How to Style a Basic Black Blazer with Jeans and a T-Shirt

My mom has been after me to add a basic navy or black blazer to my wardrobe for years. But for some reason, without trying any on, I had decided they were all uncomfortable, binding and stiff. Wrong! The modern basic black blazer is often created with stretchy cotton, breathable wool or polyester blends that move with you easily and comfortably. So today I’m styling my basic black blazer one of my favorite ways…with jeans and a simple t-shirt.

If you read yesterday’s post about How to Dress for Your Personality, you hopefully identified your authentic style essence and began to think about how to convey your personality authentically through your style expression. I wonder, did you guess what my style essence is?

I pretty much prefer to dress in a classic style. I might venture into the relaxed/casual/neutral style essence occasionally and sometimes even up my game to elegant/chic, but really those are not big jumps from classic. I like simple lines, understated details, timeless pieces and fairly traditional colors and fabrics. That’s why this basic black blazer really does belong in my wardrobe.

But this outfit is also a nice segue into a more classic style for the relaxed/casual/natural gal. You’re still wearing jeans and a t-shirt, after all. The classic cut blazer is all you need to make the leap to classic. So keep that in mind if you’re a relaxed/casual/natural gal who needs to dress up just a touch for work or a business meeting while remaining true to your style essence. And hey, who says you have to wear a black blazer? Check out this one that also comes in a pretty red and a striking gold tone.

Of course an elegant/chic gal might prefer to wear a velvet blazer with her jeans and t-shirt. I’ve got some of those in the shopping widget below, too. I have a burgundy velvet blazer that’s been in my closet now for at least eight years, and I love mixing it with jeans and tees, as well as “nicer” clothes.

My leopard print pumps give this classic gal a way to add a dramatic/bold touch to an otherwise purely classic look while staying true to who I am. I could just as easily add a solid color pump, like red, orange or even yellow. Or I could carry a bold handbag. You get the idea.

Again, because I’m a classic gal, I went with a plain white t-shirt, but you could add an edgy, graphic t-shirt if you have more of a rebellious style essence. A dramatic/bold style essence might prefer to add a t-shirt with animal print, sequins, glitter or bold colors. And a creative/innovative/eclectic gal might put a textured t-shirt under her basic black blazer, one with rickrack, buttons or some fun graphic. Hey, we’re on a roll now!

If you wear a solid color t-shirt under your blazer, you’ll probably want to add a fun necklace or earrings to liven things up a little, too. I chose a tortoise link necklace…because I’m classic like that. But if you have a feminine/romantic style essence, you might prefer something more like this with pink details and tiny shimmers. Or if you’re a elegant/chic gal, you might prefer something that at least appears to be pricey, like a solid gold chain or pearls.

I chose medium wash straight leg jeans, but you could style your basic black blazer and t-shirt with light wash skinny jeans, distressed jeans, dark wash trouser jeans or even relaxed boyfriend jeans. I really would have liked to have added a gold belt to this outfit. Just yesterday this one came in from Talbots. I’m going to love wearing it with this blazer and jeans.

Really this is an outfit that you can fully express your personal style essence through so easily. Just choose a black blazer (or a color) that works well with your body shape and type. Then throw it on with a t-shirt that fits your style aesthetic, shoes that do what you want them to do, jewelry that polishes your personal look and the jeans you feel most comfortable in.

Shop the Look with Your Own Style Essence Here:

This is a large shopping widget. I’ve grouped the items together, providing options for different style expressions. But be sure to look through the whole thing to find all pieces of the outfit.

I hope you enjoyed today’s post. As you noticed, I referred to yesterday’s post about Dressing for Your Personality throughout, so if you haven’t read it, I encourage you to check it out. And if you’re a subscriber, there are freebies for that post, too! Not a subscriber? Let’s take care of that right here so you can get all the freebies I offer my gals.

I hope you’ll pin today’s post to one or more of your Pinterest boards and share it on your Facebook feed. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram. I love to meet up with my readers there. Have a great day, and let me know how you like to style a basic blazer.

Blessed for My Day

Today may you be vigilant and aware of the battle being waged all around you. May you realize that people are not the enemy. They never are. But the enemy of our souls knows how to use people to get us off track, to rile us up, to frustrate us and to let the air out of our sails. Today when someone frustrates you, hurts you, disrespects you or even forgets you, resist the urge to react. Instead respond with grace and awareness. Ask the Lord to help you see that person as He sees him. And ask Him to banish the true enemy from your presence, taking away his power and his ability to get at you.

Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. ~ 1 Peter 5:8-9

I have included affiliate links in this post for your shopping ease and so that I can earn an income and keep this blog going. Thank you so much for shopping through my links!

I’ve linked today’s post up with Jo-Lynne Shane’s Fashion Friday Link-Up. Be sure to check out some of the great fashions there, too.