Let's be real. Summertime has benefits, but the heat isn't always one of them. With record-breaking temperatures across the globe, there are even more challenges we're faced with, including deciding what to wear. Of course, choosing an outfit for a warm day is in no way as imperative as dealing with the dangers of excessive heat, but that doesn't make it any less of a challenge. After all, most warm-weather clothing isn't exactly elevated, much less office-friendly. So what can one turn to when the temperatures are this hot? Ahem, the blazer.
Hear me out—there's no better staple for the summer than a blazer. While it may seem counterintuitive to even think about wearing any extra layers in the heat, the truth is that this piece can work wonders for your summer wardrobe. Not only can the right blazer make just about any item work-friendly, but if styled right, it can also make all your outfits look like you spent way more time, energy, and money on them, even if you didn't.
Don't believe me? Ahead, I've rounded up 21 outfit ideas to show how to wear a blazer in the summer. Plus, I've shopped out some key pieces you'll need to re-create the looks yourself from some of the best luxury and contemporary brands. You may not be taking off to a private island to escape this heat, but you better believe these blazer styling ideas will have you feeling like you're being fanned with a stack of cash.
One of the benefits of wearing a blazer in the summer? It can elevate simple staples. Take, for example, the look above—a linen skirt, a tank, sandals, sunglasses, and a raffia bag are given a touch of formality with the addition of a matching blazer.
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Kimeze is a rising Black-owned eyewear brand that is worth watching.
Pro tip: Make your blazer heat resistant by opting for an iteration made from a lightweight fabric (e.g., linen, cotton, jersey, etc.).
The linen fabrication allows this maxi skirt to be wearable in the heat.
Another way to wear a blazer in warmer weather is by styling it as a top rather than as outerwear. The key is to invest in a sculptural blazer that feels like it's more of a top to avoid the need for adding more layering to your look. Once you've found the perfect blazer, finish off the look with matching Bermuda shorts and heeled sandals.
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Jacquemus does it again.
Bermuda shorts will always embody low-key luxury in my mind.
Hello, shoes of my dreams.
For those late summer days when things begin to cool down, you can pull off a full-suited look. Simply make your matching suit feel more summer-friendly by pairing it with sandals and a sleek shoulder bag.
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At the top of my wish list right now.
Who doesn't love a three-piece suit? Shop the matching Kise Pleated Woven Wide-Leg Pants ($220) and Majsa Woven Vest ($170).
Flip-flops have never been more elegant.
Summertime is all about dresses, but that doesn't mean you can always get away with wearing them in every setting—until now. Take your favorite summer frock and add a tailored blazer and pumps and you've got the perfect look for the office, an art gallery, dinner, or any other occasion.
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The neckline on this blazer is so flattering.
Leave it to Reformation to make the perfect dress.
Dreaming of getting my hands on these Tabi toes.
If you find that the most sweatproof outfits are the ones that require the least amount of effort, consider the outfit above all you. You can't go wrong with styling a blazer with a tank top, relaxed jeans, sneakers, and a handbag.
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By Malene Birger's pieces make for the ideal long-term investment.
Relaxed denim is all the rage right now.
All-white sneakers always look expensive.
Don't be afraid to pair a blazer with pieces you wouldn't expect—e.g., a plissé maxi dress and slides. The benefit of incorporating this staple into your summer rotation is that it's meant to make otherwise "casual" pieces feel elevated.
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You can wear this simple black blazer well into the fall.
Gorgeous, right?
Black shoulder bags never go out of style.
Not to sound like a broken record, but when in doubt, a matching suit is such an easy way to look great on a summer day. If you happen to style it with other lightweight items (e.g., a tank top made from cotton, silk, or linen), you'll look and stay cool all day.
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Wardrobe.NYC's tailoring is out of this world.
The silk fabrication makes this basic all the more luxurious.
I dream of these pumps daily.
Wearing an all-white outfit is a rite of passage during the summertime, so what better way to make a blazer feel more seasonal than by going this route? Pair an off-white blazer with matching jeans, a T-shirt, contrasting shoes, and a bag, and you've got the perfect summer look.
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Sublime.
Jeans are always a solid investment.
These sandals are a favorite among the fashion set.
Don't think a printed minidress can feel elevated? Think again. As shown by the French fashion set, you can transform a minidress from casual to chic simply by adding an oversize blazer, mules, and a quilted bucket bag.
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If you happen to love oversize blazers, this one is about to be your new favorite item.
Réalisation's printed dresses are favorites among the French fashion set.
Tory Burch does it again!
Prefer to keep your ensembles minimal? Then you'll want to screenshot the look above for later inspiration. Instead of breaking a sweat over what to wear, simply throw on a blazer, a crew-neck top, a circle skirt, and ballet flats.
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The subtle nipped-in waist on this blazer will look so good on you.
Consider this the chicer version of the children's tutu skirt.
Tamara Mellon's ballet flats are at the top of my own shopping list right now, as they have rave reviews.
