This time of year (schizoid weather), most men are ready to shed their heavy parkas or pea coats and put something else on. Next time you reach for a jacket, may I suggest a blazer.
When you mention the word "blazer" in the context of wardrobe, most men think of a formal suit jacket. This limits the true power of the blazer, (more accurately called a sport coat), because it's so much more than the better half to a suit. Blazers come in many different styles, textures and fabrics. Some are formal, some are classically casual, others are hip and modern. Some blazers don't even look like your traditional sport coat due to their shorter cut and interesting fabric, such as cotton, fleece, suede, corduroy, velvet, linen or flannel.
The best thing about a blazer is how it can add the finishing touch to your entire outfit. How many times have you put on a nice business casual outfit, or a modern "going out" outfit only to hide it under your North Face jacket or your heavy overcoat?
I found a perfect example of an "REI Guy" jacket dysfunctionally paired with business clothing on a blog by Elizabeth. A blazer could have taken this man's outfit from senior in high school to successful entrepreneur in the five seconds it would have taken him to put it on. For those of you who don't recognize him, it's Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook. Sure he's worth a billion dollars (at least on paper), but that doesn't mean he looks any less goofy in his dress shirt, tie and North Face jacket.
Investing in a few different blazers can actually give your wardrobe a face lift. A blazer can help make comfortable pieces like dark jeans and an un-tucked dress shirt more appropriate for the business casual workplace. Business casual doesn't mean you can't still be comfortable.
A nice blazer will polish your look, modernize your appearance and draw positive attention from others. Many times, your jacket is the part of your clothing people see the most. You would be surprised how often women notice the jacket men wear (for better or worse).
Throwing a nice blazer on is also a great way to dress up basics like a t-shirt and jeans. NOTE: the graphic T-shirts in the photos above make these outfits appropriate for casual events. I do not recommend wearing graphic t-shirts in the professional business workplace. These are just examples to demonstrate that wearing a blazer isn't always synonymous with "dressed up" or "formal."
Daniel Craig is casually polished in jeans, white shirt and a pinstripe blazer. Well done, Bond.
The man who finishes his business outfit with a nice jacket (compared to the man who disqualifies his outfit with a snow camping parka) looks more successful, affluent (no matter how much your North Face cost), and respected. I love Patagonia, Mountain Hardware, North Face, REI, etc. However, I love it best when it's worn appropriately. Leave it on the trail boys, and when dressing like a man, wear your blazer.
-Lisa Bruckner Certified Trunk Club Consultant
Can I wear a North Face sport coat?
Posted by: Cale Bruckner | 03/31/2009 at 05:52 PM
Lisa,
When I wear black dress shoes to work with my black slacks, what kind/color of blazer should I wear over my shirt and tie as to not appear like I'm wearing a suit? Also, when I wear my gray slacks/black shoes, I'd like to wear the same blazer if possible. (I understand if you recommend I don't...) Any ideas?
Rob
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Posted by: UX32EVIE | 02/15/2010 at 08:35 AM
Vest with a suit jacket, looks pretty good..
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