After Covid, we are all feeling a little uninspired these days. The same was true for me over the past few weeks, in addition to the bizarre spring to summer transition that is happening around DC right now (and makes dressing, well, complicated…). I hate to admit that one of the things I miss the most about going into the office that made this weather transition more navigable was wearing my fun spring blazers. Navy, pink, multicolored tweeds, light knits, and even the classic solid navy took me from those chilly 50s mornings throughout the day as the perfect layering option. Now that I’m no longer going into the office, I found myself missing the opportunity to break out my blazers as my wardrobe transitions from cold to warm weather. So, I started thinking about how to get these blazers out of storage mode and into my daily look.

While standing in line at Misha’s one afternoon, I found my answer. The woman in front of me was wearing the perfect, off-duty blazer outfit - raw edge jean shorts, tan flat ballet shoes, a white tee, a dark navy and black tweed longline blazer, and the perfect black sunglasses and jewelry to top it all off. It was the perfect weekend blazer look. (I wanted to ask her for a picture, but restrained myself). Oddly enough, I had seen the shorts and blazer combination before but never reacted quite like I did that day. I also have never worn this particular combination myself. I hate being cold, especially on the bottom half. But this inspirational moment made me think it was definitely worth a shot! 

Here’s why:

Layering Abilities - I am shocked that we are still dealing with some pretty chilly temperatures in DC this time of year, which sucks. (Hello, 50s Memorial Day Weekend, what?!). Enter blazers instead of jackets and you have a whole composed look without freezing. If it warms up during the day, all you need to do is take your blazer off and wear short sleeves or tank tops underneath to be comfortable. Or, be like Anna Wintour and throw it over your shoulders like a boss. It’s that simple, and it makes this weather a little more tolerable. 

Dressing without Dressing Up - This mix and match approach is a way to temper the formality of a blazer while still looking pulled together. Band t-shirts, destroyed jean shorts, slouchy beach shorts, flat sandals, etc. are all ways to make a blazer look less serious and more fun. But because a blazer is structured and adds that sharp element, it will turn your resort-like clothes into a classic look. Think Cape Cod instead of Key West. 

All Day Versatility - This look is great for grabbing coffee with a friend or going out to dinner and drinks. Just switch out the flats for heels or add a ton of layered necklaces on top of a plain t-shirt. Like I’ve said before, wearing outfits that take you throughout the day without changing is my personal preference. It’s less stressful and makes things easier when you are on-the-go. Also, because blazers are usually plain and structured (as well as what’s underneath them), they present a lot of fun options to highlight other elements of your look, like a colorful pair of shoes (loafers to heels), a long statement necklace (or layered chains), or patterned shorts (stripes, leopard print, ikat, lace, etc.).  

The one tricky thing about this look is getting the proportions right. If you are wearing an oversized ‘boyfriend’ blazer, be sure to wear shorts that are more tucked into the body or that hug your legs. If you are wearing a more fitted blazer or choose to close the blazer, then wearing shorts that flare out or aren’t tight to your legs are a great option. If you are wearing a long blazer, avoid long shorts. For shorter blazers, you can pull out those long capri style shorts that are back in style. Balance is the key.

The next time it’s not quite 70 degrees outside and you are wondering what to wear, consider the blazer and short combo! Honestly, the only downfall of this look (and time of year, for that matter) is shaving your legs that haven’t seen sunlight in a while. But, we have to start somewhere, right? Give it a try. 

For more inspiration, check out the pictures below. For questions or styling help, send me a note through the contact page! XO