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The Compass  /  Style  /  Rock a Blazer Like a Pro

Rock a Blazer Like a Pro

enter the blazer

With seemingly every office in the world moving to a business casual dress code, the blazer is occupying a more important role than ever in the stylish man’s closet. A stellar suit collection is essential, but a stockpile of blazers can prove even more useful. Don’t have a good blazer collection? Now is the perfect time to build yours. With three new additions to the Black Lapel blazer family, we’ve been photographing some great looking dudes in these sharp new cool weather blazers. Here are our top tips for how you can look your best in a blazer:

embrace patterns header

A lot of guys are scared off by patterns. We call those guys wusses. Kidding! Some guys just aren’t into patterns. But, if you’re one of those guys who looks at a pattern and says, “that looks great but I could never pull it off,” then really, man up. Don’t fear the clash of the tartans. Tame the patterns by pairing them with solid shirts and pants so that there’s no competing with the jacket pattern.

Knickerbocker Blue with Burgundy Windowpane Custom Blazer

contrast textures

Fall fabrics are usually a little heavier to brave the cool weather. In the case of the Cobble Hill Houndstooth Blazer featured below and the Knickerbocker Windowpane above, there’s even some cashmere mixed in. When pairing pants and shirts with jackets in these chunkier fabrics, contrast the textures with smooth cottons like this fall appropriate oxford shirt (also available from Black Lapel).

Cobble Hill Brown with Burgundy Windowpane Custom Blazer

Put these rules into play and you’ll fall in love with fall blazers. Whether you’re bringing your A-game to your business casual office or just stepping your weekend looks up a notch, the blazer will become these fall blazers provide an instant upgrade to almost any fall outfit.

Got a favorite blazer? How do you pull off the stylish business casual look?

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28 thoughts on “Rock a Blazer Like a Pro”

  1. Zak says:

    I was just wondering what your thought are of ‘Fashion Blazers’ ive just ordered one which im struggling to match with clothing, i think it would work with jeans and a shirt but I’m unsure, i would only wear it to go out for drinks, nothing too posh, I’m guessing you would need a picture or two of the blazer to decide properly?

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Pictures would help, Zak. (You can email them to concierge@blacklapel.com for more specific advice.)

      By “fashion blazer” are you referring to those short-sleeved ones that we’ve seen on Amazon? We’re not fans of those. When we want our blazers sleeves rolled up we just unbutton our working cuffs and slide them up a bit.

  2. Kian says:

    Hey B-Lapel!
    So I’ve allowed the double vented jacket to grow on me. Evolving into adult style is hard with some pieces!
    I have a question. Could you please do an article about how suits/blazers or various items should be tailored. Ie; how much cuff should show if its a regular cuff, where the cuff should sit on your wrist, etc.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      We’ve touched on jacket fit a few different ways in the past, Kian. See the stories below:

      1. How Long Should My Suit Jacket Sleeves Be?
      2. Proper Suit Jacket Length

      If you’re looking for more specific advice, feel free to send some photos to our stylists at concierge@blacklapel.com for a second opinion on your jacket fit (we’ll help you out even if it isn’t one of ours).

  3. Derek says:

    Something I’ve been trying to go for is a tan or charcoal-blue slacks with a maroon blazer. Here’s looking at you black lapel for the latter 🙂

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Duly noted, Derek. We’ll come out with some new fabrics this spring so stay tuned.

  4. Kian says:

    Heyyo! I love the compass. Its my new go to. I’m glad there’s an article about blazers and some good Q’s from terrence which I’ve wondered myself.

    So I’ve got this jacket, I can’t tell if its a blazer or sports coat or what…I just know its not a suit jacket. Its a houndstooth pattern, but what I’m concerned about is the back. Its got two slits, not one. I find that looks really tacky, it makes me wonder whether I should ever wear it (I still never have).

    Could you guys weigh in on this? Perhaps I can post a pic of it somehow if you need to see it.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Fear not, Kian, what you’re describing sounds like a double-vented jacket, a refined look that sets you apart from the average guy. It’s a favorite around Black Lapel because we like the way it stays put and covers your backside even when you put your hands in your pockets or sit on a barstool.

      1. Kian says:

        thanks Compass!

        1. Black Lapel says:

          Just doin’ what we do!

  5. Dana says:

    Something that seemed missing from this discussion was buttons on the cuffs (or did I miss it?). I have found small details on a sports jacket make the different between a ho-hum look and one that have people asking “where’d you get that”.
    For the other comments, I like one button jackets. To me, it creates that kind of James Bond cool hang to the jacket fabric.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Great point, Dana. A great set of buttons, on the cuffs and at the center of the jacket, can really distinguish a jacket. All of the jackets above come with real bull horn buttons. With their unique markings, no two horn buttons are the same but all of them are stylish.

      As for the one-button option, like we said, it’s generally a love it or hate it kind of thing. Sounds like you’re a fan.

  6. Terence says:

    Have to say WOW!. Very nice suit. I love the style. It highlights my previous concern. Looks like the slanted pockets with the ticket pocket is very elegant. Now this is what I’m talking about. I appreciate the link. Greatly appreciated.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Glad to help and glad you’re digging the suit too.

  7. Terence says:

    Yes I see. Very well done, the jackets and the slacks. The slacks are extra slim styled though, so no pleats makes sense in this case but I’m a pretty big guy. I wear a size 52 jacket with a size 38 for the slacks/trousers, which I wear on the waist. Jeans a size 36 on the hips. This is why I ask. I like more of a traditional fit. The slim style is not for me since I have all of this muscle. But I like what is see above.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Yes, the flat front look doesn’t work for everyone, T. Stick with cuffs if you’re doing pleats. This look is traditional but never gets old on bigger guys. Go with old-school patterns like the Brownstone Glen Plaid for a classic look.

  8. Terence says:

    Cuffs or no cuffs? One said if pleats then cuffs, no pleats then no cuffs. Pleats or no pleats?

    1. Black Lapel says:

      You can’t always believe what you’ve heard, T. (like those rumors about a Godfather IV coming out this summer), but in this case you can. No pleats, no cuffs. Even though the focus above is on the blazers, you can see from the photos above that we like flat front pants without cuffs.

  9. Terence says:

    What about slanted pockets ve. straight pockets? To ticket pocket or not to ticket pocket?

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Terence, these are great questions. We propose trying all 4 combinations in your next 4 blazers with BL! 😉 In all seriousness, there are no rules on pocket angle and ticket pockets with blazers and sport coats. Go with what you like and have fun with it!

  10. Terence says:

    Thanks for the link. Great article and informative. I wouldn’t be interest in a one button jacket though.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Yeah, the single button is kind of a love it or hate it thing. If you fall into the “hate it” camp, we suggest sticking with two buttons.

  11. Jaebi says:

    Great fall picks. Nothing is harder than finding an off the rack blazer that fits just the way I need it. That frustrates me about my current stable, some fit better than others.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      That’s the rack for ya, Jaebi. It’s a bit of a crap shoot.

      Of course you could get one of these custom bad boys. We’ll warn you, though. Once you go Black (Lapel Custom Clothiers) you’ll never go back.

  12. Terence says:

    Hi guys! Just wondering, 2 buttons or 3 buttons these days, blazers, sport coats and suits? I have a closet full of double breasted suits. I’m planning to go “solo” with a couple. My blazer/sport coat wardrobe is all 3 buttons with an exception of 1, my last 1, is a 2 button sport coat and love it. The 3 button jackets have a higher button stance, however, and I like that too. I guess I’m just use to my double breasted suits crossing over higher up. Any input for me? Please opine.

    1. Black Lapel says:

      We have not only opined on the topic, we did a whole story on suit buttons.

      The same principles apply to a blazer. We generally recommend two buttons. You’re more likely to see a one button blazer than a one button suit. We dig both. We also like the 3-2 roll lapel (see the link above for more on the 3-2) to lend a little old school cool to a jacket for taller gents.

  13. Joshua says:

    That’s pretty much my look everyday, plus a pocket square. Occasionally, I will also add a tie, an odd waistcoat, and/or a cardigan.

    How to wear a suit and tie without having people ask “Are you interviewing?” Wear it everyday! You’re welcome. 🙂

    1. Black Lapel says:

      Nice, Joshua. Keep blazing a trail (had to get one blazer pun in there).

      As for advice on stopping the “interviewing” questions, you can also try “Yes, I hear your job is going to be available soon.”

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