This Simple Two-Part Outfit Is Summer's Answer to Jeans and a Nice Top
Blazers have undergone what is perhaps one of the most significant metamorphoses in the world of fashion. Once reserved for boardroom meetings and private members clubs, the piece was later adopted by the style set and has remained an integral part of their uniform ever since. Versatile and with the ability to transcend seasons, the sharp cover-up can be worn year-round with just a few styling tweaks. And now, as we find ourselves in the midst of summer, blazers are increasingly being worn with another warm-weather staple: shorts.
Be they denim or linen, fitted or breezy, shorts and blazers are fast becoming fashion’s new favourite pairing (second only to another perennial combination: jeans and a nice top). But how do you pull off blazer-and-shorts outfits right from the bat? Looking to a few of our influencer friends who have been wearing the duo on repeat this season, it’s evident that one sure-fire way to make blazers and shorts look chic is to stick to a neutral colour palette—think black, tan, beige and cream. Then, there are fabrications to consider. A floaty blazer, for example, might loan itself better to a more rigid shorts style, whereas a tailored blazer might look even cooler paired with more relaxed shorts.
Finding the combination that works best for you will take trial and error, but to help get you started, we’ve rounded up seven blazer-and-shorts outfits we find impressive. Scroll below to see them, and should you fall in love with any of them specifically, then you can proceed to shop the pieces to re-create the look.
Style Notes: Denim cutoffs always make a comeback for summer. Team them with a black blazer and chunky trainers for less-is-more appeal.
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Style Notes: ICYMI, cycling shorts are all the rage this season, and Lydia has found our favourite way to wear them: with a belted blazer over top. So sleek.
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Style Notes: We can always count on Aïda to serve up stylish tonal looks, and this ensemble is no different. We love her combination of a slouchy, beige blazer; white shorts; and a classic black tee.
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Match the colour of your blazer to that of your shorts, and your ensemble will feel instantly pulled-together. Case in point: Charlotte's ecru look.
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Style Notes: You needn't ignore your tweed and woollen blazers until autumn—wearing them with shorts and trainers (in Amy's case, black denim hot pants and cool Converse) will give them serious summertime appeal.
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Style Notes: Chiara showcases yet more evidence that timeless shades of tan, white and black work seamlessly together to create the most sophisticated of ensembles.
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Style Notes: If you're tentative about mixing your blazer-and-shorts outfits, follow Chrissy's lead by investing in a matching shorts suit. Then, simply dress it up with heels, or wind things down with a pair of tennis shoes.
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Opening Image: @naaomiross
Next up, the best summer blazers have this one thing in common.
Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.
Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.
Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.
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