Oversized blazer: Every cool girl in New York is wearing this trans-seasonal jacket – here’s five you can shop now
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- Grace Cook
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With big boxy shoulders and a plethora of patterns and prints, the supersize silhouette is the ideal throw-on-and-go jacket this Autumn
Nothing gives us new-season outfit inspiration quite like the September edition of New York Fashion Week. Hot on the heels of summer, the beginning of September timetable is the perfect time for showgoers to dust off their trans-seasonal wardrobe staples and throw on a jacket for the first time in months. After all, New York summers — and its 32 degree temperature average — leaves no room for layers.
One clear trend has been a standout on the streets in the concrete jungle thus far; that is, the oversized blazer. Super simple to wear and with oversized cut and a nonchalant attitude, the blazer has an easy, everyday appeal; simply throw-on and go. (Which, with jam-packed show schedules filled with early mornings and late nights, it’s understandable the street style set opted for this comforting yet super chic jacket.)
Of course, the blazer is nothing new. But the supersize silhouettes are. First introduced by Demna Gvasalia as an androgynous style at Balenciaga, with enormous shoulders and elongated sleeves galore, it has since been toned down a tad; fabrics are softer and more fluid, shoulders slightly smaller — the oversized blazer 2.0 is favoured by all manner of super chic brands, like The Row, Tibi and Gabriela Hearst.
The best thing about the 2.0 blazer’s appeal is its wardrobe versatility. Able to be worn as part of a suit if the matching trousers are available, these sorts of jackets look just as good styled with ripped denim jeans and sneakers — a seamless blend of business-casual, you might say. Contrary to popular belief, blazers really don’t have to be formal or uptight.
And it’s the perfect trans-seasonal piece — a light jacket, for days when, as Cheryl Frasier says in Miss Congeniality, it’s not too hot or not too cold. Let us explain why.
Reasons to buy a blazer
1. You will wear this jacket all autumn, until it’s actually cold enough to wear a proper woollen coat. And then, when winter finally breaks in early March, you can put said blazer back on again and wear it through spring. You see, the blazer is a friend for life, not just for a single season.
2. It will wear with anything. Team it with suit trousers for the office, dress it down with jeans for Sunday strolls, or even throw it over your gym leggings and a cosy sweater to take you from barre class to brunch — far chicer than a hoodie. You can even wear it on a night out with a little black dress, making it perfect for the forthcoming party season.
3. The oversized cut means you can put all manner of chunky knitwear underneath and it will still fit and feel comfortable. Choose lightweight turtlenecks for September, in October move to a more weighty sweater, and come November pair it with the thickest woollen jumper you own and guess what? It will look great: far easier than buying various coats in varying thicknesses.
Need we go on?
Here are the best styles to shop now.
1. & Other Stories
Deep chocolate is the new black; this & Other Stories number gets a big tick from us. Wear with a matching roll neck and a crisp white trouser for the ultimate autumn look.
Wool blend oversized blazer, £159, & Other Stories
2. Zara
This tweedy Zara number is an absolute classic. The timeless fabrication and oversized cut feel both vintage yet modern — perfect paired with a white tee and jeans come spring, and style with a pale ecru sweater for autumn.
Oversized check blazer, £59.99, Zara
3. Cos
The best way to make a blazer slouchy is to buy it from the men’s department — this oversized neutral blazer is from the guy’s department at Cos. We love how high the buttons sit up the front, which would look great buttoned in a super loose fit. Wear with autumn neutrals like navy, chocolate and grey.
Three-button blazer, £180, Cos
4. Mango
How to make plaid feel modern? Make it emerald green. This super slouchy blazer from Mango is double-breasted and boxy cut, which makes it even more structural — best of all, it comes with a matching mini skirt to overhaul the classic business suit. Pair with 40 denier tights and a heel.
Plaid blazer, £79.99, Mango
5. Ganni
Is this the most autumnal blazer ever made? Ganni have nailed the corduroy jacket, with a low double-breasted fastening and cool pocket detail. Matching trews are available, but we love it worn with black tailored trousers and an ankle boot.
Corduroy jacket, £230, Ganni
Main image: Getty