I'm 99.9% Confident This Will Still Be the Official Fashion Uniform in 2021
As a fashion editor, I spend the better part of my day researching trends both digitally and IRL at various fashion appointments and on the street when various style-setters pass me by. When it comes to outfit trends specifically, there’s one prominent look I’ve continued to spot throughout all of my sartorial explorations over the last few months: Okay, you may already know it (given that we've covered it in various ways before), but here it goes: a slouchy blazer, basic top, and blue jeans.
That’s right—it seems celebrity and fashion people all got the memo this season that this simple yet polished outfit formula is the only look that matters when you need a directional and cool ensemble that doesn’t try too hard. And while A-listers like Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski (along with It girls during Fashion Month) routinely stepped out in this three-piece fit throughout 2020, my gut tells me the ensemble will only increase in popularity over the next few months as more and more catch onto the effortlessness of the vibe. So with that, I’m deeming it the official fashion uniform right now—and in 2021.
To back this all up, I rounded up a range of my favorite celeb and fashion-girl outfits showcasing the various iterations of this chic ensemble. Keep scrolling to get inspired to try the look once and for all. Plus, find new ways to style the uniform you’ve already been wearing. And per usual, I also shopped out the key pieces for each outfit for further inspo.
For a classic yet modern vibe, team a slouchy blazer with a lightweight turtleneck, cropped jeans, and booties.
On Emily Ratajkowski: Zara booties
Try a fancier blazer made of silk or velvet with an on-trend multicolor turtleneck, straight jeans, and sandals or mules for a simple yet impactful night-out vibe.
On Jasmine Tookes: AFRM turtleneck; PrettyLittleThing denim
Lean into the other It look of the moment by stuffing straight-leg jeans into mid-calf boots with that slouchy double-breasted blazer.
On Elsa Hosk: Chanel tee; Prada bag
Elevate your favorite pair of blue jeans with a white blouse, a black blazer, and statement heels.
On Caro Daur: Amina Muaddi heels
Live somewhere slightly warmer? Pair a slightly cropped tee with a longline blazer, distressed wide-leg jeans, and vibrant heels to catch compliments.
On Hailey Bieber: Acne Studios blazer; Maison Margiela jeans; Balenciaga bag and heels
Further proof that you can legit toss a blazer over any outfit (including a simple denim-and-blouse fit) to appear impossibly elegant and chic.
Who: Jeanne Damas
Work in a more creative office setting? Test out the formula for that 9-to-5 life by pairing your blazer with tailored jeans and heels.
On Katie Holmes: Giuseppe Zanotti heels
A shorter blazer in a luxurious fabric like tweed brings an elegant twist to a casual silhouette.
Who: Brune Buonomano
A boxy grey blazer brings just the right amount of polish to a standard jeans-and-tee ensemble.
On Kaia Gerber: Jacquemus jacket; Re/Done jeans
Next, I'm never giving up cardigans—here are the ones I'm into for spring.
Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent over seven years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retialers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises. He has also worked across a variety of other media brands and fashion retailers like Refinery29, PureWow, Men's Health, and Gilt covering commerce, trend reporting, women's and men's fashion, home, and lifestyle.
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