The Navy Blue Blazer | QLC #005
The Navy Blue Blazer is undefeated. As a young man this should be your bread and butter. You literally cannot screw it up as long as you:
- Bite The Bullet Once
- Spend Your Money At The Tailor
- Pair It With The Correct Items
Buy Once Cry Once
I’ve had to replace my navy blazer 2 times in the past 6 years because I chose to skimp on the quality. Doesn’t help that I was in college and didn’t have “big boy money” yet. This is why you buy once and cry once. This Canali ($895) or this Bonobos ($400) are 2 great options at different price points.
Wear Your Jacket
Blazers are meant to be worn. All the time. They are the unofficial uniform of Italian men. Paired with a collard shirt w/ stiff collar, chinos, and a leather loafer. They know you’re American if you’re visiting and not wearing one. Long gone are the days where “I just don’t think I’ll wear it enough”.
A well tailored blazer is the most versatile piece in your wardrobe.
For Your Next Meeting In The Office
Blazers pair nicely with a shirt/tie and a pair of separate dress trousers. Put it all together and your blazer works perfectly for your next sales pitch or team meeting in the office. This is called “dressing a blazer up”.
For Errands Around Town
Dressing 1 level higher than “typical” is the surest way to turn heads. The navy blazer accomplishes this. They’re meant to be worn. Pair with jeans and a clean white sneaker, like these from Allen Edmond’s ($255).
No rips in your jeans. No running shoes or your dirty/smelly Nike’s you’ve had for way too long. This is called “dressing a blazer down”.
Business Casual Office
Most workplaces aren’t requiring you to wear a suit and tie anymore. This is why the blazer is so important. Following the rules mentioned in QLC #003, the blazer could be worn almost everyday. Stiff collard shirts, chinos, and a pair of leather loafers/double-monk straps.
Tip: Carry a tie in your briefcase to make any business casual outfit more formal. (In case a client walks in or you get pulled into your bosses office)
Date Night
This is my favorite. The navy blazer is the key to a good first impression. Pair with a patterned shirt, separate trousers or chinos, nice watch, and pocket square.
This works so well for date night because of comfort and versatility. Remember, dress 1 level above “typical” in your environment and you will turn heads in admiration, including your dates.
- Your blazer is meant to be worn. Finding a well respected tailor with great craftsmanship is just as important as the blazer itself.
- Only dress 1 level above “typical” when going out. There’s a fine line between gaudy and fashionable.
- Bite the bullet once. High quality jacket and tailor > replacing your blazer within a year.
- Expand your shirt selection and trousers by choosing what pairs nicely with the blazer. Wear your jacket when you’re shopping for new pairings.