How to Wear a Blazer With Shorts
I’m that woman who struggles to wear very sporty looks and takes every opportunity to dress up. That’s partly why wearing shorts is a challenge for me. When aĀ reader pointed out that these shorts aren’t much different than wearing a skirt (except for the slip) I decided to play with the look and settled on a blazer and shorts outfit. My round straw bag is a vintage Kate Spade and I have never seen one even close to it.
Today, I’m dressing up these long white shorts that I styled casually here, with a blazer and some metallic flats. It’s a look that could take you out to dinner, a graduation, a baby, or a wedding shower.
This long linen blazer is the most gorgeous shade of aqua. It comes in misses, petite, plus, and plus petite sizes 2-18. I’m wearing a 6 regular and think it runs true to size.
The jacket sleeves are the right length for me but I scrunched them up to add a bit of balance with the shorts. A bracelet might have been nice but it bordered on overkill so I left my legs and forearms bare. The short column of white under the blazer feels more put together than if I had three colors in this outfit.
I chose a shoe that could elevate this outfit and still be comfy so I opted for metallic ballet flats. I love a great metallic shoe or bag because they’re a universal neutral. They’re a bit dressy but not too much because the style is so simple.
These ballet flats were rated one of the comfiest by Travel & Leisure and I have to agree. They come in 14 colors and prints in narrow, medium, and wide widths size 2-14. Their working drawstring means you can adjust the fit according to your foot. I loosen the left one to better accommodate my bunion. They’re very soft Italian leather that molds to your foot.
Style Tip- I wear all new shoes around the house for several hours to loosen them up and check for sore spots. If they’re a smidge snug, I spray the insides with this shoe stretch and wear thin cotton socks while they loosen up.
METALLIC BALLET FLATS
I went with simple silver earrings and a chain necklace ( I added the coin) because it feels more casual than gold. If you remove the blazer and swapped the flats for white tennies, you’d have a simple tee and shorts for running errands.
Have you worn a blazer with shorts?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
If you have the right place to go in this outfit I think it would look good.
Plenty of big buildings in Southern climates have the A/C going full blast and if you’re someplace with a vent blowing right over you, as often happens to me, you’ll like the blazer.
I like the comparison of long shorts to a skirt. So if you’d put a sweater or a blazer over your favorite twill straight skirt you could just as well be putting it over these shorts.
Absolutely perfect outfit with the right proportions and the colours make you sparkle! I donāt know what season those colours match, but they certainly are the best on you, Jennifer.
In southwestern Ontario we get some hot days but there are lots of cool ones too and most nights cool off. I was just saying I haven’t worn blazers for ages due to COVID and I’d love to wear them again, so I’m digging out the less business- like ones and styling them with jeans, skorts and shorts. Thanks for the inspiration. You look great as always.
I hope the dental work is over soon.
I have found the skorts at Talbots are a good length. Iām 5ā2 and wear the regular size for the length instead of my usual petite. This is a great look on you and the color is beautiful!
Iād either be too hot or too cold in this outfitā goose bumps on my knees or a heat rash on my face. You look lovely, but it would never work for me.
This outfit looks great on you, but I dress very casually. I live near you and with our hot weather from May-October, I wouldnāt be able to wear a blazer. I find the blogs I read have clothing that is often too warm for 100 degree weather. I love your style!
I find Erika’s comment similar to my own thoughts. I love the look with the blazer, and since moving to Miami, I have been adding knee length shorts to my wardrobe (also viewing them in same sense as a skirt). What I continue to struggle with is how to get that polished, pulled-together look without layering. I’m a midwest native so until temps drop below 70, I’d have to pass on the blazer. Layering seems to be the usual suggestion for completing a look given from the blogs, so if anyone has other suggestions, please shout them out!
Accessories are one of the best ways. Earrings and bracelets are cooler than necklaces. Try a metallic bag and/or sandal. Remember to try belts and possibly a small scarf tied on the handle if youāre purse. These little details work wonders to look polished.
Love the blazer with the shorts.
Takes me back a few years ago when I had a calico print blazer and short suit.
I loved that outfit. It was so vestal. Just classy enough to ware for dinner, work or whatever.
The Kate Spade bag would have looked perfect with my retro outfit.
Love the bag, shoes and whole outfit
I can’t quite reconcile myself to dressy on top and beach on the bottom. I think it’s another of those mother-in-my-head voices that will not stop talking!
I think it depends on where you live. Certainly you could wear this look to any restaurant on the Coast. They are used to tourists walking in and out in shorts so it would like nice. We have casinos here that have entertainment as in circus shows, big name acts, comedians. So, wearing this outfit to a show would be fine. Itās too hot to keep the jacket on outside however.
Love the outfit. I wear the long shorts for summer, crops don’t look good since I am 5’2″.
I bought skorts at Talbot’s because they had petite and misses lengths.
Thanks Audrey
Attractive shorts outfit. I wore similar linen shorts and blazers in the nineties when I was working here in Florida. I would never wear the outfit here now because itās so hot. When I wear shorts, I do so to be casual whether its lunch with friends, picnic at the beach, etc. In that case, I wear nice shorts, sleeveless blouse in summer. When I dress up, I wear a dress or pants.
This is a lovely outfit!!!! I would love wearing it for sure!
Where did you get that purse from? I like it too! You always come through with dressing up an outfit to make it look stylish! I appreciate your ideas!
I hope you finally found the right Dentist for you and that you will shortly be pain free!
Thanks Linda. I think that one crown is finally finished but I have a few more that need repairing. It never seems to end.
It looks cute on you, and is a nice look if you need to dress up. I rarely do. I need to look nice for my day with dogs, horses, grand boy, gardening, hiking, construction site and perhaps 100 degree heat. I would appreciate a post on clothing for mature women that looks good and put together, that will stand up to an active, perhaps even dirty lifestyle, to help us feel confident too?
Please tell me more about what you have in mind.
This is how you wear shorts in a way that is pure class. Love your whole look. Sometimes these longer shorts look better on a petite than crops or capris. You nailed it.
Thank you, Nancy. I love this look.
Smart and classic outfit! Love how the round handbag complements the straight column of the outfit.
Looking amazing, Jennifer! As to blazers; living in the great white North as I do they have always been a seasonal staple in my wardrobe and have several styles (from structured to over-sized) that I pair with many other garments. To conclude; I think a lot women shy away from them feeling they are too corporate in appearance but IMHO they add an edge and polished look which you have just proven, giving reason why I personally prefer them over a cardigan sweater …. āŗ. Loving your vintage handbag. -Brenda-
P.S.: Yes have worn a blazer with my only pair of shorts that I currently own and as to a skort you might find something in women’s golfing attire that would work for you.
Thank you, Brenda! I hadnāt thought of golf attire. Brilliant idea.
The aqua blazer looks so nice with the shorts and your column of white. I bought the white linen blazer when you featured that, but I normally don’t wear blazers, or sweaters for that matter, in the summer. It’s just too hot, linen or not! I think I’d be more into blazers if I still worked. As far as shorts, I do wear them on occasion and I like to dress up, so I like this look. My normal go to in the summer is/are capris or pedal pushers rather than shorts. They would probably look nice with a blazer too.
Looks nice together, but too hot in Texas in summer. I don’t look good in shorts at my age, but I used to wear them when younger before there were capris and crops. I hope capris never go out , as it has been so nice for older women with aging legs.
Very smart outfit, but at my age I would prefer shorts just covering the knee. Possible?
Yes! There is no end to the options for you this year. Pedal pushers are just below the knee and very popular.
I distinctly remember the trend to wear blazers with long shorts it seems not too, too long ago, but Iām old so maybe longer than other readers remember. Unfortunately, I gave away my trove of blazers that had rolled up sleeves , thinking they were out of fashion. Dumb meā¦should have known that trend would circle around again. You look lovely, and really cool in your outfit of light colors.
Yes, they were called ācity shorts.ā I was teaching school then and a few teachers wore them, but I donāt think the administrators were keen on the idea. The trend didnāt last very long.
I remember it too, Celia. Everything always circles back around.
I love column dressing – it’s one of my go-tos. Always looks chic and pulled together. Aqua and white are such a wonderful combination for summer. Your look is easy-breezy!
Looking forward to today’s IG chat.
Iām loving the Aqua and white too
Each detail of your ootd comes together to create an amazing, summery style that will take you just about anywhere! I am taking note and will try something similar with my new sage capris. I know Iāve said it before but to have the visual of a gorgeous style makes it so much easier for me to adapt it to my personal wardrobe. All the colors go so well together and the accessories are spot on!
Fun, fun and more fun!
Happy Friday Jan!
Before I moved to SoCal I didnāt own one pair of shorts but now I have several. They are very popular here and a nice update to crops. At almost 5ā6 (and a month shy of 70) I have found the cut that hits right above my knee to be most flattering. Talbots calls it their Bermuda short & theyāre a great fit for me. I dress them up with a fancy blouse but minus the blazer. Just way too hot here for a jacket. Try Talbots skorts; I find them to be a bit longer. I wear them running errands, golfing and just every day wear.
Thanks Linda. Iāll give them a try
Great look with the blazer. The colour with the white is perfect for any sort of outing and suits you so well. That purse was a fabulous find and has stood up well. Looking forward to the skin care chat.
It was a treasure when I found it and Iāve alway taken impeccable care of it so I can use it for many years to come.
Beautiful outfit! Never thought to dress up shorts with a blazer. So classy. Have a wonderful weekend Jennifer
Jennifer, this is a winner of an outfit. It inspires me to wear my blazers more often. Sometimes I forget that blazers look great with jeans and other casual bottoms. Instead of a sweater or a casual jacket, I will consider one of my blazers the next time I go somewhere that requires a cover-up for comfort. Thank you!
Like the ballet flats, but much too pricey!
Iāve included other flats in the shopping widget that may fit your budget better.
As always, so very smart- a great look! I love the Aqua and with the white column, you look taller too. The touch of metallic (platinum shoe) adds a dressy feel too.
Love it!
I love the long shorts they look wonderful on you and the entire outfit works perfectly. I have purchased the shorts in black and white they look great and feel comfortable in any situation.
Love the look. Love the idea of the blazer but here in the south thereās no way to wear a blazer outside. You would roast or melt. I can see carrying it with you and putting it on just before you enter a building with cold air conditioning.