The fall and winter season is also known as the layering season! What better way to practice the art of layering than knowing how to style blazers! And not just any other blazers, but patterned ones! From plaid to houndstooth, to checks, there’s plenty of patterns to choose from. Here are some ways you can style it!

Oversized 

The height of popularity in blazers was accompanied by the popularity of oversized silhouettes. For the past few seasons, blazers were commonly worn big and slouchy that tends to go past down your thighs. The same idea can be applied here. Pair an oversized plaid blazer with something more fitted like leather trousers or over-the-knee boots. 

The Classic Route with a Twist

Whenever I see patterned blazers, my mind immediately thinks of the classic academia look. Think of Mr. Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or Daniel Radcliffe in Kill Your Darlings. It’s boyish, polished and a classic staple. But as much as it is a classic, that’s not to say we can’t twist it to our creative advantage. Instead of the dark wool blazer, a librarian (slash monster hunter) tends to wear, why not emulate the 90s feminist icons like Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport? A bright coloured skirt suit set will do the trick in twisting this classic man-ish look. And if that’s too intimidating for you, just take a look at how Emily Shak styled her green plaid blazer. 

Add a hoodie 

If the pattern is too loud or you just want to dress down, simply wear a hoodie underneath. Frankly, this has been my go-to put-together-but-not-really-look. It’s an easy formula that works every single time. Going to the grocery store but don’t want to look like a slob in your sweatsuit? Put a blazer on. Do you want to look cool and fun but a little grown-up? Add a blazer. Do you want to dress up but still want to maintain the cool-girl energy of street style? Add! A! blazer! Preferably in a wild colourful pattern! Seriously, it works. All. The. Time. 

Pattern clash 

As the saying goes, if you can’t beat them, join them. This applies to styling patterns too. Mix and match your favourite patterns and straight up just wear an outfit that can easily resemble an optical illusion. Pair a houndstooth blazer with a vertically striped shirt, or mix two different types of plaid in one outfit. Stripes versus spots? Nonsense. Wear both! The great thing about fashion is sometimes the crazier, the better. The key to achieving a cohesive pattern clash is by sticking to one colour scheme. Make sure both patterns carry the same colour palette. Or better yet, just go for the over-the-top route and clash colours too! Again, in fashion the crazier the outfit, the better. Go against the grain. Be loud. Have fun!

Published by HOLR Magazine.