A black blazer elevates almost any outfit. Pop one on with jeans and a tee, or even a sweat suit, and your look goes from thrown together to effortlessly cool — instantly. And with fall upon us, the time to invest in a black blazer is now. (We mean that literally — a few styles have already sold out, so if you see something you like, act fast.)
To help you sort through the many shapes, fabrics, and styles, we asked a panel of fashionable women about their favorites and unearthed 16 blazers — some oversize and boxy, others tailored and classic, and even peplum ones. We included finds for petites, plus-size, and tall folks. And to make shopping even easier, we sorted these by price: under $150, under $350, and the over-$350 blazers worth splurging on.
Best black blazers under $150
The leather and faux-leather blazer trend continues to persist. For an affordable way in, Lauren Alexander, founder of LNA clothing, recommends turning to Zara. “Their faux leather surprisingly rivals some of the best I’ve seen,” says Alexander. Petite fashion influencer Itzy Canales also owns a faux-leather blazer from Zara, which she wore frequently during New York Fashion Week, dressed both up and down.
For a more traditional blazer, Natalie Craig, a petite plus-size blogger, recommends this affordable option from Torrid. Constructed with a blend of rayon and spandex, the blazer hits the perfect balance between structure and stretch. “This blazer comes with me to every conference and trade show, and it’s in regular rotation for most of my office looks,” Craig says.
“A leather blazer is not just a blazer; it’s a statement piece and can also be worn as outerwear, and the leather makes me feel a bit badass,” says former U.S. track-and-field Olympian turned tall plus-size-fashion influencer Dawn Ellerbe. While her favorite is a restored vintage one she found in her mom’s closet, she says this plus-size faux-leather Eloquii blazer stands out because of its oversize structure. “It is hard to find blazers in plus size that are not boxy,” Ellerbe explains. “While still a loose fit, this one provides a beautiful shape.”
Actress Casimere Jollette discovered this Simple Retro blazer at this year’s NYFW and says it’s the “perfect fall component to my wardrobe.” The polyester blend is lightweight, comfortable, and easy to layer. “On days when I’m lazy but want to feel chic, I wear it with a tee, gray sweats, and loafers,” says Jollette. For a more dressed-up look, she’ll pair it with matching suit pants. At five-foot-four, she appreciates that it fits her petite frame without any alterations.
Best black blazers under $350
Elizabeth Tamkin, Kule’s content and partnerships manager, calls out this single-breasted midweight blazer from Almina. She likens it to a fitted boyfriend blazer since it’s roomy “but the shoulders don’t hit halfway down your arm like an actual men’s blazer would.” Because of this, it’s great for layering thicker sweaters underneath. She notes that it has a slight gray hue to it, so she wouldn’t recommend wearing it with all black. Instead, she wears hers with non-black skinny trousers or pedal pushers “to contrast the oversized body,” along with ballet flats.
Alison Rogel, a six-foot-one influencer, recommends this J.Crew fitted blazer that comes in petite, standard, and tall sizes. “Its sleek look and popped collar will add a sense of preppy sophistication to your closet,” says Rogel, who adds that it pairs “perfectly with a lightweight turtleneck, slim-fit cropped pants, and loafers.”
Stefanie Martillotti, who works in men’s wholesale at Versace and is a fashion influencer, recommended this oversize menswear-inspired blazer. This Babaton Vogue blazer is more expensive than others mentioned, but that’s probably because this one is 95 percent wool, which Martillotti says is “very high quality” and “perfect for fall with a sweater underneath.” Martillotti adds that it can work for casual daytime looks if paired with Levi’s and a graphic tee or nights out if paired with a silk slip-dress.
Photographer and stylist Grace Bukunmi calls out Apparis’s “luxe, buttery soft” faux-leather blazers. (The brand also happens to make our favorite faux-fur jackets.) This one has a boxy, slightly oversize silhouette and comes in a bright purple colorway too.
Two stylish women we spoke to — author Iman Hariri-Kia and Rogel — recommended the Frankie Shop blazers. Hariri-Kia’s oversize-blazer pick is currently out of stock, but Rogel’s faux-leather option is still available. She likes that “the oversize fit and slouchy shoulders make it effortlessly chic.”
If you’re looking for a blazer with a “feminine touch,” Flora Backer, designer and founder of RYA Collection, recommends this Norma Kamali peplum option. She’s owned hers for 20 years and has “not stopped wearing it” since. The four-way stretch construction is comfortable while she’s “running around all day at my studio doing model fittings, designing collections, and attending meetings,” she says. It’s made with a polyester and spandex blend, so it’s lightweight with a bit of stretch.
Best black blazers over $350
Jillian Schembri, founder and designer of Wear One’s At, shops Anine Bing for her blazers, and her all-time favorite is the Kelly. “It feels expertly tailored, and I love how it’s slightly shorter and closer to the body than a lot of the blazers I own,” Schembri says. While she says it can double as a top, she typically styles it with a T-shirt and jeans “for a polished and effortless look.”
If you’re wanting a real-leather blazer but you’re worried about sustainability, Deadwood repurposes excess leather from tanneries to create upcycled clothes, like this black leather blazer. (Even its lining is made from recycled materials.) Jewelry designer Sophie Monet says, “It’s a modernized classic ode to Gwyneth Paltrow’s ’90s wardrobe staple. The look still holds strong today.”
For a more traditional high-end blazer, Zahava Ryzman, founder of jewelry brand Sarah Chloe, says this Theory one “has been my favorite go-to blazer for years now.” She appreciates that it’s just slightly oversize, with a nice fit because of the tailoring and seams. The blazer’s crêpe fabric, a synthetic-fiber blend, “is the perfect weight for when it’s both warm and cool outside,” making it the perfect transitional piece.
Art director and creative stylist Juliana Salazar recommends the Wardrobe.NYC blazer because it’s “not too oversize, so it still feels very classic without being boring.” She also notes that it is made of 100 percent virgin wool, meaning “it has a great shape without being stiff.” She prefers wearing her blazer “over a very feminine, preferably white or slightly sheer, dress — this harsh contrast is my favorite.”
Another splurge-worthy wool option is this Officine Generale blazer. Tamkin appreciates that it’s a tuxedo style and double breasted, so it’s formal enough to wear to events. Because it’s a heavyweight blazer, it’s a “great option when you don’t know what the heck to wear to keep warm but want to wear that mini dress,” Tamkin says. And while it’s roomy, it’s not oversize, keeping to its more formal, tailored look.
For a high-end faux-leather blazer, stylist and art director Vivian Chuang says this Nanushka one is “famously buttery soft, feeling as luxurious as a Proenza Schouler or Loewe counterpart at less than half the price tag.” She especially likes the “cool factor of leather,” while the boxy cut and wide shoulders “keep it fresh.”
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