Elevate Your T-Shirt And Blazer Combo: A Style Guide

Wearing a T-shirt with a blazer is a great way to achieve a casual yet put-together look. It's a perfect combination for the summertime when you want to stay cool but also want to look stylish. While this look is easy to achieve, there are some things to keep in mind when it comes to choosing the right T-shirt and blazer. Here are some tips to help you rock this classic combination with confidence.

Keep it simple with a navy, grey or white T-shirt

When wearing a blazer with a T-shirt, it's important to keep the look simple and understated. Navy, grey, and white T-shirts are versatile and timeless colours that can be easily dressed up or down, making them the perfect choice for a blazer outfit. Here are some tips and ideas on how to style a navy, grey, or white T-shirt with a blazer:

• Navy T-shirt: A navy T-shirt is a great alternative to the classic white T-shirt. It adds a subtle pop of colour to your outfit while still maintaining a sleek and sophisticated look. Pair it with a grey blazer and beige, off-white, or navy chinos for a stylish and put-together outfit. Finish the look with brown loafers or white sneakers for a smart-casual vibe.
• Grey T-shirt: A grey T-shirt is a versatile choice that can be dressed up or down. For a casual yet polished look, pair a grey T-shirt with a navy blazer and dark jeans. Add a pair of white sneakers or loafers to complete the outfit. If you want to go for a more formal look, try pairing the grey T-shirt with a grey blazer and black trousers. Accessorise with a statement wristwatch and black loafers for a sleek and elegant ensemble.
• White T-shirt: White T-shirts are a classic choice for a reason. They exude simplicity and elegance, making them the perfect base for any outfit. Pair a white T-shirt with a grey blazer and cream or navy chinos for a crisp and stylish look. For a more casual vibe, swap out the chinos for dark blue jeans and finish the outfit with white sneakers or loafers.

When styling a T-shirt with a blazer, it's important to consider the fit, length, and pattern. Opt for slim-fit T-shirts with crew necks and minimal designs. Avoid large logos or branding, as they can make the outfit look too busy or garish. Make sure the blazer is the correct length, ending at the waist, and that the sleeves are the right length, ending in the middle of the wrist. Finally, pay attention to the bottom wear and footwear. Tapered or slim-fit jeans or trousers can help elevate the outfit, while canvas shoes or sneakers can add a subtle stylish element while maintaining comfort.

Choose a crew neck T-shirt

Choosing a crew neck T-shirt is a great way to ensure your outfit stays modern when pairing a T-shirt with a blazer. While V-necks were popular in the 80s, they don't have the same contemporary appeal. A crew neck is a simple, classic choice that will help you to avoid channelling an outdated aesthetic.

If you want to look respectable and avoid coming across as "douchey", a crew neck is the way to go. It's a subtle choice that will give your outfit a casual edge. You can also give the neck of your T-shirt a little tug to stretch it out and make it look more relaxed.

When it comes to the fit of your crew neck T-shirt, avoid anything too tight or form-fitting. You don't want to appear like you're trying too hard or show off your physique. A loose-fitting T-shirt will help you to achieve a cool and effortless look.

In terms of colour, it's best to stick to neutral shades. A bright colour could make your outfit look garish. White, navy, or grey are all excellent choices for a T-shirt to pair with a blazer. You can also add a small pattern, such as thin stripes in a neutral colour like blue.

Finally, make sure your T-shirt fits you well. It should fit snugly around your arms and be tapered at the midsection. This will ensure that you don't look too bulky and that your outfit remains sleek and well-fitting.

Wear a slim-fit T-shirt

To wear a slim-fit T-shirt with a blazer, it's important to get the right fit. The T-shirt should fit snugly around your arms and be tapered at the midsection. It's best to avoid a T-shirt that's too tight and form-fitting, as this can look like you're trying too hard. Instead, opt for a slim-fit T-shirt that's slightly loose, giving a cool and relaxed vibe.

When choosing the colour of your slim-fit T-shirt, it's best to stick to solid neutral colours such as navy, grey, or white. This will keep the look simple and elegant. Avoid bright, bold colours or graphic T-shirts, as these can be too casual and distract from the blazer. A small logo in the corner of the T-shirt is acceptable, but it's best to avoid large branding or busy patterns.

The neckline of your slim-fit T-shirt is also important. A crew neck or scoop neck is a more modern choice, while a V-neck can look outdated and too casual. A plain white V-neck T-shirt can work under a printed blazer, especially with a statement necklace.

To complete the look, tuck your slim-fit T-shirt into your pants to create a tidy, put-together outfit. This also gives a nod to the formality of the blazer without dressing it up too much. Finish with a pair of slim-fit jeans or straight-leg chinos for a casual yet stylish ensemble.

Tuck your T-shirt into your waistband

When wearing a T-shirt with a blazer, tucking in your T-shirt is a great way to achieve a tidy, dressy look. Keeping your shirt untucked can make you look too casual, and it doesn't pair well with the formality of a blazer. Tucking your shirt in gives a nod to the formality of the blazer without dressing it up too much.

To achieve this look, first, pick a T-shirt that is slim-fitting and fits you well. Your T-shirt can be any length since you'll be tucking it into your pants. It's recommended that you choose a crew neck T-shirt to stay modern. V-necks were popular in the 80s but don't look as modern today. Keep your shirt simple, sticking with a solid-coloured neutral shirt, and avoid graphic T-shirts or bright, bold colours.

Once you've picked out your shirt and pants, tuck the shirt into your waistband and smooth out any wrinkles. You can pair your T-shirt and blazer with jeans or chinos to match the style of your blazer. If you're going for a casual look, opt for slim-fitting jeans or straight-leg chinos. Jeans are much more casual, while chinos could still be worn to an office function.

Opt for casual footwear

When it comes to footwear, you can go in a few different directions while still keeping the overall look casual. Here are some options to consider:

• Canvas shoes or sneakers: These can provide comfort while still adding a subtle, stylish element to your outfit. Opt for a pair of grey canvas high-top sneakers for a look that is both safe and full of personality. Alternatively, a pair of white sneakers will pair well with almost any colour.
• Desert boots: If you're looking for something a little more rugged, consider a pair of desert boots. They'll add a casual and relaxed vibe to your outfit.
• Doc Marten-style chunky oxfords: For a similar look to the desert boot, but with a bit more edge, go for a pair of Doc Marten-style chunky oxfords. They'll give your outfit a bit of attitude while still keeping it casual.
• Sandals: For a laid-back look, especially during the warmer months, consider a pair of black leather sandals. They'll tone down the outfit and keep it casual.
• Loafers: If you want to dress up your outfit just a bit, perhaps for a business casual event, slip on a pair of loafers. Black loafers will complement darker colours such as navy and black, while brown loafers go well with lighter colours like cream.

Frequently asked questions