Trends in Jackets and Blazers

Introduction:

While jackets have been predominantly men’s wear but women also sport it with utter style and grace. Its assumed to have originated in the middle ages or early of renaissance as the jerkin which is a more fitted version of the short tunic worn by working-class men. The history is deeply rooted in the naval background. It has been around since 1800 when the variation was first worn by the Dutch in the sea, and it was made from coarse wool fabric. The British navy started popularization of the jacket. It was a version of the coat that was similarly designed for naval duties, as a uniform for petty officers. The US navy adopted the jacket calling it “reefers” who were the sailors responsible for the task of climbing up the rigging of sailing ships. The silhouette was relatively form-fitting to keep the harsh winds out and flared around the hips made it easier for the navy officers to climb ropes at sea. The fabrics used at that time was mostly a blend of wool and acrylic which was tightly woven and heat-treated. This resulted in warm, water and wind resistant fabric making it absolutely perfect for adverse conditions in the navy. In India, The Nehru jacket is a variation of the Jodhpur where the material is often khadi. The jacket began to be marketed as the Nehru jacket in Europe and America in the mid-1960’s. Its popularity was spurred by the aspirational class and the growing awareness of the elite foreign cultures.

The designer channel was also a great proponent in promoting women wearing men’s clothing, thus casting away the conservative clothes that women would wear all the time. 

Similarly the term “blazer” appeared first in the print in 1952, according to Carlson in an article that referred to the red jacket worn by Cambridge’s Lady Margaret Boat Club as a “red guernsey” or “blazer”. It was bright, or blazing red, hence the name blazer. The same red jackets are still worn by Lady Margaret Boat Club today. Rowers started wearing blazers on dry land and around their colleges. In the same way that the letterman jackets that originated in America in the 1950’s designated an athletic accomplishment, blazers served as status symbols.Throughout the second half of the 19th century, Oxford and Durham universities started to refer their jackets as blazer, croquet club, rugby clubs, and clubs of all kinds wanted to get on the jacket phenomenon. By the 1890’s all flannel, loose fitting casual jackets began being known as blazers. At the turn of the century, blazer crossed the Atlantic. Ivy league universities like Princeton, Cornell, Yale and Harvard started to adopt blazers themselves. 

Ways to style your jackets or blazers:

1. Stick to solid colours:

Oversized jackets are already a statement piece in tiger own ways. Try wearing bold colors with a denim jacket, neutrals or patterned jacket or pastel shades with a trench coat or overcoat. You can also try a monochromatic look for an easy outfit that will certainly turn heads of people. iF you wish to add some peppiness in the pattern, then try throwing on a long scarf or a fun headband. 

1. Define your waistline:

Accentuate your look with wrapping a wide strappy belt around the cinch. Use a leather or cloth belt around the jacket on the outside of your jacket to show off your figure. This look goes extremely well with large blazer, trenchcoat, or overcoat. You could try a thick black belt to make a statement or you can go for a cloth belt in the same color as your coat to get a seamless look. If you wish to sport a streetwear outfit then try using a fanny pack instead of a belt. 

1. Cuff your sleeves properly:

If the sleeves are too long, they could cover your hands. Roll them up a few times to expose your arms and balance out your outfit. You can also create a fun new look by wearing a long sleeve underneath your jacket and exposing the ends of your sleeves when you cuff them. It works amazing for oversized jackets, like blazers, overcoats, and denim jackets. 

1. Wear a fitted tank top or tee under a shorter jacket:

Tighter underlayers look great under a jacket that hits your waist. Try to wear a fitted t-shirt, a spaghetti tank top, a sports bra, or a bralette under your jacket. If you are in the mood to show some skin then try wearing a crop top or a bandeau top, and if your shirt is a little baggy then use a hair tie to cinch it at the waist and make it more fitted. 

1. Create contrast under longer jackets with tight bottoms:

This is the easiest way to style your jackets, making you look good every time. Put on a pair of leggings or slim fit jeans to create and interesting silhoutte from head to toe. If you are having an oversized blazer then use your leggings to make a faux-suit for a play on the business casual look. If you are looking to rock an oversized denim jacket then make a statement look by wearing denim on denim. 

1. Pair oversized bottoms with your jacket for a streetwear look:

Try to sport a more contemporary look to stand out in the crowd. Put on wide legged or straight legged jeans, and then add your oversized jacket on a top for a cool, edgy, glam look. If you are looking for a denim jacket then try matching the wash of your jeans with the wash of your jacket. This look works great with jackets that are slightly more fitted like blazers and trenchcoats

1. Add a masculine edge to the dress with a jacket;

You can easily contrast your oversized jacket with a mini or midi dress. Put on a dress that has a flowy cut or an A-line skirt, then add your jacket on the top for a nice mixture of styles. To go and look extra flirty and sweet, try to wear a floral dress. Pair your look with heeled booties or ankle boots and if the mercury is dropping outside then add a pair of sheer black tights to keep your legs warm.

1. Get fancy with a pair of trousers:

If you are working with a blazer or overcoat then you can easily turn into a suit. Put on a pair of fitted trousers and a blouse and add the oversized coat on the top. Add a little more femininity in the look with some funky jewelry like a statement necklace. You can pair the look with heeled booties or dress shoes to really play up the business casual look. 

1. Wear shorts for fun modern look:

Oversized jackets and shorts create an interesting contrast. Put on a strappy tank top and a pair of denim shorts, then add your jacket on top. If you are experimenting with an oversized blazer, this can be a pretty fun way to dress up for date night. Add a strappy heel or ballet flats and bring a small clutch with yourself. A denim jacket with denim shorts looks absolutely amazing and cool. Pair this outfit with some chunky sneakers and a pair of tall socks for a fun casual look. 

1. Accessorize with statement jewelry:

This will certainly add some fun and femininity in the oversized outfit of yours. Statement necklaces, dangly earrings, watches, and chunky bangles all look great with an oversized jacket. Large sunglasses also play a crucial role in drawing attention towards your face. 

1. Try chunky sneakers and heels to balance your look out:

This experimentation will make your look more cohesive from head to toe. Heeled boots, combat boots, chunky sneakers, and dress shoes all look great with an oversized jacket. If you are the one who’s petite then you can wear chunky boots which can give few extra inches of height. Similarly tall socks are a fun way to add the pop of color to the funky outfit.

Conclusion:

Here we have described some of the few ways where you can style your jackets and blazers irrespective of size, shape, style, color. Moreover what makes you comfortable should be the one to be opted for. Jackets and blazers carry a misconception with them that they are the ones who could only be carried in the winter days, but that’s not correct. It could be pulled off across the year and if one takes cues from the styling tips shared from our end, you can never go out of style.