How to Pick a Blazer Colour for a Party
Wearing a blazer to a party shows the host that you’re taking their event seriously enough to dress up for, so straight away you’re off to a good start. But it’s not just a simple case of grabbing a blazer from your wardrobe and throwing it on – the blazer is part of your whole ensemble. It’s a finishing touch on your outfit, whether it’s at the formal or the casual end of the range.
The colour of your blazer is of particular importance. Your choice of colour has an array of influences, from the season to your own personal qualities. In this article, we’ll be looking at how best to choose your blazer’s colour so you’ll make a splash at any celebrations you’re attending.
Understanding the Occasion
Every event has a unique mood when it comes to formality. It can be anything from a casual do to the grandeur and expectations of a black-tie evening. That’s why you should begin by discerning what part of the spectrum the party occupies.
For cocktail parties and semi-formal gatherings, a dash of boldness can work wonders, for example. On the other hand, more subdued hues are expected at elegant, formal events. Also consider the environment, and what time of day the party is taking place. A night-time affair has a much different aura than a sunlit garden party.
Skin Tone and Blazer Colour
The colour of your blazer should harmonise with your natural hues. Colour theory is your friend here, offering some critical insights. Identify your skin’s undertone – whether warm, cool or neutral – to guide your choice. Warm undertones find their match in earthy shades such as rich browns or deep olives, while those with cool undertones might want to look at grey, a neutral shade that will boost your skin’s natural warmth. Find out more about dressing for your skin tone.
Current Fashion Trends
Staying abreast of current fashion trends can offer both inspiration and direction, valuable helpers when you’re struggling to pick the right blazer colour. Certain colours and patterns can look dated if they were big a few years ago, so if you’re thinking of wearing a blazer you already own, consider what inspired you to buy it back then. A safe bet is to stick with neutrals like black or grey, or go with perennial classics such as burgundy, blue or a rich green.
Personal Style
Don’t forget to weave your personal style into your selection. Your whole wardrobe is a testament to your individuality, and you no doubt have a “look” that’s reflected in your hairstyle, your accessories and your shoes. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a risk-taker, you can go for an extravagantly patterned jacquard blazer to wow everyone assembled. But if you just like to blend in and display your refined charm, something a little more subdued, like a black velvet blazer, will suit you just fine.
Coordination with your outfit
Consider how your blazer will work with your shirt, tie, trousers and pocket square. Are you basing your outfit on the colour of your blazer, or vice versa? If the blazer is the main event, choose a colour that meets all the criteria covered above, and coordinate your outfit with it. In other words, don’t double up on conspicuous patterns, look for complementary hues, and keep the formality levels consistent. If it’s the other way round – you know the outfit and need a blazer – the same rules apply, but your coordination should guide you to a blazer colour.
Practical Considerations
Aesthetics might lie at the heart of your choice, but practicality shouldn’t be ignored when buying a blazer. You might want to consider the versatility and investment value, for example – a neutral blazer will give you more wear opportunities over the years. Something more idiosyncratic will make more of a splash, but if you wear it too often with the same people, it can quickly lose its impact. The season also matters – choose light fabrics and colours for summer events, or something heavier with darker shades for winter or outdoor evening parties.
There’s a Blazer With Your Name on it
Now you understand the rules about choosing a blazer based on its colour, you can start zeroing in on your perfect example. At Xposed London, we’ve got more than 200 blazers to choose from, in every colour imaginable. If you’re making colour your primary influence, simply use the filter to display only blazers in your chosen hue.
You should have your party-igniting blazer in your hands within a couple of working days, so get your ensemble together to get ready to give it the full-length mirror treatment.
