The Statement Blazer, Part 1

I firmly believe that everyone—even men who consider their personal style to be somewhat conservative—should have at least one statement piece in their wardrobe. It’s definitely not something you will wear on a daily basis, but every once in a while it can be a lot of fun to pull it out and make a big statement. A blazer is extremely versatile and a great first step for those looking to go bold. Here is the first of three ways to wear a statement blazer.

You would think that a piece as bold as this blazer would be incredibly hard to style. At least, that may be a concern when deciding whether or not to invest in a statement piece for your wardrobe. I found it to be quite the opposite, however.

The key is to allow the garment to stand out—to do its thing, in other words—by making it your look’s centerpiece and building the rest of the outfit around it. Choosing similar colors is an easy way to pull it off and make a very strong and powerful statement.

If you keep the rest of the outfit subdued, don’t be afraid to go bold with your accessories. Contrasting colors, patterns on patterns, and subtle, but devious touches can make the overall effect of the look extremely striking. What I really love about this attention to detail, is that it invites and rewards closer inspection. Making a statement from a distance as well as up close.

Braces aren’t something I’ve talked about much, but they are a great way to add an extra accent. Likewise, if you don’t own a pair of dress boots, consider investing in some. My personal favorite is the Dalton from Allen Edmonds. Standing up, they look like a regular pair of dress shoes, but sitting down you notice that they’re not. It’s all about the reveal.

This Look: Navy octagon patterned blazer by Brooks Brothers (Black Fleece) – Navy trousers by Quinntessential Gentleman Custom (part of suit, similar here) – White slim fit french cuff dress shirt by Brooks Brothers – Navy silk knit tie by The Tie Bar (similar here) – Khaki and navy striped braces by Brooks Brothers – Purple and yellow cotton pocket square by Massimo Piombo (similar here) – Vintage gold collar bar (similar here) – Skull enamel cufflinks by Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories (similar here) – Gold-tone watch by Citizen – Chocolate leather dress boots c/o Allen Edmonds (Dalton)

Thanks for reading.

Stylishly Yours,

He Spoke Style

Photography by Rob McIver Photo.