Styling a Boyfriend Blazer: Capsule Wardrobe

tips on styling a boyfriend blazer with a capsule wardrobe for spring to summer by Alison Gary of Wardrobe Oxygen

I recently visited the DC M.M.LaFleur showroom and tried a lot of their spring and summer offerings. One item I fell for was the O'Hara Blazer in Plaid Sharkskin. A lighter-weight blazer but still full of professionalism and quality construction, this is how to style the boyfriend blazer of 2023 in a sophisticated manner. I was playing in my closet finding ways for styling a boyfriend blazer like this and it inspired this capsule wardrobe.

Blazers have been a wardrobe staple for decades. In the '80s they were part of a power suit to exude authority in the workplace. In the '90s they were oversized, sometimes thrifted. Thanks to folks like Amanda Woodward and Ally McBeal, in the 2000s blazers were nipped and tucked and worn with matching minis or a camisole and jeans. In the 2010's they continued being part of our “going out” attire, getting creative with fabrics and details.

Now in 2023, the “it” blazer is an oversized boyfriend blazer. But unlike the oversized blazers from our past, this one is tailored to fit in the shoulders and across the back, giving a cleaner, more polished effect while still being slouchy, relaxed, and extremely versatile.

A Capsule Wardrobe for Styling a Boyfriend Blazer

I live in the Washington D.C. area and summer comes fast. We go from warm days with breezy nights to hot hot hot. However, as I know it is in many other parts of this country, when we are indoors it is air-conditioned. Offices, malls, grocery stores… while we may be sweltering in linen and cotton outdoors we may want a bit more when inside.

This capsule is for those who see value in a lighter-weight blazer during this time of year. Pieces that can work for being outside can also jazz up a blazer. This isn't a capsule to replace a wardrobe, but to show the versatility of a piece like the M.M.LaFleur O'Hara Blazer and how you don't need to make it office-friendly (and IMO, it's chicer when not paired with the matching pants or skirt). I hope this helps you with tips for styling a boyfriend blazer, whether it is this blazer or another in your closet.

a capsule wardrobe inspired by a plaid boyfriend blazer from M.M.LaFleur

I know that this blazer may not fit your body or your budget, so I have gathered several other boyfriend blazers that would fit this capsule wardrobe easily. You can scroll through the carousel below and if you know of a fabulous boyfriend blazer not featured, please share in the comments!

Shop Boyfriend Blazers:

If you look at this capsule wardrobe and find it a weird hodgepodge of pieces, you're not alone. But I hope the outfits below help you understand my mindset, and how this blazer can live multiple lives in your closet. I also want you to know that if you so desire, you can wear some of these trendy combinations as a grown-ass woman. YES, you can wear a bodyshort under a blazer with a baseball cap and sneakers. YES you can wear a white ribbed tank top with a gold chain and oversized sunglasses.

Eff that noise that only certain trends are for certain ages or bodies. Plus, these trends are not brand-spanking new. Once you can find those trends in Old Navy, know they're for the masses. If you're comfortable and feel confident, wear it. I know I will (and do) and I promise you, no one is looking at me cross-eyed as I head into Target in my Universal Standard Next to Naked Bodysuit under a blazer or oversized linen shirt.

Sample Outfits Styling a Boyfriend Blazer (and Beyond)

Below are 21 looks I created from this capsule wardrobe. Not all feature the blazer, but most do. I just wanted to show how such pieces are more versatile than they may look at first glance. Also 21 is just the tip of the style iceberg for this capsule wardrobe. I just wanted to create the most creative looks to get you started. Click any of the thumbnails to see the image larger. Use the arrows to scroll through and then click the “X” or anywhere outside the image to return to this screen.

Look one featuring the boyfriend blazer, striped tee, and wide leg pants. I found this blazer looked better with wide flowing pants than skinny ankle trousers. Add pops of color to keep it fun.

Look 2 featuring the boyfriend blazer, chartreuse top and khaki wide leg trousers. Dress up this look with a refined knit top and square toe flats. Yes, color can be professional! Have fun with your wardrobe!

Look 2 styles the boyfriend blazer with the graphic t-shirt and khaki wide leg trousers. Take the blazer to the weekend with a graphic t-shirt and sneakers.

Look 4 features the blazer over a black ribbed tank dress with a canvas tote and sneakers. An all-in-one face color gives the perfect flush for the season. Add gold jewelry to make the blazer purposeful.

