With apologies to cardigans and hoodies, there’s nothing better to pull a transitional look together or make a casual outfit a bit more polished than a good blazer. Toss one on with wide-leg jeans and a T-shirt to add structure, throw one over a floral dress for a full-on ’90s look or layer one over a tailored dress for an office-ready ensemble.
Although traditionally thought of as “work wear” and saved for the office or special occasions in women’s fashion, blazers are fashionable in 2024 and here to stay, according to stylist Desiree Miranda. “Now you can wear a blazer relatively anywhere. Blazers and denim are one of the best looks you can put together for casual weekend days or nights out with friends,” she says. “Blazers are a great way to give you that fashion edge and make you feel like a true style queen with minimal effort.”
But it isn’t always easy to know how to choose a flattering blazer or which blazers are in style for women now. When searching for a flattering blazer, Miranda explains it’s most important to dress for your body type. “If you have broad shoulders, stay away from strong shoulder blazer styles. If you have a bit of a tummy you want to hide, opt for a boxy, relaxed-fitting blazer,” she says. “If you are short, search for cropped blazer styles to define your waist.”
Relaxed, boyfriend-style blazers are on-trend right now, and with good reason. “They are so comfortable for universally any body type and help dress up the simplest of looks by just adding a jacket,” she adds. “They are a wardrobe must and worth investing in high-quality fabrics that will last you years to come. Blazers can also be worn year-round. Summer linen style blazers and light-weight polyester blends are so easy for weekend wear and vacation looks.”
But overall, the most slimming blazer style will be a slightly relaxed blazer with a bit of a boxy fit. “This will hide any ‘problem areas’ and if the seams are done right, it should help make you appear thinner and with a defined waist,” she adds.
We got the scoop from fashion experts and stylists about the best blazers according to style and budget, so read on for their advice about the best casual blazers, work blazers and blazers for a night out on the town from all your favorite brands.
Best blazers for women under $200
“This navy blazer from Abercrombie is a great option for a classic blazer under $200,” says Miranda. “Navy is a great transitional color that can work in the winter over gray or ivory sweaters and carry into the summer over floral patterns. This classic oversized boyfriend style will be the easiest to style for multiple looks and body types.”
Stylist and influencer Elisabeth Kassab is all about an oversized blazer, but one with a slightly structured shoulder. “There is something so cool and powerful about it,” says Kassab. “The Forever Blazer from Djerf Avenue goes with everything and is perfect to dress up a look. I love throwing this one on for dinner with jeans and heels.”
“This oversized boyfriend blazer from Express is under $200 and truly just divine,” says influencer Deanna Giulietti. “It’s giving effortless, it’s giving CEO energy, it’s a 10/10.”
According to Kassab, everybody needs a leather blazer and for this price, you can’t go wrong: “The faux leather on this is so soft and luxe. Wear this with jeans, a white tee and your favorite heels and you have a perfect dinner look.”
For the ultimate lightweight and budget-friendly blazer, stylist Michelle Barrett would turn to this ruched-sleeve style. “ I love this simple, lightweight version in linen and cotton,” says Barrett. “It’s great to throw on in summer and comes in several colors.”
“I love a good vegan leather blazer for the wardrobe,” says Miranda. “This one from Amazon is a budget-friendly find in a classic fit to keep you stylish and fashionable through the fall/winter season.”
Casual blazers for women
Kassab has played around with a bunch of different blazers over the last few years but says that this is the one she keeps going back to when she wants to throw something over a T-shirt and jeans for errands or even over a sweatsuit as an extra layer. “It’s the perfect shape — not too slouchy but not too formal — and you can dress it up or down and it’s still effortlessly cool,” says Kassab. “I’ve had mine for years now, and I still reach for it over all the other ones in my closet. Which also shows how good of an investment piece it is to have in your wardrobe.”
Giulietti loves a long, colored blazer for a more casual look. “This blazer from Abercrombie paired with jeans and a white T-shirt is perfect for a fun and casual daytime event,” says Giulietti, “and it’s under $100!”
It comes in several classic suiting colors — all of which are prone to selling out, especially when on sale.
“I think the key to a good casual blazer is picking something that is a little oversized with a soft fluid shape,” says fashion influencer Carla Rockmore. “It should be able to work with your favorite pair of jeans and easily [be] thrown over your shoulder with a sundress.”
Try more than one color to spice up your jeans looks. “This borrowed-from-the-boys INC blazer is the definition of a wardrobe staple,” says Jenni Johnson, senior fashion director for Macy’s Ready to Wear department. “This versatile and easy-to-wear jacket comes in a range of colors, so there is no need to limit yourself to just one.”
The best standard blazer for work or leisure is this one from Calvin Klein, according to Barrett: “It comes in a range of neutral colors and would fit most body types. In addition, it comes in plus size options.”
Blazers to dress up a look for women
Both Miranda and Barrett named this Veronica Beard option as their favorite. “If you are looking for a more sophisticated blazer style to dress up your look, the Veronica Beard Miller blazer is a go-to for my clients,” says Miranda. “Consider looking for blazers that have noticeable hardware, like this one has the big gold buttons, or opt for styles in nontraditional fabrics like a tweed or herringbone style. This blazer will give you more of a dressed-up edge when you pair it back to denim, and it has a slight cinching at the waist and is more fitted along the arms to be appropriate for fancier occasions.”
This cinched black blazer is belted with a flared peplum silhouette. “I love this belted blazer, as it has a traditional formal feel about it, but the belt feature makes it more distinctive than more traditional styles,” says Barrett.
“This is my go-to blazer to elevate a look. An all-black fit with a leather oversized blazer over a matching black workout set is chef’s kiss,” says Giulietti. “No one will know if you are heading to the gym or to a dinner date. It’s the best blazer for all occasions.”
For a dressed-up option, Rockmore picks this oversized blazer with a lapel collar, shoulder pads and contrast hem. “A sharp shoulder, a defined waistline and a brass button will quickly dress up a blazer for a dressier look,” says Rockmore. “Here’s a quick tip: If you have a blazer in your closet that you love, switch out the button for something with a little more sparkle to give it a quick glow-up.”
Barrett loves this classic style blazer in tweed and the best part is that it comes in 11 color options. “It’s a timeless style and a decent fit,” she adds.
Evening-out blazers for women
For evenings out, Miranda recommends a cropped tuxedo style like this one from A.L.C. “You want to use your blazer as part of your look versus a third piece you are taking on and off,” says Miranda. “I love a satin, velvet or colored blazer to wear on nights out, as this is more exciting to showcase and is the main attraction for your night-outs look.”
A dramatic cape blazer, this highly rated version marries three trends: oversize, cape and velvet. Available in 17 colors and several lengths, this is the perfect topper for an evening look.
For an evening out, Barrett also recommends this classic blazer silhouette with a sequined twist: “It’s a great little sequin number in black with a tux collar. Black sequins always look more classy than colored, and it is easier to team it with something else too.”
Kassab’s pick is this hourglass blazer from Helsa with its crepe twill fabric with a darted waist. “It’s feminine yet masculine with the elongated shoulder,” Says Kassab. “Leave it buttoned or completely opened and it’s the perfect addition to elevate your nighttime look. I love how it accentuates your figure and gives you the shape a normal blazer usually doesn’t.”
Petal & Pup has the best blazers under $100, according to Giulietti, and she says that without a doubt, this crystal-embellished style with the collared lapel is one of her favorite fashion statement blazers. “I don't need to say another word — the picture will explain itself,” she adds.