10 Blazer Styling Tips: Know How To Pick One That Does Not Make You Look Like A Novice

Picking the right blazer can feel like walking a tightrope between boardroom polish and college fest leftover. To get it right, here are 10 blazer styling tips that will teach you how to pick the best one for yourself.

By NDTV Shopping Desk Published On: Jul 25, 2025 08:24 AM IST Last Updated On: Jul 25, 2025 08:25 AM IST
Here's how you can style blazers and look chic

Here's how you can style blazers and look chic

There's a peculiar rite of passage that involves buying your first blazer. Often, it starts in a bustling mall or a crowded market, with a hopeful heart and a budget that barely stretches past a dinner out at Barbeque Nation. The sales guy hovers nearby, throwing around words like 'versatile,' 'classic,' and 'slim-fit' while holding out a jacket that looks like it belonged to a news anchor from the early 2000s.

The blazer, unfortunately, is where many get it wrong. It's one of those wardrobe pieces that's deceptively simple, yet if chosen poorly, it can scream rookie, first interview, or worse, wedding band performer. But get it right, and it quietly whispers confidence, polish, and effortless charm.

So, how do you pick a blazer that doesn't look like it's your first rodeo? The kind that fits into your lifestyle, whether that's brunch in Bandra, a pitch meeting in Bengaluru, or a friend's engagement in Delhi? Here are 10 blazer styling tips that will teach you how to pick the best blazer for yourself.

Read some easy and effective blazing styling tips for men

Check out these 10 blazer styling tips that will teach you how to pick a blazer; Photo Credit: Pexels

1. Start With The Fit, Because Size Does Matter

If there's one cardinal sin in blazer-shopping, it's buying the wrong size. That 'M' tag might have worked for your college t-shirts, but blazers follow a stricter code. A good fit should hug your shoulders, not squeeze them like your aunt at a wedding. The seams should sit exactly where your shoulder ends, and not halfway down your arm or inching up your neck like a nervous cat.

The sleeves? Ideally, they should stop right at the wrist bone, letting just a hint of your shirt cuff peek out, about half an inch. Too long and it looks borrowed. Too short and, well, that's just awkward. The length of the blazer should cover your bum without looking like you're hiding behind a curtain.

And no, buying it two sizes bigger to 'grow into it' or 'get it altered later' doesn't work, unless you're planning to do both, which never happens. A tailor can help with small tweaks, but if the shoulders don't fit, walk away. Respect your frame; your blazer should complement it, not compete with it.

2. Choose Colours That Don't Scream 'Placement Season'

That midnight black blazer with a shiny sheen? Might be better left for catering staff. Instead, think earthy, muted tones, navy, charcoal grey, olive, or camel. These shades blend in without being boring and stand out without yelling.

Blacks have their place, mostly at formal events or funerals. Navy, on the other hand, is a magician. It goes with light shirts, dark trousers, denim, even chinos. It whispers sophistication. Similarly, greys offer versatility without being too loud. Want to be a bit adventurous? Try a forest green or burgundy. Just keep the fabric matte.

Think of the blazer as your supporting actor, it's there to elevate your look, not take over the scene. The idea is to appear like someone who has good taste, not someone trying too hard. Save the shimmer for Sangeet night.

3. Mind The Material – It's Not Just About The Look

You may love how that blazer looks on the hanger, but if it feels like sandpaper or traps heat like a tandoor, you'll regret every second of wearing it. Material isn't just about aesthetics, it's about comfort, structure, and how the blazer falls on your body.

Wool blends are the gold standard, lightweight ones work brilliantly in our tropical chaos of weather. Linen is breezy and perfect for daytime events, but beware of creasing. Cotton blazers are a safe bet for semi-formal settings. If you're swayed by synthetics like polyester or rayon just because they're cheaper, pause. They might look fine at first, but most don't age well. Think cheap shine, sweat patches, and static cling.

Touch the fabric. Feel how it moves. Would you wear it for four hours straight during a cousin's mehendi with no complaints? That's the test.

Always consider the fabric of blazers

Always consider the fabric of blazers for each season before buying one; Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Single or Double-Breasted? Know Your Frame

The classic single-breasted blazer, one, two, or three buttons, is your go-to for just about every setting. It's simple, clean, and works for all body types. The double-breasted version? A bit bolder, more statement-making, and generally better for taller, slimmer builds. On broader frames, it can add bulk; on shorter ones, it might make you look like you borrowed your dad's clothes.

Unless you're already at the 'bespoke tailoring' stage of your fashion journey, stick to single-breasted. It's easier to style, more forgiving, and transitions seamlessly from office to evening drinks.

Remember: style is about knowing what works for you, not copying what you saw Ranveer Singh wear on Koffee With Karan.

