In this new post-pandemic world, the work dress code is shifting. I’ve called this a hybrid of how we used to dress paired with the comfort that the pandemic forced us all into. You can read more on this here. I’ve also talked about how pairing tailored with soft is a good workaround for pairing professional with casual for work. The tailored pieces elevate the more casual pieces and vice versa. Throwing a blazer with a casual look is an easy way to do this. However, there is one issue with that now that’s it’s summer: It’s hot, darn hot. Did you see how hot it’s supposed to get in the Pacific Northwest this week? Who wants to wear a blazer in this type of weather? And certainly, a blazer during any type of heatwave is a dumb idea, but let’s not forget, it’s cold indoors. So while you may not want to commute in a blazer, once you get indoors it’s helpful to have one handy.
SUMMER BLAZERS: WEATHER-APPROPRIATE STRUCTURE
So let’s talk about summer blazers, a solution for pairing tailored with soft in seasonal fabrics during the warmer months. I’ve put together below and check out the additional styles at the end of the post.
Outfit #1
A nice feature to look for in summer blazers is a lack of lining. Think about it, you put on a blazer in a summer-weight fabric only to have it lined in non-breathable polyester. Smartly, in addition to halfback lining, most unlined blazers have lined sleeves which makes putting the blazer on a lot easier. Sometimes you will even find summer blazers with cotton lining over polyester, which is a nice touch. This is not to say that polyester-lined summer blazers are off-limits, it’s just something to consider.
I styled this unlined ivory blazer from Lafayette 148 with a pair of techno-cotton pants from Akris Punto and a cotton square neck t-shirt, also from Akris Punto. I finished the look with wheat-colored pumps from M.M. Lafleur and a gold/silver link necklace from Dannijo.
Outfit #2
Linen is a fantastic, breathable fabric for summer, but linen also wrinkles. Some people don’t mind it but a lot of people do. It is easier to accept a crumpled linen shirt than it is a crumpled jacket. J.Crew threw some cotton into the fabric of this blazer. They don’t list exact percentages but given it’s listed as cotton-linen, it implies that cotton is the majority fiber. The more cotton and the less linen means less wrinkling.
I styled this blazer with a cactus-colored sleeveless rib-knit top from M.M. Lafleur, an ivory skirt from BOSS Hugo Boss, and finished the look with navy sandals from Boden and blue drop earrings from Monica Vinader.
Outfit #3
Viscose offers drape to fabrics which can help eliminate some stiffness found in linen when blended. This pistachio blazer from Judith & Charles is made of 55% viscose and 45% linen. I styled it with a striped lightweight t-shirt from Majestic Filatures and a belted pair of cotton pants from Mango. I finished the look with mint flats from Steven by Steve Madden.
Outfit #4
This is another linen/viscose blazer from Theory in a summery melon shade that plays well with other colors. I styled it with a short sleeve sweater from J. Crew and a pair of olive pants from Rails. I finished the look with a pair of metallic-accented Cole Haan sneakers and drop earrings from Madewell.
Outfit #5
This linen and cotton blazer from Boden is smartly lined with cotton to increase breathability. I styled it with a faded mint t-shirt from Madewell and white barrel pants from Everlane. I finished the outfit with novelty espadrilles from Tory Burch and a colorful mixed-media necklace.
Shop for Summer Blazers
Looking for some additional summer blazers? Check out these styles.
I love these outfits. I have events year-round where I need to wear a blazer, but in Florida summer weight is best all year. This time of year I look for sales on summer blazers.
I have a question for you about linen blazers – I have 2 lovely linen blazers with cotton lining in the body, but both have acetate lining in the sleeves which makes them uncomfortable in the heat. Is it possible to get the sleeve lining removed and either replaced with cotton, or just leave them unlined? I’d prefer unlined, but replacement could work even if it’s a bit pricey, as long as it’s doable. I’m also going to get the sleeves of one of them cropped as well, so I can get the lining removed/replaced at the same time.
For my job, I really need to look polished and be able to move around all day, including taking the tube from client to client, so it’s hard finding the right pieces!
I can see how the acetate would be an issue on a hot day. The lining is there so it’s easy for your to get your arms in the sleeves. You could have the lining removed but you might find putting your arms in the sleeves to be a bit tricky. You could line with cotton which isn’t as slippery and cupro is a breathable fabric that is often used. Cotton voile might also be a nice option. I hope that helps.
Thanks so much for the info, Bridgette! Cupro sounds like a great option. I love these hi-tech Japanese fabrics! I see what you mean about the acetate lining making it easier to get arms in, I tried on one blazer and even in the heat, my arm glided through. And then immediately started sweating of course! 😉 I’m going to get the sleeves of it taken up to be longish short sleeve length, if that makes sense, and I’ll have the lining removed too. If they’re short, it hopefully won’t be tricky getting my arms in. There are about 3-6 weeks per year in London where it’s above 30 degrees, but you never know when those weeks are going to hit and every time they do, I struggle to find something professional to wear to work that I’m not melting in!
And I should add, thank you for the lovely posts as always, Bridgette 🙂