A blend of two different kinds of cuisine in one dish is known as fusion. I haven’t heard the term “fashion fusion” used, but it would accurately describe the many variations of the blazer. Blazers are being made for every occasion, in every fabric from sweatshirt comfy to luxurious cashmere and satin. A velvet blazer over a print skirt can be fancy enough for a simcha. A wool or cashmere blazer can provide the warmth of a coat without the bulk. For men, a blazer has always been something like a less formal suit jacket. The ubiquitous style of an Upper West Side professor has always been a tweed blazer. In summer, a linen blazer exudes style, adding a layer that can handle the sun.
The blazer may be at its best when it is worn as an indoor/outdoor top. I recently rediscovered the blazer as the perfect accessory for transitional weather. I saw a blazer in the Lands’ End catalog that struck me as just right for days when it is a little cool but not quite cold enough for a jacket. I didn’t click the checkout button, though, until I saw it on a list of blazers recommended by Vogue in a blog on shopping tips. It was only a few places down from one by the Olsen twins’ brand The Row. Since the blazer from Lands’ End had fewer zeros in its price tag, I purchased that one. I wore it to a birthday party where I was happy to keep it on and not lose it in a pile of guest coats. Outside, it kept away the chill. Indoors, with its soft knit material, it felt more like a comfy sweater.
There is wide variation in the styling of blazers. The traditional blazer is tapered and worn much like a suit jacket. Double-breasted blazers combine formality with ease. Like men’s jackets, women’s blazers can have lapels, folded fabric from the collar to chest. European brand Beige and Brown notes blazers can have “notched lapels, peak lapels, and shawl lapels, each creating a distinct look.” Buttons add to the look even when the blazer is worn open.
Banana Republic has a whole tutorial on structured cardigan blazers, along with the many styles it offers. A description of the collection states: “Our structured cardigan blazers are made from soft and stretchy fabrics. They provide a comfortable fit that moves with you throughout the day.” Like its knit cousin, the structured cardigan blazer is a fusion indoor/outdoor piece that adds both style and a layer of warmth to an outfit.
Blazer colors trend largely solid—black, beige, gray and navy—but more whimsical and bold prints abound. The Reflective’s Praia Blazer by Apparalel “elevates office chic with its plaid design and slightly oversized fit.” The Reflective recommends wearing it with a skirt or over a dress for a pulled-together look.
In another fashion fusion style, I’m seeing several bomber jacket/blazer combos. Not quite as sturdy as a true jacket, the fusion version is lighter and more a part of the outfit than a piece of outerwear that comes off when you come inside.
The blazer is back—in a style, color and price range for anyone.
