I’ve never had to face mandatory dress codes, so fortunately my first blazer purchase was purely out of a desire to up my personal style game. However, this is not the case for many students forced to dress in “business formal” blazers and pants every day of the week at their corporate internships. Lucky for all of us, fashion-loving students everywhere are reclaiming this preppy outfit staple as one of fall’s must-have items, giving interns all over the world a new outlook on one of the past’s most dreaded corporate wardrobe standbys. Read on to see five new takes I had my friends test drive on campus and learn how to try the trend for yourself.
make a dressed-down look a little more IG-friendly
Sometimes the last thing we want to do as college students is put effort into our style. Finishing an easy outfit like colorful cords, a graphic tee, and New Balance sneakers with a blazer not only makes it look like you tried a little bit harder this morning, but also makes for an Instagram-worthy ‘fit
transition your summer favorites into fall
Adding an on-trend jacket is the perfect way to transform a summer outfit you don’t want to say goodbye to just yet, even if it’s already getting chilly out. Layering a blazer over a tube top with light-wash jeans and white ankle boots immediately creates a street style star look that’s also suitable for colder temps.
swap it for your denim jacket
Hot take: It actually is possible to dress up a blazer without looking like you’re about to go to an interview! Pairing it with a slightly less professional piece like this wrap dress and some trendy ankle boots makes a date-ready look you can wear for a night out.
add a new layer to your go-to fall staples
Maybe you already have your fall look down but want to make it a bit more fashion editor–approved. To do this, layer that blazer over your warmest turtleneck and dark-wash jeans. You’ll be prepared for a cool autumn breeze and resemble every magazine’s fall mood board this season, we promise.
refresh your everyday band tee
It seems as though blazers are always associated with a sophisticated vibe, so why not own up to this and use it to elevate your worn-to-death staples? Pairing our favorite band tee, like this Japanese Breakfast top, with a velvet skirt, combat boots, and a blazer transforms a piece of band merch into a more formal, high-fashion look.
How do you like to style your blazer in your own personal way? Leave your ideas in the comments below, or tag your outfits on social media with @cfashionista.
Featured photo by Natalie Geisel.
