Plaid Blazer Outfit Ideas

1. Go Casual with Jeans and a White Tee

Grab a t-shirt and your favorite blue jeans or black jeans, then finish the look with sneakers, mule slides, or loafers. I like to reach for fitted tees or long sleeve bodysuits to make sure everything looks streamlined underneath the blazer. Faux leather leggings can also work in the place of jeans.

2. Dressy with Heels for a Night Out

For a day to night look, start with the casual look above, then swap the flats for pumps, slingbacks, or strappy sandals. Trade your day bag for a clutch, and you’re ready for a night on the town. To lean even more into the dressy side of things, swap the t-shirt for a lace-trim satin camisole, which is one of my favorite fall date night looks!

3. For a Quick Coffee Run

The perfect example of “cute but comfy” look, a blazer over a tailored jogger and hoodie set is easy for meeting up last minute or a quick coffee run. This hoodie and these joggers look so elevated! If you’re not convinced you can wear loungewear out of the house, see my tips for chic loungewear outfits.

4. For the Office with Pants

So far we’ve been covering casual, very casual, and date-night ready looks, but plaid blazers are a business casual staple, too. Your favorite plaid blazer is begging to be worn over a drapey jumpsuit or with trousers and a button up blouse at the office.

5. In a Tonal Palette

Pick a secondary color in your blazer (usually tan, beige, or cream) and layer a turtleneck underneath in that tone. Then add coated denim or faux leather pants in another secondary color. Finish the look with a coordinating shoe. This fall outfit leans a little preppy but looks classy nonetheless—see here for another example.

6. Over a Slip Dress

I love a slip dress, but cooler weather calls for added coverage. I’m a huge advocate of bringing summer favorites into fall as base layers. Add a blazer and ankle boots to your favorite summer dress on a chilly fall day.

7. With a Satin Cami

Sometimes it’s still warm through mid-fall, so incorporate autumn vibes with the blazer while staying cool with a camisole underneath. If it’s really hot where you live, you could even swap the jeans/pants for faux leather shorts.

8. For Cold Weather

The blazer pictured falls more into the blazer coat category, and the heavier weight is especially handy in late fall. I did a white on white look here (yes, you can wear white jeans in the cooler months!). If it’s not quite turtleneck season, a slim-fit white blouse will look chic underneath!

What to Look for in a Plaid Blazer

Figure-Cinching Details

Oversized blazers and boyfriend blazers are very “in” right now, but as with all printed clothing items, a poorly-tailored blazer can add width to your shape. Look for styles with figure cinching details, like slanted pockets and diagonal seams. Opt for a slim fit or an elongated silhouette that hits below your hips. Details like peak lapels and button cuffs will look more elevated. Avoid chest pockets and shoulder pads if you can.

A Lining

This is the most overlooked characteristic of a great blazer. A satin-silk or polyester lining will help ensure easy layering over blouses and knits, especially if the blazer is wool or tweed.

A Neutral Color

There are dozens of plaid styles in every color of the rainbow, but a neutral plaid will go much further in your wardrobe, if we’re talking about cost per wear, than a trendy color. A brown plaid blazer, beige plaid blazer, and even a gray plaid blazer are excellent choices. If you can find one that blends all three tones, you’ll be able to wear it with black and brown.