While you can definitely wear your blazer to more formal settings this summer, there's another place you should consider taking it—on vacation. Though it doesn't seem like the most travel-ready item, it actually can make all your vacation ensembles look 10 times more expensive. Case in point: the outfit above. A cutout one-piece swimsuit, a maxi skirt, and flip-flops feel more luxurious with the addition of an oversize white blazer.
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The contrasting black buttons on this blazer are a subtle yet luxe design touch.
All the fashion girlies are packing Louisa Ballou's pieces for their vacations.
Talk about an bougie beach bag.
When it's excruciatingly hot out, sometimes you just want to throw on the easiest outfit possible—enter the ensemble above. Opting for a simple slip dress styled with a blazer and ballet flats is a perfect way to keep you cool (in every meaning of the word) on a balmy summer day.
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Meet the perfect black blazer.
L'Agence has some of the best-fitting slips I've ever tried.
Chanel can always make any outfit look more decadent.
You don't always have to pair your blazer with matching separates. In order to make this item feel more seasonal, try to incorporate trend-forward items in your look. For example, the outfit above styles a black blazer with a trendy column maxi skirt and other minimal staples to create the perfect balance of seasonality and timelessness.
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The boxy fit of this blazer will keep you from overheating, as it won't cling to the body.
Ninety Percent's tailored staples are a perennial favorite.
The perfect maxi skirt to wear to work or anywhere for that matter.
You know the old adage "less is more"? Well, that applies when it comes to wanting to craft an expensive-looking summer ensemble. After all, wealth whispers, so par it back by styling neutral shorts with a matching blazer. If you want to up the ante, simply style the shorts suit with accessories in a contrasting hue.
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Styling tip: When going for a minimalist look, don't be afraid to opt for accessories with a touch of drama—like these Loewe shades with oversize frames.
Now here's a blazer that's got Scandinavian minimalism on lock.
It's a need, not a want, for me at this point.
Again, the beauty of wearing a blazer in the summer is that it can add that *polish* to otherwise casual items—see above as proof. A simple tank and wrap skirt can be made work ready with the addition of a blazer, a tote bag, and sandals.
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Love how this oversize double-breasted blazer crosses over to create the illusion of a nipped-in waist.
The dramatic scoop neck on this tank has me drooling.
If you've been on the hunt for a new work bag that's actually cute, consider your hunt over.
If you're trying to find a way to make a miniskirt feel a bit more elevated, then you'll want to take notes from the outfit above. When paired with a matching blazer, tank top, and shoulder bag, this normally "casual" skirt style feels like it's ready to get a promotion.
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If you want to add an extra element of elegance to this look, opt for a blazer with subtle pinstripes—like this Me+Em one!
ICYMI, layered tank tops are a standout styling trend right now. But if you're not interested in adding extra clothing, this St. Agni top is the ideal way to add visual intrigue to your summer looks.
She's perfect for the summer.
If you want to wear a blazer in the summer, you must pay attention to the fabric composition. Yes, it helps to have styling ideas, but if you're wearing a wool coat—rather than cotton, silk, linen, or satin—in the summer, you're about to be in a pool of sweat of your own making. Trust me. You will not regret investing in a linen blazer, as it's easy to style but keeps you from overheating.
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Yes, in case you're wondering, this blazer is made from a linen blend.
Peak summer.
You can pair these strappy mules with just about anything.
You know those days when it's too hot even to try putting on pants? Consider this outfit idea your saving grace. Not only is styling an oversize blazer as a dress a surefire way to beat the heat, but it will also keep you looking cool.
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Main-character energy, embodied.
Wear a bodysuit underneath if you want to style this blazer as a dress.
As someone who owns this clutch, I can assure you it's worth every penny.
Aiming for your summer ensembles to give off "I'm away at my villa in Tuscany" energy? Well, you'll want to turn to the trusted blazer again. Pair a white linen blazer with matching shorts, a button-down, and strappy sandals and you'll look like you walked off of a private jet.
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You can't tell me an all-white suit doesn't scream money.
There's no better place to buy luxurious staples than Brandon Maxwell.
Khaite just gets it.
Not really into shorts? Another way you can embrace an all-white look is by swapping out white linen shorts for a denim maxi skirt. It's a trendier take on wearing a white blazer in the summer, but it's just as chic.
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Talk about sublime tailoring.
Cool girls, apply here.
From Paris to New York, Osoi's bags are quickly taking over the street style scene because of their unique shapes.
Are you still with me? Good. Hopefully by now, I've been able to dispel any doubts about how you can wear a blazer in the summer. But if you need one more morsel of advice, I'll leave you with the following: Keep it simple. Ultimately, the key to wearing a blazer in the summer isn't about breaking a sweat over getting creative with your styling. It's about letting the staple do the work for you. When in doubt, you can't ever go wrong with pairing a well-tailored blazer with other summer staples—whether it's a maxi slip skirt and hoop earrings (like above), shorts, jeans, and so on. It's a formula that won't fail you, no matter how far temperatures climb.
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Investing in a great pair of hoop earrings is never a bad call.
Saint Art is the place to shop for unique suiting separates.
Gorgeous, right?
Next up, Fact: Every Summer Look That Screams "Old Money" Includes This One Ingredient