Photography by Dan Austin | Set Design by Ashton Events | Models: Porsha Martin, Margarita Rodriguez, and Patricia Urbonaite, of Modern Muse. Kristina Collins
The blazer’s versatility — in boxy and oversized fits, or feminine silhouettes that accentuate the waist — this piece is a key staple in any woman’s wardrobe.
Blazer Zara // J. Renee Heels Dillard’s // Anna & Ava Earrings Dillard’s
From the Dress Reform in the mid-1800s to Coco Chanel’s revolutionary approach on feminine style in the 1920s, women have used fashion as a tool to express themselves, tell their stories, and demand change.
Throughout the years, the evolution of the blazer, women’s pant suits, and trousers has brought forth the go-to uniform for female leaders — especially in politics.
During the first World War, Chanel became one of the most well-known designers for women’s suits, making some of the first female suits which embraced glamour and femininity.
Ahead of its time, in 1966, Yves Saint-Laurent debuted the “Le Smoking” tuxedo: a boxy, long, minimalist pant suit introducing a more forward androgynous style for women. By the 1980s, the percentage of women in the workforce had grown and the decade became known for the iconic “power suit.” By then, designers like Georgio Armani had made shoulder pads and the oversized jacket silhouette popular, leading to the stereotypical look for women in business.
No longer relegated to office attire, the blazer is the wardrobe must-have that transitions seamlessly from business to pleasure.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match your bright colors and neons this spring.
Since then, the blazer has become a classic staple as part of most women’s wardrobe, and every year there’s no question on whether the blazer will make an appearance on the runway but rather how. In its simplest form, the blazer is deemed to be the obvious choice to look professional; but, as we dig deeper into the power of style, the blazer is revealed to be more than just a uniform for professional occasions. No longer relegated to office attire, the blazer is the wardrobe must-have that transitions seamlessly from business to pleasure.
This season, the blazer is taking notes from the 1980s and 1990s, with oversized boyfriend blazers taking over every runway and cropped suit jackets on catwalks in shows like Jacquemus’. Looking for a modern take on a classic, think skirt suits — just a little shorter. From noteworthy female CEOs and executives to political leaders, women have embraced clothing as part of their messaging. Pink, reds, skirts and pants, there is so much more freedom today in what women wear and how they wear it. Embracing femininity is not a sign of weakness, and wearing jeans doesn’t make a woman not stylish or lazy.
Blazer Zara // Swim Suit Dillard’s // Shorts Zara // Shoes Nike Air Max // Bogg Handbag Dillard’s // Anna & Ava Earrings Dillards
THE BOYFRIEND BLAZER
Create an 1980s-inspired blazer silhouette with the oversized boyfriend blazer. Complete this look with a pair of straight-leg trousers, jeans, or your favorite athleisure for an ultra-modern style. Popular colors for this trend include powder blues, neutrals, and dark greys. Think Princess Diana: long-line, tailored, double-breasted blazers often paired with capri pants for comfort, a baseball cap at the horse races, belted high-waisted jeans for running errands, or wide-leg trousers and heels for her royal duties.
Suit Ann Taylor Loft // Satin Top Dillard’s // Gianni Bini Heels Dillard’s // Gianni Bini Handbag Dillard’s // Betsey Johnson Necklace Dillard’s
THE CLASSIC SUIT
Keep the classic suit sleek and modern with trendy accessories: perhaps a transparent heel and a statement necklace. Looking to master the classic suit trends? Ditch the pants for a shorts suit set or a skirt suit. Airing on the side of 1960s meets 1990s influence, the feminine skirt suit is in, but a little shorter these days. Elongate your legs and pair with a kitten or block heel, a modern Jackie O’ if you will.
Blazer Zara // Top Zara // Gianni Bini Heels Dillard’s // Brahmin handbag Dillard’s // Anna & Ava Earrings Dillard’s
THE CROPPED BLAZER
Opt for spring colors in this style and pair it with light-washed or acid-wash jeans for a cool-girl, street-style look.
An all-white look featuring Brahmin’s straw and leather Mod Bowie handbag with bamboo-style gold handles. Blazer Dress Zara // J. Renee Heels Dillard’s // Brahmin Handbag Dillard’s // Anna & Ava Earrings Dillard’s
THE BLAZER DRESS
Looking for a fierce evening look? Try a blazer dress. It features the silhouette of a menswear-inspired jacket with the femininity of a minidress.
There’s power in this classic and versatile piece. Maybe it’s the women who came before us and demanded change in blazers, trousers, and everything in between. Or maybe it’s the sense of authority it gives you when you wear it. The blazer is not only part of the business-professional uniform but rather a stylish classic piece that continues to grace runway shows every season.