It’s officially fall and winter will be upon us before we know it. Whether you prefer hot summer days or cold winter nights, there are ways to stay both fashionable and comfortable regardless of the often unpredictable weather outside. With the temperatures quickly dropping, it’s now time to keep your linen suits and cotton shirts and make room for your knitted jumpers, wool blazers, long coats and puffer jackets.
Blazers as Winter Attire
Just because it’s getting cold out, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your style to stay warm. When we think of winter attire, we automatically think of sweaters and coats. It seems blazers may not get the credit they deserve for being able to provide both style and warmth.
Find the right Winter Blazer Fabric
The key to a great winter blazer is all about the fabric. Forget the thin linen, cotton and seersucker blazers. It’s all about thick wool and warmth. When your business attire calls for a crisp, sharp button-down shirt, you’ll need to rely on your outerwear to brave the potentially freezing temperatures.
Medium Weight Wool Blazer for Fall Weather
With the start of fall and the weather just beginning to get cold, choose a medium weight wool blazer. There are endless options when it comes to colors and patterns. A light grey blazer is a great way to create a classic look when worn with a white shirt, and a necktie, trousers and nice shoes for men, that are all in black. It’s an outfit that you simply can’t go wrong with. For a subtle dose of flair to your standard grey blazer, add a pocket square in a contrasting red or burgundy.
Other great options for your everyday business wear include, of course, a solid black or navy tweed blazer. The slightest of details can create the biggest of effects. Add a contrasting pocket square, choose brass buttons or go for a shawl lapel to add some personal character to your outfit.
Make a Fashion Statement with Patterned Blazer
Now, if you want to make more of fashion statement for, perhaps, a date or a night out with friends, choose a patterned blazer that won’t just keep you warm but will also get you in the mood for the festive season. Dare to choose a paisley printed blazer, or a slightly less bold but just as fashionable plaid pattern. You can even opt for a solid colored blazer in an uncommon color choice such as royal blue, burgundy or green for a fun outfit.
A Padded Quilted Lining for your Winter Blazer
As the days get even shorter and the weather turns glacial, you’ll want a thicker blazer to combat the cold. Choose a blazer with a padded quilted lining. It will look like your standard blazer from the outside but inside, it will have the required insulation to keep you warm and comfortable. It’s the perfect option to fight the winter elements without adding any obvious bulk to your attire. Whether you choose a quilted lined blazer in black, navy blue, or grey, it will keep you looking chic and sharp throughout the winter months.
Another option: Add a Padded Vest Piece
Another wonderful winter option is a blazer with a padded vest piece, also referred to as a padded waistcoat or gilet. It’s a fashionable option that contrasts the tailored blazer with a casual padded vest and will protect you from the cold as you walk the city streets. The detachable gilet is a genius garment that allows you to zip your blazer all the way to the top, keeping you comfortable and protected as you’re out and about. Once you’re indoors and perhaps at a more professional engagement or dressed up occasion, you can remove the detachable gilet and appear in a standard blazer, without the casual element.
Underline your personality with a Gilet
The gilet is also an extra garment that you can have fun with and used to add to your style. Mix and match the color of your gilet with the color of your blazer. Attach an army green gilet to your brown tweed blazer for a stylish country look. You can also wear a navy blue blazer with brass buttons, paired with a similarly colored brass or beige gilet to match the buttons. For the serious city look, wear your dark grey or black blazer with an inconspicuous black gilet that will blend right with your outfit.
Remember that this winter, you don’t have to rely solely on your jumpers, jackets and coats to keep you warm. A blazer is both a fashionable and practical option to wear throughout the cold season.
