If you haven’t invested in a great tuxedo blazer, now’s the time …
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If there’s one thing we see come and go, it’s partywear looks. And, while on the one hand it feels as if the trend machine is churning quicker than ever, on the other the true party dressing heroes have never been more apparent. Top of our list? A great black tuxedo blazer. Originally a mark of high elegance, a tuxedo blazer stood out from the regular dining jacket by virtue of its satin lapels. The look has long been coveted by Hollywood stars, and is perhaps most synonymous with Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking jacket designed in the 1970s: the zenith of cool.
What differentiates a tuxedo jacket from, say, a regular black blazer is the opulent detailing. A double-breasted shape is quite standard, it’s all about the satin detail on the lapel and buttons, while others boast jetted pockets. This season sees playful twists enter the arena such as enhanced shoulders, velvet fabrications and cropped lengths complemented by boxy silhouettes.
What do you need to know when buying? Fabrications are key here. The lower the price point the more synthetic the fabric choice: think polyester, recycled polyester or a wool-polyester blend, which is the norm on the high street. However, we’d rather spend a bit more to get a pure wool version – it’s worth it as the fabric has a weight that always looks more luxurious. Style Editor Aislinn Coffey recommends holding out for the January sales to bag a big name in tailoring such as a style by Victoria Beckham or Blazé Milano, below, at a reduced price. With that in mind, beware mid-range priced blazers that boast a high price tag, but are mainly made from synthetics.
How to wear it? The options are infinite. Choose the right dressy top to go underneath – we love a silk or satin camisole. The idea of a co-ordinating pair of trousers isn’t as set for occasion dressing these days as the tux embraces a high-low guise with jeans, slip skirts or tailored trousers: whichever way you style it, rest easy in the knowledge you’ll look effortlessly chic.
Black double-breasted tuxedo blazer, €48, at H&M.
Black satin lapel suit blazer, €99.99, at Mango.
Black double-breasted tuxedo blazer, Forever New, €88, at Brown Thomas.
Black double-breasted silk-trim blazer, Blazé Milano, €1,068; www.net-a-porter.com.
Black Bad Reputation blazer with split sleeves, $398; www.shopfavouritedaughter.com.
Black power shoulder wool blazer, €250, at COS.
Black Venus smoking blazer, Zadig & Voltaire, €575, at Costume.
Black satin detail wool-blend blazer, €199, at & Other Stories.
Black double-breasted silk-trimmed wool blazer, YSL, €2,990; www.net-a-porter.com.
Black tuxedo blazer, Albaray, €178, at Next.
