The navy blazer is a staple, foundational wardrobe piece. I have two—one in a lightweight raw silk I wear in the warmer months, and one in a wool-cashmere herringbone faux-donegal for the colder months. I recommend the first piece of tailored clothing you buy is a navy blazer (only if you really need a suit would I recommend a navy suit first). 

Here are my 5 favorite ways to wear a navy blazer. And don’t miss a selection of blazers I recommend at the bottom of the post if you’re looking to buy one.

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1. Dressed up with a tie and light gray trousers

It works in the summer with tropical wool trousers, it works in the winter with flannel trousers. The shirt can be an Oxford-cloth button down, or a smooth poplin, or a pale blue chambray. Light blue or white shirts are both great. This is called the “security guard” look by some. Looks great with black or dark brown calf leather shoes (though honestly, as with everything, I wear it with suede loafers or boots often).

2. Collegiate-style with a repp tie, pale blue shirt and chinos or cords

I like an updated Ivy look—these are classic combinations that never go out of style, but I prefer a bit more shape in my jackets, a slimmer trouser leg and a good dose of Southern Italy in my jacket construction. Shown here with off-white chinos, but stone, khaki, or British khaki all look equally great. Looks great with suede penny loafers. 

3. Airplane-ready with an open-collar shirt, faded jeans

An easy way to bring a tailored jacket with you on a trip, without worrying about folding it up in your suitcase, is to wear it on the plane. With a reasonable slim-straight pair of mid or light-wash jeans (please don’t wear dad jeans) and a white or light blue open-collar shirt (button-down for an old-school vibe, spread collar for a more rakish vibe, I’m wearing a cutaway popover for a sporty take), you just might get picked for a free seat upgrade for looking so good. Shown with chukka boots but when traveling, my go to would be suede loafers or canoe mocs.

4. Navy layering for an evening out

This is actually my favorite way to wear my navy blazers: With a navy polo shirt (long-sleeve, with a cutaway or button-down collar), and my off-white jeans. It’s a masculine look that evokes the man-in-black look of Johnny Cash but the white jeans brings back in some levity. I wear suede boots (chukkas or jodhpurs) to feel extra cool, or suede penny loafers if it’s a warm night.

5. Casually with a breton

The navy blazer is closely associated with wearing on the sea (though that origin story about the HMS Blazer is apocryphal at best—the most creditable story ascribes to rowing clubs their invention), just as the classic Breton shirt is. Tees with a tailored jacket is something you probably either love or hate (it helps to have a well defined chin and be in good shape), but the horizontal stripes under a navy jacket is a good way to break up the space normally occupied by a tie or the buttons on your shirt. My Breton is a dark navy ground with lighter-blue stripes, making for a moodier, tonal look (Saint James makes a classic version, with tons of color combinations). With, surprise, white jeans or chinos is my choice for beneath, and canoe mocs, boat shoes or espadrilles on your feet, this is a great, casual way to wear a navy blazer. Make it double-breasted to be a little extra.

Below are a handful of navy blazers from different makers, any of which I would recommend.

….. Wool blend textured navy blazer by Suit Supply

…..Staple navy blazer at Suit Supply

….. Lightweight Boglioli K navy blazer at Mr Porter

….. Spier & Mackay Staple Hopsack Navy Blazer

 ….. Navy hopsack Regent fit blazer at Brooks Brothers

….. Navy fresco blazer at Sid Mashburn

….. Navy blazer at Sid Mashburn

….. Polo Ralph Lauren Staple “Doeskin” Navy Blazer

….. Armoury Model 3 by Ring Jacket hopsack navy blazer at The Armoury