Can you wear a blazer to a formal event? (2023)

Can I wear a blazer to a formal?

Type – Go for a classic double-breasted two-button blazer as this will work well with all outfits and is suitable for any occasion. The shoulders – If you intend to wear it for formal occasions as well as casual, then be sure to choose one with padded shoulders to give a cleaner less casual silhouette.

Blazers are less formal than suit jackets. A blazer must not be as poised as the suit jacket, therefore it's typically unlined, unpadded, the lapels aren't edge-stitched. The blazer is very light, comfortable to wear over multiple clothes.

Blazers are versatile, meaning they work for casual outings, going to work and even for a fancy night out. Here are 10 ways to style a blazer, making it the perfect addition to your capsule closet.

You can pair a blazer with jeans, a V-neck shirt, and loafers for a casual date night look, wear a blazer to a dinner party with chinos and a white shirt, or sport a blazer at the office with dress shoes and a dress shirt if your office dress code allows.

Wear something that fits you well. If you don't have a suit, that's okay. Don't sweat it. If you have some dress pants or even cotton pants or chinos, wear them with a blazer and a dress shirt and tie.

In western countries, a "formal" or white tie dress code typically means tailcoats for men and evening dresses for women. The most formal dress for women is a full-length ball or evening gown with evening gloves.

Crew neck sweaters, half-zip knits and V-neck jumpers are all excellent alternatives to a suit blazer. Their formal style pairs well with a long-sleeve shirt and chinos. If it is colder outside, they can also be layered under a sports or casual jacket.

A black or grey colour blazer is the best choice as it will match all the colours of shirts and t-shirts which makes them easy to wear and pair with your outfits.

Now it's perfect for everything from running errands in your athleisure to spontaneous pizza and beer nights — that is, of course, if you're up to date with the latest blazer trends of fall 2022. Pick the right one (or two) and you're totally covered.

Blazers look great over dresses and help to add warmth and style to your outfit. If you're in the mood for a bold look, choose a blazer in a contrasting color. If you're in a dressier mood, opt for a blazer that blends into your dress for a streamlined, classy look.

Can you wear a blazer in the evening?

Blazers are a man's answer to women's dress-up, dress-down (or 'day to night') fashion. They can go over anything from jeans to stylish pants.

What to Wear. Blazer: A blazer isn't required for business casual, but if you like wearing them, it's a nice touch.

Unsurprisingly, most men's formal suits come in rather reserved colors such as dark blue and charcoal gray. Meanwhile, men's casual suits are free to come in a much wider range of unusual, and even downright eccentric, colors and patterns. It's not just about the color, though.

Dinners dates and other evening events in an urban setting usually mean you should wear a jacket. For evenings or events that do not require a suit, look to a blazer jacket; if you're going to be out during the day and want something more casual, a sport jacket is always a flattering option.

A blazer is a type of jacket resembling a suit jacket, but cut more casually. A blazer is generally distinguished from a sport coat as a more formal garment and tailored from solid colour fabrics.

Fancy Blazer

And you can always go super classic in a tuxedo-style blazer. A wool one like Allie Provost did here is great but love that she opted to coordinate it with her dress instead of just grabbing a black one. A fun and fancy blazer would be great for a cocktail dress code, or semi-formal.

A common choice is a bolero jacket or shawl. This can help to cover up the shoulders and upper arms, while still allowing the dress to be the focus. Other options include a cardigan, blazer, or wrap. Choose something that complements the formality of the dress, and that you feel comfortable in.

Formal or Black-Tie Optional

So, a tuxedo isn't required, but the event is still formal enough for one to be appropriate. The choices are the same as with black-tie: a floor-length gown, a fancy cocktail dress, or a dressy pantsuit.

Formal Texture. The smoother and often the shinier the fabric, the more formal it generally is. A textured basketweave fabric would be more likely to appear on a sports coat than a classic suit, and corduroy would make for casual trousers, not dress pants.

Formal wear, at least in the west, is what you would wear to events such as weddings, certain formal parties, funerals, dinners and balls. For men, formal clothing includes trousers, a dress shirt (and maybe a waistcoat or vest), a suit or a tuxedo jacket, some form of neckwear suit accessory, and dress shoes.

Is formal attire always black?

It's 100% acceptable to wear black to a black-tie wedding (and in a lot of cases, it's actually preferred for men to wear a classic black tuxedo). Darker colors are considered more formal, making them completely appropriate for a black-tie event.

Tuxedos are reserved for evening events only, and for formal occasions like black-tie weddings, charity galas and nights at the opera. Suits are appropriate for any time of day, and can be worn at less casual events like business meetings and dates.

The phrase “formal attire” is badly misunderstood in modern society. Formal attire does not mean suits and ties! It is a substantially higher dress code, requiring clothes that most men don't own.

Totally fine! Just make sure they're dressy enough for the nuptials. Start with tailored trousers and a polished blouse, or make things easy for yourself by grabbing a matching blazer.

Blazer tip: Color

While most blazers can be styled for any occasion, grey and navy are the most versatile colors, with brown and tan better suited for more casual settings.

Also, sportcoats are frequently patterned and feature more eye-catching designs. Blazers, however, are dressier than sportcoats but not as formal as suit jackets. Traditionally, a blazer is wool, blue with a pocket, and has distinct silver or gold buttons.

In today's terms, the blazer is most always a solid color—with blue or black being the most common, adding to their formality. Typically bedecked with silver, gold, or brass metal buttons, the blazer is the perfect option for events that used to be black tie or formal.

A black or grey colour blazer is the best choice as it will match all the colours of shirts and t-shirts which makes them easy to wear and pair with your outfits.

Is a blazer and T-shirt formal?

First, it's casual – an even more casual take on sharp casual. Sure, a button-up with an extra button unbuttoned looks casual and relaxed, but a t-shirt has a completely different kind of relaxed vibe. It's a bit sportier.

Smart (Suit Jacket and Jeans)

You can team your jeans with a suit jacket or blazer, whichever you like more. Wear a light-colored shirt (either light blue or white) with jeans and a pair of stylish shoes or brogues. Make sure that your shoes don't let the outfit down.

While a blazer is a good go-to choice for almost any interview, be mindful of what you wear underneath. Inevitably, the deep-v formed by the blazer's lapel creates a plunging neckline. If you're going to wear a camisole or a shell underneath, make sure it covers you appropriately.

The traditional etiquette states that you should keep your jacket on when sitting down for a meal. You shouldn't remove your jacket unless you absolutely have to, and when you're wearing it, you'll want to make sure it's unbuttoned when you're sitting.

As part of a more modern look, you can potentially wear a blazer or sports coat at a casual Cocktail Attire event, but this will not be in keeping with the traditional rules of the Classic Style. If you do opt to wear combinations, make sure that they are in dark, similar colors, especially for evening events.

No need to wear a gown, but also steer clear of minis and sun dresses that might be okay for a casual daytime soirée. To nail cocktail dressing, opt for knee-length, tea-length or midi dresses or a dressy jumpsuit for an appropriately polished look. Reminder: You can always turn to accessories to add extra personality.