5. Buttons Matter, Don't Ignore The Details

It's easy to overlook blazer buttons, but they subtly signal quality. Plastic buttons can cheapen the entire look, like putting budget tyres on a luxury car. Look for horn, wood, or metal-finished ones. Even the stitching around them tells a story: loose threads and shoddy finishing scream factory-made.

The number of buttons also changes the vibe. Two-button blazers are classic and universally flattering. Three buttons are slightly more formal. One-button blazers? Fashion-forward but not always workplace friendly.

And please, never fasten the bottom button. It's a fashion faux pas right up there with socks and sandals. Think of it as an unspoken code: top button for structure, bottom button for freedom.

Also Read: From Office To Party: How To Wear Blazer For Every Occasion

6. Lapels: Peak, Not Puzzling

Not all lapels are created equal. The notch lapel, where the collar meets the lapel at a small angle, is your safest, most versatile choice. It works across business, casual, and festive occasions. Peak lapels, which point upward and outward, are bolder, more formal, and often seen in tuxedos or power blazers.

Then there's the shawl lapel, smooth, rounded, perfect for wedding receptions but probably not for a startup pitch. Unless your startup sells shawls.

Lapels also need to match the blazer's tone. A slim blazer deserves slim lapels; broader shoulders can carry broader lapels. Proportions matter. It's like biryani, a little too much masala, and the whole thing's off.

Make sure that lapels match the blazers tone

Make sure that the lapels match the blazer's tone for an elegant look; Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Lining and Stitching, What's Inside Counts

Flip the blazer inside out, not in the trial room, but later, at home. The lining should feel smooth, not plasticky. Partial linings work better for warmer months, offering breathability. Full linings give structure and help the blazer glide on easily. Avoid anything that clings or makes a crinkling sound when you move.

Check the stitching. Are the seams neat? Is the inner pocket sewn in firmly? Does the hem fall evenly? These little details separate the ₹1,999 clearance sale blazer from the ₹7,000 one you'll actually wear for years.

A good blazer should feel like it's been made thoughtfully. Not just stitched in bulk.

8. Know When to Say No to Shoulder Pads

There's a difference between structure and impersonating a 90s soap villain. Shoulder padding has its place, but when it's too thick or too boxy, it throws off the silhouette completely. You want support, not scaffolding.

Soft shoulders or lightly structured blazers offer a more relaxed, modern vibe, great for smart casuals. Heavily padded blazers can make you look stiff, like you're headed for a school debate competition. Unless that's the brief, go easy on the drama.

Stand sideways in the mirror. If your shoulder line extends like an overhang, it's too much. Subtle structure wins, think Virat Kohli, not Commissioner Saheb.

9. Accessorise, But Don't Overthink It

Once you've got your blazer sorted, it's tempting to go all in, pocket squares, lapel pins, brooches, and even a chain. But a wise rule to follow: if it looks like you're attending a fashion show or a wedding baraat, tone it down.

Start with a classic pocket square, white or a muted pattern. Leather belts and polished shoes instantly elevate the look. Avoid clashing patterns between your shirt and blazer. And for heaven's sake, iron your clothes. A well-fitted blazer with a wrinkled shirt is like good biryani with no salan.

The key is confidence. Don't let the blazer wear you. Treat it as a natural extension of your personality, not a costume.

Go for a matching pocket square

Go for a matching pocket square to accessories elegantly; Photo Credit: Pexels

10. Price Tags Lie, Invest Smart, Not Big

That ₹12,000 branded blazer might be beautiful, but don't assume expensive means better. On the flip side, don't expect a ₹1,000 online deal to perform miracles either. There's a sweet spot, usually in the ₹3,500 to ₹7,000 range, where fabric, stitching, and style come together beautifully.

Hit the right stores, try local tailors, and spend more time than money. A good blazer doesn't have to empty your wallet; it just has to fit you well, suit your needs, and make you feel like the best-dressed person in the room, without trying too hard.

Think of it as a long-term relationship. You want one that lasts, feels right, and doesn't need constant fixing.

Products Related To This Article

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3. Marks & Spencer Textured Slim-Fit Single-Breasted Blazer

4. Peter England Elite Self Design Slim Fit Single-Breasted Formal Blazers

5. MANQ Men Blue Slim Fit Solid Single-Breasted Formal Blazer

6. Allen Solly Checked Slim Fit Single-Breasted Blazer

7. Arrow Single-Breasted Slim-Fit Formal Blazer

Picking a blazer isn't just about fashion, it's about self-awareness. It's about walking into a room and feeling like you belong, not because of the tag on your jacket, but because you made thoughtful choices. A blazer, after all, is a quiet power move. Worn right, it doesn't need to shout. It nods, smiles, and says, 'You've got this.'

So the next time you stand in front of a mirror wondering if the blazer works, don't just ask how it looks. Ask how it feels. Because that's what style is, not just looking good, but feeling like you do. Shop men's blazers online and rock every look with confidence and style. 

Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.

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