Despite having “formal” in the name, a dress and blazer outfit is a surprisingly versatile look that you can tailor to a lot of different occasions. You’re essentially combining the beauty of a formal dress with the finesse of a blazer, and the result is a combination that is as flattering as it is dignified.
If you’re attending a cocktail party, gala, or any special event, a well-chosen formal dress and blazer outfit is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
Choosing the Right Dress
While the combo is certainly a stunning one, it’s only going to be that way if you select the right formal dress to complement the blazer. The silhouette, fabric and color, and neckline are all important and will need to be considered according to the style you’re going for.
First, look at the silhouette. This is arguably the most important part of the outfit; go for an A-line dress if you want something that flatters most body types and pairs well with a tailored blazer. It creates a balanced silhouette and is pretty comfortable to wear too.
If you want a different option, go for a sleek sheath dress. This’ll pair beautifully with a similar-length blazer for a nice, sophisticated and clean look. For a more dramatic effect, pair a maxi dress with a cropped blazer for a balanced, modern aesthetic. If you like a bodycon dress, you can go for that too! Accentuate it with a longline blazer to balance out the figure-hugging silhouette.
Lastly, there’s the fabric and color of the dress. These will both be dictated (or at the very least, influenced) by the formality of the event and the season it’s happening in. Neutral colors like black, navy, and white are classic options and you can easily pair them with a blazer.
If you go for something bold, though, you’ll be able to make a statement and add your own personality to your outfit too. For the most glamorous version of the color you choose, go for shimmering fabrics like sequins or satin.
It’s a good idea to browse a shop with a formal dress collection that has a variety of styles and fabrics so that you can find what works for you easily; we recommend this online collection.
Selecting the Perfect Blazer
The blazer is just as important as the dress in this outfit, and choosing the right one can make or break the whole look. The three things you’ll want to look for when choosing your blazer include the style, color coordination, and fabric, which will all contribute to the aesthetic.
The style of a blazer is dependent on the way it’s cut. With a tailored blazer, for instance, you’ll get a more classic, polished choice that goes perfectly with both A-line and sheath dresses. A cropped blazer, on the other hand, is the modern equivalent for this outfit that you’ll want to pair with longer dresses for a contemporary twist.
Generally, you’ll be considering both the length of the dress and the amount of balance you want when choosing a blazer style.
We also want to emphasize coordinating your colors. Your options are to either match the two or choose complementary colors, both of which are pretty good if you want something that looks harmonious and well put together.
Picture a black blazer with a black dress or a navy blazer with a navy dress. These are classic colors and they’ll create an outfit to match that same sentiment. However, if you’re the type to experiment, you’ll probably be thinking about the complementary and contrasting options here.
Just to get you started, consider a bright red blazer paired with a neutral-colored dress for an outfit that’ll catch everyone’s eye.
The fabric you chose earlier will also add interest and texture to the blazer. Think of a traditional wool blazer; it’s versatile and you can wear it pretty much year-round. However, for a winter event, a velvet or tweed blazer is probably the better choice since you’ll want the added warmth and a touch more of luxury is always nice.
With that, all that’s left is your personal styling – it needs to match the outfit. With your hair and makeup styled as you prefer, add some of your favorite accessories to your outfit (that also fit with the theme).
Pick the Right Outfit
A formal dress and blazer outfit offers a timeless and versatile option for special occasions. By carefully selecting the dress, blazer, and accessories, you can create a stylish and sophisticated ensemble that is both flattering and memorable.
Experiment with different styles and combinations to find your perfect look and make a lasting impression.
