What to Wear Under a Blazer

I generally dress casually – not sloppily, but jeans are my go to and I love a great, comfy top or tee. So you might be surprised about my love of blazers, but they’re just so versatile and very easily step up an otherwise comfy, casual look! I have a few blazers, as you see below, and I have some definite opinions of what to wear under a blazer! I do think the options are pretty endless, however, you just need to play around with all the different ways to wear the outerwear.

What to Wear Under a Blazer

Historically (not too historical, I promise), blazers were associated with menswear and professional wear, but those days are behind us (and thank goodness). Blazers for women come in a variety of cuts, sleeve lengths, colors, and materials. And I’m here for nearly all of them.

I have learned with blazers, however, that a proper fit is crucial (more below) and that I really prefer a bit more structured. I’ve had a few sweatshirt material blazer cuts before and they just don’t give that same appeal.

There are a few fits and it all depends on your body shape and your style. I, for example, have broad shoulders, a small chest (read my TLBC review for the best bras for small busts), am naturally curvy, and – maybe most importantly – have a long torso. What does this mean? It means, I need a tailored fit and don’t need my shoulder accentuated for that full blazer vibe. I also like them a bit loose and I like to layer up underneath (or have breathing room if need be).

It’s also good to know how you’ll wear your blazers – open or closed. I basically never button up my blazers, but I do always need to be able to and my hips can sometimes get in the way. For others, their chest may lead to an awkward fit.

Anyway, I always encourage you to buy for your style and body type rather than a trend, but with blazers, it’s an absolutely must to buy for your body – otherwise it doesn’t matter what you wear under a blazer!

Different Styles of Blazers

There are a few general styles of blazers. I love blazers that are cropped (lengthening my legs), slightly oversized, and/or with a great pattern. If you have long legs and a short torso, you might look into long, oversized blazers.

What to Wear Under a Blazer

The idea below are ideas beyond the traditional button down shirt or blouse under a blazer for a work space. All of these ideas (excluding the dresses and pantsuits, obviously) to work well with dress pants, however, and possibly even some skirts!

Fitted Tank Top

A fitted tank is probably one of my favorite (and least expected) options for what to wear under a blazer. I wear the tank tucked in to my pants with a belt. And then the blazer over. It’s such a great look.

This look can be paired with jeans (loose or fitted) and work pants. I do very much encourage you to wear a belt if you’re opting for this slightly more casual look.

Fitted Short Sleeve Tee

This is the same as above, just an extra bit of cloth (perfect for slightly cooler temps). I also like a short sleeve over a tank if my blazer is more snug in my underarm area. See all my picks for the best organic cotton tshirts. This can absolutely be a graphic tee too! I love that look.

Looser Tee

A looser tan or tshirt is totally fine, but I’d make sure your pants are more fitted and/or wear a good belt. I’d also definitely recommend a full tuck or a half tuck, at least, of a looser top. It just adds a fit of tailoring that pulls it all together nicely.

Long Sleeve Tee Under Blazer

While your long sleeve doesn’t need to be a button down shirt (I’d actually encourage you not to wear that unless you’re going super professional), a long sleeve is great with a blazer. I really like to pop the sleeves out beyond my blazer sleeve if there’s some sort of color or pattern difference. It adds a bit of style to an outerwear look

I’m also big on striped shirts under blazers (obviously by the photos above). I think it adds a nice pop of pattern and is flattering on almost all body types.

Turtleneck Sweater with a Blazer

I’ve shared my turtleneck sweater with a blazer look before and I still love it. It’s obviously for cold days, but it’s a great option for warmth that doesn’t add a lot of bulk like a scarf might.

Hoodie Under Blazer

I think I initially bought this plaid blazer when I saw it paired with the blue and white striped sweater hoodie. It was such an unexpected combination that just looked so great. And it looked just as good in real life. This requires a looser fitting blazer as well as a thinner sweater or sweatshirt to be sure.

Here another idea for How to Style a Sweatshirt in cooler months as well!!

Blazers with Dresses & Jumpsuits

And I’m a big fan of blazers with dresses and jumpsuits. Dresses tend to be quite feminine and a tailored blazer magically pulls it all together in an elevated ensemble.

And the only thing to note about jumpsuit and blazers is to make sure you go potty before pulling it all on together! 😉

Shop These Blazers

Blazer Outfit Ideas