Target Real Talk Test Drive: 4 Tips to Style a Plaid Blazer

DETAILS.
Plaid Blazer (sized up to size 4 for looser fit) // Sweater (on sale! size small – color: light heather grey) // Skinny Jeans // Suede Ankle Boots (true to size) // Chanel Bag (similar budget friendly here) // Lip Stick (shade: Aubergine) // Silver Watch 

You asked for it! According to Facebook voter feedback, you wanted to see tips for styling this plaid blazer. I was excited for the opportunity to test drive a few styles from your perspective. While a plaid blazer might not seem very versatile, the truth is it can be styled in so many great ways. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:

1.     Basic: For a fail-safe combination, wear a thin, oversized blouse under your blazer with some skinny jeans and heels. You can also layer unexpected elements like a hoodie or textured sweater with this combination. Feel free to add print or texture in your layers, but keep patterns on a small scale to avoid competing with the blazer.
2.     Menswear: Embrace the menswear effect by pairing your plaid blazer with distressed boyfriend jeans, a basic tee, and boyish accessories to taste. Some ideas might include a baseball hat, boyfriend watch, and oxfords or sneakers to complete the look. Graphic tees are another way to add edgy interest without overpowering the plaid blazer. Converse sneakers are usually my go to shoe for a clean boyfriend look. 
3.     Dress up: Dresses in a feminine cut and color will provide needed contrast for a structured, plaid blazer. Better yet, adding a plaid blazer will transition a dress seamlessly into fall. Don’t worry too much about hem lines or silhouettes. A blazer can double as a way to dress up or dress down a look, depending on your outfit. This means a blazer is a perfect option to give a more casual feel to a glam, a-line dress or to add sophistication to a laid-back maxi dress. 
4.     Skirting the trend: A skirt adds a perfect feminine balance to a structured plaid blazer. To be extra daring, opt for a skirt in soft pastels or complementary-colored prints. In doing so, you force the plaid to take a backseat and act as more of a neutral.