The high street brands are reigning supreme when it comes to oversized blazers this season – this is how to style them for summer through to autumn.
You’ve most likely heard a lot about a capsule wardrobe. You know, the carefully curated edit of items you ‘should’ own. The truth is, instead of this minimal approach most of us own multiple dresses, jackets, jeans and whatever else in the depths of the ‘drobe. Unless you’ve got round to completing a lockdown wardrobe clear out, that is. What we should learn from the capsule wardrobe however is that certain items stick around. We’re talking hero items such as the white shirt and of course, the blazer.
In the 70s the blazer was worn belted (most likely with a shirt collar peeking out of the top) and this look made a strong resurgence at Celine and Etro last season. The 80s went oversized for an androgynous feel and the 90s were all about basic styles added over anything from slip dresses to cycling shorts. Now, they’re still going strong and Instagram is proving they’re a staple in fresh hues, light fabrics and looser fit silhouettes.
Writer Abi shows how an oversized blazer can be the perfecting layering tool for new season. We’ve found the exact Mother of Pearl x John Lewis style and you can shop it as part of our edit, below.
The high street oversized blazers this season are so good, they’ll fool everyone into thinking you’ve splurged on designer. And it’s not just the price point that makes these blazers – from the likes of Zara to Arket – appealing, it’s the fact you can invest in them knowing you’ll wear them in months, years, even decades to come.
Oversized blazers have never looked so good – these are our top 10 styles that get our vote this season, and beyond.
Shop best high street blazers
Mother of Pearl x John Lewis and Partners
Best blazers: Mother of Pearl x John Lewis and Partners One of the best high street collaboration to launch since lockdown – sustainable brand Mother of Pearl created a fine edit for John Lewis. It’s all about the little details like pearl buttons and sleek cuts that gives this collection the designer feel, for a high street price.
Writer Abi (above) has already shown you how to wear it with a midi dress, but you could also try it with the matching trousers (here) to style it as a chic suit.
Shop Mother of Pearl x John Lewis and Partners double breasted blazer, £159
& Other Stories
Best blazers: & Other Stories Pistachio ice cream is the inspiration behind summer’s freshest look this year. The soft hue will update basics and transform them into statement pieces. Imagine this beauty over a white linen dress for summer and jeans and a shirt for autumn – perfection.
Arket
Best blazers: Arket Known for its minimal aesthetic, Arket is the home of anything but ‘basic’ basics. We’re talking vest tops, the perfect white T-shirts and of course blazers. The wool blazer was a firm favourite at the start of the year but this lighter style is the summer version
Throw over a tank top and slip skirt combo with dad sandals and lashings of gold jewels.
H&M
Best blazers: H&M Nothing will liven up your summer looks more than a flash of lilac. It’s one of those colours you’ll also be able to sweep through to autumn. Note: try teaming with rich brown and tan shades.
Bershka
Best blazers: Bershka Everyone seems to be having a lemon love-in lately and rightly so. The uplifting shade surprisingly works with most colours in your wardrobe – from soft lilac to powder blue. Try it out with this buttery blazer and watch it uplift all your new season outfits.
Uterqüe
Best blazers: Uterqüe A technicolour dream blazer is the wardrobe addition you didn’t know you needed, until now, that is. Zara’s sister brand, Uterqüe has created this beauty and we can’t stop looking at it. Watch it transform the simplest of outfits – from jeans and a T-shirt to the shirt dress.
Shop Uterqüe multicoloured checked blazer, £79.90 (previously £190)
Monki
Best blazers: Monki You’ll be like the cat who got the cream in this £40 find from Monki. A light blazer may seem like a bad idea with the amount of tea we’re all drinking on a daily basis, but it’ll do wonders for your outfits. Wear with other neutral colours for a top-to-toe look that’ll appear way more expensive than it is.
River Island
Best blazers: River Island Bold stripes were spotted all over the catwalks at the likes of Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs and naturally they’ve made it to the high street, too. Get a piece of the action with this flattering vertical striped style from River Island.
Shop River Island brown stripe double breasted blazer, £46 (previously £65)
Zara
Best blazers: Zara Beige is never boring. This is basically what we’ve learnt from all of Zara’s most recent collections, including the fashion editor-approved dress everyone has been wearing. Style this oversized beauty the matching skirt and team with heeled thong sandals for a 90s twist.
Weekday
Best blazers: Weekday Brown may not be everyone’s go-to but believe us, a brown blazer may just replace your trusty black version. Team with a fresh white T-shirt, beige trousers and black sandals and we guarantee you’ll be converted. Try styling it with dusty pink or sage green accessories if you’re feeling adventurous.
Opening image: Getty
Images: courtesy of brands