Every year when it’s finally time to shed the heavy winter layers blazers and a mac trench coat are my go-to layering pieces for spring. Timeless, sophisticated, and uber chic, the hardest part is deciding between the two. A loose unlined trench coat is perfect for a more relaxed and Parisian vibe, while a blazer is best for capturing a more polished and tailored look. I wear a lot of denim and casual neutrals, so layering a third piece on top is the perfect finishing touch to add more depth. When I’m out with my boys I normally opt for the trench coat because I need all the pocket space I can get to carry keys, phones, trucks, etc… So it happens that whenever I find myself out and about with no kids in tow I capitalize on the opportunity to sport my favorite blazers.
Perhaps the most versatile separate in a closet, a good blazer works hard both on and off the clock. Now that I’m not working in an office I appreciate and enjoy blazers even more because I wear them in more relaxed and comfortable ways. In the short time I’ve been away from the desk my perspective on blazers has changed quite a bit allowing me to get a whole lot more wear out of my collection. I don’t think of the blazer solely as a workwear piece anymore, but more so as a do-it-all separate that can add structure and elegance to simple outfits.
The off-duty blazer is a great piece for weekends at home or on the road when the only meetings on the agenda are exploring museums, taking a trolley tour, or meeting friends for dinner. Last fall I did a style series on the origins of American preppy style in which I delved into the brilliance of packing versatile suiting pieces in a weekend suitcase. Before reading about the Seven Sisters traveling suit, the practicality of wearing suiting separates for a low-key weekend trip wouldn’t have occurred to me, but I took the concept for a test ride on a recent trip to Boston and the blazer didn’t disappoint. I wore it on the train for travel both ways and layered it over henley shirts and turtlenecks while in Boston. Because we had the kids with us I packed a darker colored blazer to give me peace of mind about stains. In the end the best part was pulling something old out of my closet and making it feel new again.
Whether you’re wandering the local farmers market or riding Amtrak up the Northeast Corridor, this hardworking staple can instantly add polish to your favorite casual pieces. For me the nature of any off-duty look is comfort with a touch of effortless refinement. Enter the blazer, AKA the quintessential touch of elegance on or off the clock. The best way to transition a blazer to off-duty is to keep things minimal and comfy. Substitute the pencil skirt and heels for cotton and flats, add a casual accessory or two and you’re good to go.
Like most women over the age of 25 I am completely enchanted by Princess Diana’s inimitable style and often look to her for inspiration. While her formal wear is iconic, for me her casual street style is pure perfection and the way she wore blazers in her later years pretty much defines my ideal blazer off-duty look. Perusing through my favorite Diana street style looks I identified two basic formulas for perfecting the off-duty blazer. Also worth mention, you’ll see the Duchess of Cambridge sporting these same formulas on casual outings.
The first formula is pairing a blazer with matching neutral base layers. The base layers don’t need to be the exact same shade, but they should be in the same tonal family (i.e… white, black, grey, or navy.). And of course, the base layers should be anything and everything cotton. Think soft cotton knits and tee shirts, or linen and chambray button up tops, paired with easy bottoms like chinos, denim, linen, or corduroy.
White jeans are a tricky beast indeed. To find a perfect pair you have to weed through the masses to find a style that suits your build and then keep your fingers crossed that the fabric isn’t see through. Generally speaking a cropped straight or wide leg jean will work for most body types, but sometimes it helps to size up to keep the legs loose, and have the waist taken in if need be. I love white denim and was elated when I discovered this slim wide leg pair late last summer.
Elated is a strong word, but they were actually a really great fit on me, comfortable lightweight (non-see through) denim, and by the time I found them they were on final sale for about $20. So when I wore them for a wine tasting tour in Napa Valley last August and there was a major red wine spillage I pitched my first pair and ordered another.
For a more vibrant look with this first formula go with a statement colored or patterned blazer that contrasts with the base layers like I did here with the blue double-breasted blazer and white/cream top and bottoms. Alternatively, a neutral blazer will give you a more muted aesthetic, but still casual none the less.
Casual accessories are a must for creating easy vibes with the off-duty blazer. I wear hats a lot mostly for sun protection, but I particularly love a good baseball cap. I acquire them when I travel so they’re practical and also keepsakes of special memories. This hat is from a summer I spent in Cape Cod with my mom after my first year of college. My dog Max was just a puppy at the time, and I have the sweetest memories from that summer that I take with me every time I wear this hat. Other than the memories, baseball caps are particularly handy tools for deconstructing a blazer. The sportiness of the tennis shoes and baseball cap together balance out the structure of the blazer relaxing the entire look.
The second formula is the more casual of the two, and I’m citing looks straight from the Princess herself because no one can do them justice like her. The basis of this formula is pairing a blazer with a cotton top and blue denim. The shoes are where you can steer the look from ultra casual to feminine chic. A pair of loafers, tennis shoes, or even cowboy boots as Diana does here will create a boyish look, while ballet flats or heels will team with the blazer to create easy elegance.