Look 5 styles the blazer with a white ribbed tank and magenta soft wide leg pants. Yes, a blazer can be casual! Push up the sleeves, pair with knits and a cap, but keep it refined with polished leather sandals and crossbody.

Look 6 styles the blazer with the chartreuse refined knit top and black linen shorts. Yes, a blazer can be casual! Push up the sleeves, pair with knits and a cap, but keep it refined with polished leather sandals and crossbody.

Look 7 is the same as 6 but the top is switched out with the cream and black striped t-shirt. A switch to a striped tee and sneakers takes this look from casual office to chic weekend.

The same blazer styled over a bodyshort with sneakers, a cream canvas baseball cap, and orange leather crossbody bag. A longer blazer over a bodysuit is great for running errands or going from coffee date to fitness class. Keep the gym bag in the car and use a crossbody to add polish.

Same bodyshort but this time instead of the blazer it has the white linen shirt. Same concept but dressed down with an oversized linen blazer. Wear open with the sleeves rolled or if you're feeling bold, keep unbuttoned and tie at the waist!

This look is the linen shirt worn over the black tank dress with an orange leather crossbody. A ribbed tank dress is a summer staple. Paired with an oversized linen shirt you're protected from overzealous a/c as well as the sun's rays.

The white linen shirt is paired with the wide leg khaki trousers. Go coastal chic by tying your linen shirt at the waist and pair with perfectly slouchy soft trousers.

The white linen shirt worn open over a white ribbed tank and the khaki wide leg trousers. Treat your linen shirt as a blazer; add a scarf as a belt for an elegant addition of color.

Same white linen shirt over the white tank, but this time styled with the magenta soft wide leg pants. Who says the coastal chic trend has to be all soft neutrals? Have fun with color pops!

The linen shirt and tank paired with the black linen shorts and a chartreuse printed skinny scarf for a belt. A scarf as a belt is an easy way to add elegance to closet staples.

The chartreuse refined top with the black linen shorts and the scarf as a belt. Chartreuse is a big color this summer. It's so bright it doesn't have to be in "your" colors to look great. Balance with neutrals like black, khaki, and olive.

The cream and black striped t-shirt with the black linen shorts. A striped tee can make the most simple of outfits become a LOOK. Add pops of color for summer fun.

Same outfit but instead of the orange crossbody and black leather flats it is styled with the cream canvas tote, cream sneakers, and cream baseball cap. A striped tee can make the most simple of outfits become a LOOK. Switch out the bold accessories for ivory and cream.

The striped tee with the khaki wide leg pants, black sandals, orange crossbody bag, and skinny scarf. Accessories take this look from simple to chic. A shiny earring or a scarf as a belt elevate wardrobe basics.

The same look as the last slide but the shirt is replaced with the black graphic tee. Accessories and wide leg trousers elevate the common graphic t-shirt. Mixing dressy with casual is very on trend this year.

The chartreuse refined top with the magenta soft wide leg pants, black sandals, and orange crossbody. Keep it comfy but in elevated fabrics and punchy colors, the effect is chic and not at all sloppy.

The striped tee and the black tank dress with sneakers and orange crossbody. Use a Beltaway belt to achieve a tucked-in look over dresses. The elastic will grip to hold your top in place all day.

I added text to these images, but the images' metadata has the same text that the gallery tool says a screenreader will capture. If this is not so and you use a screenreader, please let me know. I was trying to find a way to share some styling tips and “why” behind the creation of each outfit.

I did add a few extra items to this capsule: these square-toe flats, these reading glasses, this scarf, these hoops, this lip oil, this cream blush, and this blush brush. The all-over color is from Flyte.70; I own it and use this brush to tap along my cheekbones then tap on my eyelids for natural color perfect for spring and summer. Use WOXYGEN15 for 15% off your order. The lip oil is from MERIT; I have been impressed with the products from this line that I have used thus far. I will be reviewing both of these beauty brands in the near future.

I also mention the Beltaway belt in one of the looks.. I think this is one of the most genius wardrobe tools I own. It's great for holding your jeans up without bulk (or getting pinged at TSA), but it is great for achieving a tucked-in look without the bulk. This Reel video I made helps explain how I use the Beltaway. The Beltaway is available in Misses and Plus sizes.

As mentioned, I personally have the Universal Standard Next to Naked Bodyshort which inspired this, but I've seen similar boyshorts at Old Navy, Lululemon, and Amazon. I used the one from Athleta because it has wider straps. You can also replicate this look with a matching fitted tank and shorts or capris. The key is fitted; if styling a boyfriend blazer over a loose tank will not achieve the same modern effect.

Trying New Trends at Any Age

Not every capsule wardrobe on Wardrobe Oxygen is for everyone. We all live different lives, have different priorities, different comfort levels, and desires. But I do hope with my capsule wardrobes, I help you see that you don't need more clothes to have more style. That it's worth it to play with what's already in your closet, trying new combinations because you may not need to buy another garment to feel modern and fresh. And that style rules are dated; nothing will age you faster than wearing what someone said two decades ago will make you look slimmer or taller or smaller or essentially hide yourself.

Taking Up The Space You Deserve in 2023

2023 is about taking up the space you deserve. Instead of looking at how the young folks are exposing so much skin or are wearing so much baggy ill-fitting clothing, see the message they are sending. They are unapologetic. They are accepting that they come in a range of sizes and shapes, abilities, and priorities. That they are much more than their body, and they don't use their body to define them but to express what they are inside.

Take up the space you deserve in the way that makes you feel good. Wear those oversized linen shirts untucked over linen pants. Rock a bodyshort with a boyfriend blazer. Buy a dress with a side or back cutout. Feel comfortable in chunky sneakers and sandals with arch support, and instead of hiding in black or gray try something in your favorite color. We will not fade away, we are more interesting, wiser, and way cooler now than we were years ago and we too deserve to have our outsides be a way to express the beauty that is within.

10 Comments

I love getting ideas from your capsule wardrobes and found the addition of the text very helpful. Thanks!

Have you tried those pink Old Navy pants? I want to order but worry about the quality…

Alison Gary says:

May 23, 2023 at 12:22 pm

Personally no, but I have had success lately with Old Navy with other pants. And these have an almost 5-star rating with over 1,700 reviews.

Reply
1. Cristin says:
  
  May 23, 2023 at 12:52 pm
  
  Thank you!! I love this whole look so much. 🙂
  You are so talented!
  
  Reply
  1. Alison Gary says:
    
    May 23, 2023 at 12:54 pm
    
    Thank you so much!
    
    Reply

Just wanted to say thank you for adding text descriptions to each of the looks – whilst each look may not be my exact style (though I love all the pops of colour) the explanations help to tweak it to my preferences!

Alison Gary says:

May 23, 2023 at 12:23 pm

I’m glad you like it!

Reply

I appreciate this capsule! I’m trying desperately to truly like the linen boyfriend blazer I picked up a few weeks ago. For many of the reasons mentioned (hello Arctic Tundra AC). But how do I not feel like a Lego brick in this thing? Maybe it is just the blazer, maybe it’s me. I do not know. But no matter what I put it over, it just does not feel/look right. When I put it on, I end up taking it off. I will say that with maybe an exception of a particularly fierce suit in the early 2000s, and one in the late 80s (high school), I’ve never been particularly fond of blazers. Skinny/not skinny doesn’t matter. Maybe I’m just trying too hard. But I see women that look like me rocking a beautiful jacket/suit and I know I should be able to pull it off. Fashion is hard.

RoseAG says:

May 20, 2023 at 9:38 am

Hopefully your blazer goes with at least a couple of skirts/pants/dresses in your closet.
Take Allie’s capsules and spend a few minutes in the evening or over a weekend in front of a mirror trying on the blazer with your other things. Pick out the jewelry, the shoes, the make-up you’ll wear so the whole package is ready to go.
When Monday morning comes put one of your pre-approved outfits on and walk out the door. No need to critique it at that moment, you’ve already fussed around with it and decided which combination of things from your closet you like best.
Once you start wearing something and your eye gets used to it then it won’t seem so weird.
One of my strategies is to wear a work outfit to church once before taking on a full day. That gives you a trial run. If you don’t go someplace like that then pick someother short term outing to be your trial run.

Reply
Zaeobi says:

May 20, 2023 at 7:43 pm

For me, I’ve found I need ‘softer’ details in a blazer to make it work – I look for a shawl collar (nothing too pointy or severe), shiny buttons (can be subbed in for jewellery) & fitted sleeves (not too stiff or boxy). My favourite oversized one actually has tonal velvet shawl lapels & a little subtle waist definition (so it can be used for work or dressed up).

Hope that helps?

Reply

Styling a Boyfriend Blazer: Capsule Wardrobe of Over 21 Looks