Simply contemplating how to wear a black blazer underscores the very versatility of this wardrobe staple as well as its fashionable history. With roots in the Royal British Navy, the blazer dates back at least as far as the early 1800s. Since then, the style has been revolutionised by designers including Coco Chanel, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent.
Whereas Chanel liberated women from their corsetry in the 1920s, Dior later gave them wasp-waisted ways to wear a black blazer, with the Bar jacket in 1947. Then Saint Laurent softened curves for a more masculine take on the style, with the debut of his iconic Le Smoking tuxedo in 1966. Highly controversial for its time, Le Smoking came to redefine sexuality and still remains a cornerstone of the brand to this day. Such is the power of the black blazer.
Wearing a black blazer with conviction, though, is as much about understanding your personal style as it is about reflecting your setting. Eternally versatile, the same style can work just as well with blue jeans as it can with sexy separates. Celebrities like Miranda Kerr and Phoebe Tonkin demonstrate how to wear the blazer effortlessly for daytime, while Cate Blanchett and Liam Hemsworth kick things up a notch for evening. Inspired by these moments, we’ve compiled some of our favourite black blazer outfit ideas for every occasion. It's all in the execution.
Miranda says relax
If Miranda Kerr had a uniform it might just be the black blazer with a pair of skinny jeans. The ideal combination of comfort and polish, it's a look that she turns to for both day and night. Take a cue from Kerr and choose black blazers with striking details like a satin lapel or gold hardware inspired by Givenchy styles.
Pulling off a black blazer for day is even simpler for men. A sharply tailored blazer instantly smartens your look, so reaching for your simplest wardrobe separates like blue denim or cotton T-shirts is all it takes to strike a refined daytime aesthetic for lunch at Watson’s Bay.
Sexy simplicity, Saskia style
When considering how to wear a black blazer for evening, turn to celebrities like Saskia de Brauw for inspiration. The model makes a compelling case for layering your black blazer over a slip dress in liquid silk textures, for example. Think less pyjama dressing and more 90s-style minimalism by tying the look together with a pair of simple gold hoops.
Alternatively, you can amp up the evening appeal of a black blazer by styling sheer fabrications underneath. These will strike a sexy silhouette, ideal for drinks in Fitzroy or a dinner date in the CBD. For him, pulling off a black blazer is all about achieving the perfectly tailored fit — though a crisp white shirt will also go a long way. Meanwhile, a stylish watch can lend just the right amount of polish for dinner at Cumulus Inc.
From Deneuve to Blanchett, Le Smoking Style Lives On
When running through wedding-appropriate black blazer outfit ideas, why not take inspiration from Saint Laurent's Le Smoking and slip into the pants to match? Opt for a slim-fitting silhouette like model Aymeline Valade’s modern take. Or honour the history of the look and do as Catherine Deneuve and Cate Blanchett do.
Both actresses demonstrate how to wear a black blazer with a slightly more relaxed silhouette through the leg, reminiscent of new season Stella McCartney. This approach can be just as sexy — so much so that socialite Nan Kempner was banned from a New York restaurant for wearing hers. The goal is to avoid being kicked out, though, so complete the look by buttoning your blazer over a crisp white shirt or allow a peek of lace lingerie and a pair of pumps.
Liam Hemsworth, too, modernises tuxedo dressing for evening with a slimmer silhouette that elongates the legs. The actor finishes things off with a skinny black tie and polished Oxfords, demonstrating the essential versatility behind your choice of footwear. While a shirt can always be swapped out for a white T-shirt, sneakers can also replace Oxfords in order to rework the style for daytime. Whatever your approach, make sure you maximise the mileage of a great black blazer.
Proportion play like Phoebe Tonkin
When it comes down to how to wear a black blazer more casually, Phoebe Tonkin strikes the right note with undone sophistication. Take a cue from the actress by layering yours over Chloé style ruffled miniskirts or dresses for daytime. The key here is to cut just the right figure with a little clever proportion play. Pair a long-line blazer with shorter hemlines like tailored shorts, for example, or a denim skirt and silk camisole.
Alternatively, look to the Givenchy Blazers for black blazer outfit ideas, where models embraced relaxed styles of shorts teamed underneath sharp blazers. Impeccable tailoring is essential here, while playful prints also soften the look and a pair of loafers will complete your outfit. Ultimately, this same black blazer should see you through all manner of situations. So once you’ve found your signature, the style is set for experimentation.