7 Ways to Style a Navy Blazer – Outfit Ideas for Spring

Today, I’m sharing 7 ways to style a navy blazer.  These 7 outfit ideas for Spring are easy to recreate and can go from Sunday brunch to work to a date night out.  A navy blazer is a classic look that balances French girl chic with a modern flair.  My most worn blazer in my closet is this one by Veronica Beard, but I have several at different price points.  If the Veronica Beard blazer is out of your price range, this Sézane one is very similar for less than half. I love a single-breasted style, a double-breasted blazer, gold buttons or brass buttons.  Honestly, I love a classic navy blazer and how many ways it can be styled. I never travel without one, either.  I can’t tell you how many times this has come in handy.  With all the different ways to style a navy blazer, there will surely be something for everyone’s unique personal style.  These are all great outfit ideas for Spring, too.

I remember when I wore my first navy blazer.  I was 16 years old, in private school, and it was part of my uniform.  It was paired with a crisp white shirt with a button-down collar and a penny loafer (with pennies in them) for that eternal preppy look so popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s.  When I look back on all my styles over the years, I realize that my school uniforms had a fairly huge impact on how I dress.  When I went to college, it was the first time in 12 years that I could wear whatever I wanted.  And boy, was I overwhelmed!  Creating “outfit formulas” early on became a real thing for me.  I find, to this day, it makes getting dressed easier and more enjoyable.

7 Ways to Style a Navy Blazer for Spring

Look Number One | Casual Outfit with White Sneakers

This first of seven ways to style a navy blazer can be a casual Friday work look, an out-for-brunch with girlfriends look, or worn as just an elevated, everyday style.  If sneakers are not allowed at the office, swap them out for a pair of loafers that will be equally comfy but also a bit more polished.  It is the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort, which are very important here.  The gold buttons give this look a sophisticated yet more casual vibe.  It elevates the navy blazer but doesn’t feel overly dressed when styled with blue jeans, a tee, some white sneakers, and a market tote.   This is one of my favorite outfit ideas for Spring – easy, effortless and chic.

A crisp white tee is a wardrobe essential, elevating any look with instant sophistication. I prioritize quality and structure when purchasing tees, finding the structure is what really delivers the effortless chic look.   While personal style is paramount, the navy jacket in this ensemble provides an instant upgrade to a more casual wear style. Another great option would be to swap out the denim for a pair of white pants or white jeans for a similar but overall look that is just a bit different.  Navy, a classic neutral, is a staple in my wardrobe and pairs beautifully with white.  

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Look Number Two | Casual but Elevated with Gold

While this next look is still casual, the gold handbag and strappy sandal instantly elevates this smart casual outfit. I have worn this look several times for a casual work day, a date night, or lunch with friends. The striped tee is also a nice touch over a solid-color tee, just adding a bit more interest with the horizontal stripe.  If your heels-wearing days are behind you, look for a strappy flat sandal like this one, an excellent choice that still lends itself to an elevated style without having to wear a heel.  

Pro tip:  My heel-wearing days are more behind me than not.  But I still like the overall look of wearing heels.  When I am home and headed out for the day or night, I wear my Uggs (obsessed with them) or flip-flops in summer into the car on my way to the restaurant or event.  As we pull in, I slide my heels on and have my husband drop me off by the entrance.  Even if I am standing for a cocktail party or waiting for our reservation, this has saved my back.  When traveling, especially in places like NYC and Paris where you are walking a lot, I wear a comfy walking flat to the restaurant, and carry my shoes in a little bag, and swap out when I arrive.  I cannot tell you how much this has helped my feet, my back, and my hips.  And one more option: block heels become your best friend as you age.  They offer more overall balance and support.  

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Ways to Style a Navy Blazer | The Striped Tee

This third ensemble, a weekly staple for me, embodies timeless Parisian chic. A double-breasted navy blazer with gold buttons paired with a fitted striped tee creates an effortlessly sophisticated look reminiscent of the streets of Paris. It’s the perfect balance of casual elegance.  If you prefer a pop of color, add a red ballet flat like this one or opt for a red striped top like this one.  Color has its place in everyone’s wardrobe.  And while some may consider navy color, I treat it as a neutral color that is extremely versatile.  And certainly, if a striped shirt is not your thing, swap it out for a solid shirt or a white dress shirt.  

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Look Number 4 | Cognac and Navy

While still leaning casual with denim, this fourth style is elevated by the sophisticated touch of cognac accents.  There is something about navy and cognac that is just so beautiful.  The ruffle trim details on this button-down add femininity, making this such a perfect outfit for days you want to look polished and chic without overthinking your outfit.  While the top half of this outfit is more sophisticated, I kept the lower half more casual with straight-leg denim and a cream and cognac slide, tying in the belt and small bucket bag, proving that there are so many ways to style a navy blazer.

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The last 3 ways to style a navy blazer are a bit less casual but can still be worn as such.  Remember, it all comes down to preference, what works for you, and how you might feel on any particular day.  As I sit here writing this, I am wearing a black Spanx top and black pants that suit my mood today.  I am often in jeans, button-downs, and ballet flats.  Today, I am working from home and just wanted the ultimate in comfort.  

Ways to Style a Navy Blazer | The White Dress

Style Five is all about this gorgeous white dress, another classic staple every woman should own. And if white isn’t for you, think ecru, cream, or vanilla. This navy blazer gives the look a more complete feel while also providing a layer in case you get cold. I find restaurants and shops in the US to be frightfully cold, and I am always carrying or adding a layer to my outfits.  Navy and white are a timeless and classic color combination that works on almost everyone.

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Look Number Six | Dressy Comfort

This next style takes us back to the cognac mixed in with a navy blazer and blue shirt with light stripes.  Another timeless look that relies on closet staples.  Button-down shirts are one of the easiest pieces to style that instantly look polished but, in reality, is pretty effortless.  In this look, I chose an off-white denim with a woven ballet flat, which we see on repeat this season.  There is something about that woven texture that really speaks to me.  I have this button down in several colors, and it is a great one to travel with, with wrinkling kept to a minimum.  

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Ways to Style a Navy Blazer | The Navy Suit

And, finally, but certainly no least, we have a classic white shirt paired with a suit jacket and matching trousers.  A navy suit will get a lot of mileage in your closet as each of these pieces can be worn individually or styled together.  For a more casual look, swap out the white button for a structure tee or a striped tee or even a short sleeve cashmere sweater.  There are multiple ways to style this suit, which is affordably priced.  The best combination is the one that works for you, is comfortable and feels authentically you.

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Any and all of these ways to style a navy blazer are stylish combinations that can suit any style for any occasion.  Each provides a different look, and that is the beauty of the navy blazer.  It really is a neutral piece that can seamlessly blend into your existing wardrobe.

Tips for Styling a Navy Blazer

• Purchase the best quality you can afford.  The navy blazers I have shared here range in price, providing something for everyone.
• Look for a tailored fit.  Boxy, oversized suit jackets are not kind to anyone.  A tailored cut looks more polished.
• Shop sales if you are looking for a higher quality or designer jacket.  
• Consider your climate – can you get away with one all year, or do you need a heavier one for colder months and a lightweight one for warmer months?
• Think about styles—single-breasted, double-breasted, gold buttons, navy buttons, single-button—and what resonates with you.
• These are some of my favorite ways to style a navy blazer. Navy also looks equally sleek with a pair of black pants or a black dress. I find people tend not to pair these colors together, but they can be exquisite.  

I hope you found these seven ways to style a navy blazer helpful. A navy blazer is a versatile, functional addition to any wardrobe. For me, it is an absolute must. Which style is your favorite?

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