Don’t Let That Blazer Just Sit In Your Closet… It Deserves Much Better

I have always had a blazer–or three–in my closet. It has taken me, however, years to finally assimilate the piece into my fashion repertoire. SheFinds already showed you how to sport a blazer for a formal (and patriotic) night out, but wearing it casually is something that takes time. Once you learn to wear a blazer, though, it can carry you through years of I-have-nothing-to-wear days.

This impeccably crafted Twenty8twelve Calandra Blazer ($290, was $470) can be dressed up or down for an office-appropriate look or something you can wear out on a Friday night. Underneath, throw in some color with a satin belted tank ($40). On the bottom, try a pair of grey pants like these gabardine wool BCBG slacks ($142) for work. For something less dressy, grey stovepipe jeans ($115) and booties ($128) will look a little edgier. Silver earrings ($35) and necklace ($59) finish both ensembles.

And for a warm palette, try this Alvin Valley brown stretch gabardine peak lapel blazer ($250); it still has a classic shape and can easily be dressed up or down with something like crisp beige slacks or blue jeans. Check out some budget-friendlier blazers below: