Trail-blazer!

Manpriya Singh 

Depends on who exactly is your reference point for high fashion; is it the Kardashians, the Jenner sisters, the Hadids (Bella and Gigi, we mean) or, closer home, more relatable Bollywood celebs, the likes of Ananya Pandey and Shraddha Kapoor. Whatever has been influencing your wardrobe investments, they sure have a common takeaway style thread of the season — blazers. 

Not too long ago, in the blazing sun, they sound like a sartorial blasphemy, a closer look (at Instagram handles, airport looks) will convince the doubters, blazers are as much for summer as the fabric wool is. 

The short suit 

To begin with, blazers with shorts or short suits if you may. A little more fun than a skirt, and much less formal than trousers, blazers when paired with shorts is a trend that has your back—for a summer date night or a casual day out.  Anyone who remembers Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman in the co-ordinated red Bermuda shorts and oversized blazer will know what we are talking about! “It’s a much more elegant alternative to hot pant trend that was seen many seasons ago. The key element in carrying this trend off lies in choosing the right colour palette and ensuring it’s a co-ordinated set,” opines city-based designer Manraj Virk from the prêt label Mauve. “It’s yet to catch up in the city, and it is essentially about tailoring the right garments. Preferably it’s not something you can buy off the rack,” she adds. 

Meghan Markle, of course a long while before she became a Duchess, was once seen in the popular brand Veronica Beard’s  coordinated striped blazer and shorts set, making the label to remark on social media,  “Now this is how you wear a short suit!” In short, the summer and casual version of the powerful pant suit.  

Short & sweet 

City-based influencer Rubby Singh, with a following of over 35k, has as many don’ts to warn us as she has dos to remind us.  “One must keep in mind the fact that it is essentially a summer trend. So, accordingly, one must choose pastels, though neons are making a comeback. A striped blue and white blazer would be really nice, if I were to wear the trend that’s what I would choose and pair it with co-ordinated shorts.” 

For anyone following fashion even remotely would know paper-bag waists or bucket-waists are a thing in the fashion world now. “I’d strictly advise fitted shorts because firstly it’s summer and secondly, they accentuate one’s waist and not to forget, look elegant.” 

Blazer dress

While blazer with dress (or even blazer with skirt) is heard of and done with, blazer dress is the latest take on fashion world’s obsession with mixing seasons up.  “Slouchy blazer, ruched sleeve blazer; they all work for summer, especially if in pastel colours or stripes,” adds Manraj. With a perfect blazer anything is possible, so says actor Rashida Jones, who famously also went on to admit. “It’s downright undignified how many blazers I’ve bought over the years. And will continue to buy. They immediately give shape and add authority.”