusion of a shorter torso and longer legs.
A cropped blazer can also be perfect to wear with your wider-leg jeans when a longer blazer can make it hard to achieve balance in your outfit.
J.Crew Cropped Drapey Twill Blazer – Caslon Knot Detail Cotton Blend Tank – 1822 Denim High Waist Wide Leg Jeans – Dune London Jessie Ankle Strap Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Coloblock Cotton Canvas Tote – Open Edit Mismatched Orb Hoop Earrings
boyfriend jeans and your smart jacket
The beauty of wearing a boyfriend style with a blazer is the contrast you get between a very casual pair of jeans and a formal jacket.
Vince Camuto Nina Notched Collar Blazer – rag & bone Dre Low Rise Slim Boyfriend Jeans – Nina Crystal Frame Clutch – Kendra Scott Elisa Layered Pendant Necklace – Dune London Jessie Ankle Strap Sandal – Nina Crystal Frame Clutch – Kendra Scott Elisa Layered Pendant Necklace
Nancy @nancysstyle above (read her style interview here) teams a polka dot top with her blazer.
Steal her look with this similar top, blazer, jeans, flats, earrings, belt and sunglasses.
A warm weather linen blazer and any jeans style you like
It can be tricky to think about how to add an extra element to your outfit when the weather heats up.
But, you can still add a blazer without feeling too warm. Simply opt for natural materials such as linen.
Treasure & Bond Stripe Linen Blend Blazer – Caslon Crewneck Tie Front T-Shirt – J.Crew Demi-Boot Jeans – Eileen Fisher Willow Espadrille Wedge Sandal – Tory Burch Ella Coloblock Cotton Canvas Tote – Deepa Gurnani Lana Mixed Media Hoop Earrings
Nautical style
A blazer when worn with your jeans really lends itself to adding stripes for a nod to nautical style.
J.Crew Helena Stretch Linen Blend Blazer – J.Crew Merino-Linen Blend Tank Top – J.Crew Demi-Boot Jeans – Made-in-Spain Slingback Espadrille Sandals – Tory Burch Ella Coloblock Cotton Canvas Tote – Open Edit Mismatched Orb Hoop Earrings
Greetje @no_fear_of_fashion above (read her style interview here) adds a bright shade of yellow to her outfit.
Check out this similar top, blazer, jeans, sneakers, handbag, earrings and belt.
Your blazer outfits together in one capsule
Below are all the blazer outfits from above put together in a capsule wardrobe.
You will see how versatile all of the items are. You could easily pair any of the tops with any of the jeans.
For example, you could choose an all white outfit for summer. Or, you can change how formal your outfits are by switching up your shoe and accessory choices.
More ways to wear your blazers
The outfits below are past season from an earlier capsule. But, they should still give you inspiration if you’re shopping the stores or your own closet.
Continue reading:
- How To Wear Jeans Over 40 – Guidelines And Lots Of Ideas
- How To Fit A Blazer – A Comprehensive Guide On How To Select The Right Blazer
- How To Choose A Summer Coat + The Best Women’s Jackets Available Online Right Now!
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Feature image by Melissa @melissabultburns
Sylvia is 40+style’s editor-in-chief and has been helping women find their unique style since 2011. An alumni of the School of Color and Design, she is devoted to empowering women of any age to look and feel their best. Read more about Sylvia and 40+style on this page.
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Oooh this article came just in time for me as I’ll be attending a birthday celebration weekend for a family member!
I’m not usually drawn to red but am loving the idea of adding it to neutral combos that I often do. And it so happens I just bought a lovely little red clutch w/a detailed chain/leather cross-body strap and a very stylish pair of red heels!
With a nice natural linen lightweight blazer and some well-fitting dark denim jeans, I’m all set for the weekend! The outside temps are going to be close to 90℉ but I’ll still be in air-conditioned rooms so a blazer over a lightweight sleeveless top will be perfect!
Thanks for including me. I think jeans with a blazer is really my signature style. I love both items.
Greetje
How about shoulder pads – some seem a little larger than regular jackets
They can be useful for sure. How big or small they should be for you really depends on the width of your shoulders and body type.
Thank you for this article. I wear this outfit combination almost everyday to work as we are allowed to wear jeans to the office. The blazer serves two purposes for me, helps me looks professional and pulled together and keeps me warm in a cold office. I find it a very stylish and easy way to dress everyday. I like it for very casual looks as well (with sneakers or any casual shoe).