How to Wear: Blazers SS17

Blazers have had a mild flirtation with our wardrobe for a few years, but now, lead by the likes of Balenciaga and Gucci, this classic piece has taken centre stage. Its versatile form makes the blazer a wardrobe staple; it can turn a summer dress into a work appropriate outfit, make shorts acceptable away from the beach and even raise the game on a plain tee/jeans combination. Here, we’ve broken down some of the key blazer trends from the SS17 collections…

Big Bold Shoulders

One of the most exciting blazer trends is oversized shoulders. There is a reason everyone was wearing giant shoulder pads in the Eighties; enlarging your silhouette is a fun and liberating way of making a grand entrance, and fuelling a powerful self-image. Demna Gvasalia, who sits in the driver’s seat at Balenciaga, is one of the key proponents of the boxy blazer, and the brand’s astronomic rise to the top is surely one of the reasons we are seeing the return of this particular interpretation.

Embellishments and Detailing

Embellishments are back in a big way. This trend seems to be a direct turn around from the waves of minimalism that have been pouring in for the past few years. And while there is always a place for the simple things in life, the idea of adorning your outerwear with anything from brocade patterns to glistening gems sounds pretty glorious to us. Follow the lead from the Gucci SS17 lines where swirling dragons dance across formal jackets, or go bold with Dolce & Gabbana’s bejewelled pieces.

Heritage Check

There are so many different check styles featuring in the SS17 collections that if you are not already a convert, you soon will be. The classic Chanel skirt suits have been given a modern lift with matching baseball caps and frilled cuffs, while Stella McCartney keeps it beautifully androgynous with sharp tailoring and Gucci creates a retro narrative with this classic take.

Double-Breasted

The double-breasted blazer is making a swift return to high streets and runways alike and it doesn’t look like it will lose momentum any time soon. Fitting flawlessly with the current Fashion Week theme of utility and modern military, this is the perfect piece to set against a romantic gown for city glamour or conquer the neutral silhouette with a wide trouser. Keep it traditional with Marks & Spencer’s edition, make a daring statement with Louis Vuitton or, for a thicker coat-like version, look to ALLSAINTS.

Pink

The return to pink is a reclaiming of this much-maligned, most girly of feminine colours. Valentino and Bottega Venetta have paved the way with their SS17 collections featuring burnt rose in several variations, and creating a wonderfully romantic aura. This shade is given an edge worn as a blazer, curbing any overt femininity if that is too much of step for you. For a high street alternative, Zara is the place to go.

Final Note: Although we have highlighted this as a blazer trend, pink, in all its celebrated variants, is the colour of the moment so keep it on your wardrobe radar…