Our Love Letter to the Blazer: Why Fall Is Officially Blazer Season
Image credit: Ella Laughmiller
We have a confession to make. If you opened any of our closets right now, you'd find more blazers than we'd like to admit. Oversized ones, cropped ones, a plaid one that looks like it came straight out of a '90s movie, and at least one we swear we'll get tailored "someday."
And honestly? We're not sorry. The blazer might be the hardest-working piece in any wardrobe. It dresses up jeans, dresses down a slip skirt, and makes a plain white tee look like you have your life together (even when you don't). With fall officially here, blazer season has arrived, and we're pulling out every single one.
Why We're Obsessed With Vintage, Thrifted and Swapped Blazers
Brand-new blazers are fine. But a blazer with a past? That's where the magic is.
Vintage blazers have the kind of construction that's hard to find today: sharp shoulders, real wool, and linings with personality. A blazer made decades ago and still in great shape was built to last.
Thrifted blazers are one of the best finds at any secondhand store. Blazers tend to be well cared for, and some have barely been worn at all, so there are always hidden gems on the rack. If you've been celebrating Secondhand September with us, you already know the thrill of the hunt.
Swapped blazers might be our favorite of all. Somebody out there has a gorgeous blazer they haven't reached for since their last job interview, and you have a summer dress you haven't touched since July. On BONNEE, you post what you're done with, earn Swap Coins, and claim a blazer from anyone on the platform. Your closet is your currency, and a new-to-you blazer is a great way to spend it. New to swapping? Here's how BONNEE works.
Image credit: Janell Stephens
The Blazer Is the Most Versatile Piece in Your Closet
Few pieces go from a Monday morning meeting to Friday night drinks without missing a beat. The blazer does it easily. Here are a few of our favorite ways to wear one:
With denim: A blazer over a fitted tee and straight-leg jeans is the definition of effortless. Add loafers or sneakers and you're done.
Over a dress: Throw an oversized blazer over a slip dress or midi for instant polish with a little edge.
As a matching set: Pair a blazer with its matching trousers for a power suit, or mix and match suit separates for a more personal look.
Belted: Cinch an oversized blazer at the waist and wear it as a top or a mini dress.
With sweats: Yes, really. A structured blazer with elevated joggers is the comfy-chic combo of our dreams.
Yes, You Can Wear a Blazer Year Round
Blazers aren't just for one season. They have range.
Spring: Lightweight blazers in soft pastels or crisp white over a floral dress.
Summer: Linen and cotton blazers, sleeves pushed up, worn over a tank for breezy evenings.
Winter: Heavy wool and tweed blazers layered under your coat or over a turtleneck for extra warmth.
Rewearing your favorite blazer all year long is one of the easiest ways to get more out of what you already own. After all, outfit repeating is the new flex.
Why Fall Is the Best Time to Wear a Blazer
As much as we love a blazer in any season, fall is when it really shines. Here's why:
1. The weather can't make up its mind. Chilly mornings, warm afternoons, cool evenings. A blazer is the perfect in-between layer: warm enough when there's a nip in the air, easy to take off when the sun comes out.
2. It's the ultimate layering piece. Fall is all about layers, and a blazer works with everything: over a hoodie, under a trench, on top of a chunky knit. Fall layering starts with a good blazer.
3. Fall colors were made for blazers. Camel, chocolate brown, olive, burgundy, rust, and classic plaids and tweeds. Nothing looks more like autumn than an earth-toned blazer. (Our Virgo season style guide is full of earthy inspiration too.)
4. It's back-to-routine season. Whether you're heading back to the office, back to class or just back to real life after summer, a blazer makes any outfit look intentional.
5. It bridges the gap to winter. Before it's cold enough for the heavy coat (and trust us, that day is coming), the blazer is your outerwear.
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Image credit: Marci Jimenez
How to Find Your Perfect Fall Blazer on BONNEE
Ready to add a blazer (or three) to your fall rotation? Here's how to swap into one:
Clear out your summer pieces. Pull the items you didn't wear this summer and post them on BONNEE. Need a game plan? Our guide to swapping out your summer closet for fall walks you through it.
Earn your Swap Coins. Each item you post earns Swap Coins based on its value.
Search for blazers. Browse vintage finds, designer pieces and everyday staples, then claim the one that speaks to you.
A few blazer-hunting tips while you browse: check the shoulder fit first (it's the hardest part to tailor), don't be scared of oversized styles, and look for natural fabrics like wool and tweed for warmth.
The Blazer Is Forever
Trends come and go, but the blazer isn't going anywhere. It's timeless, it's versatile, and when it's vintage, thrifted or swapped, it comes with a story. So this fall, skip the checkout line and swap before you shop. Your next favorite blazer is already in someone else's closet.
Happy swapping.