From embellished to cropped, 6 blazer styles making power dressing feel new again

A blazer is more than a garment – in many cases, it serves as a functional accessory. With the right tailoring or embellishment, it can completely transform an outfit, elevating it from an office staple to a chic dinner statement. From regional designers to collaborations with models, here are some of the blazers on our wish list this season:

Embellished blazers

Dubai-based Sanah Yasin, who designs handcrafted blazers punctuated with intricate, palm tree embroidery, tells Vogue that the blazer has always been a classic piece. “It carries an ease and confidence that instantly pulls the entire look together,” she says. “I wanted to reimagine that silhouette with beadwork and embroidery, taking something familiar and giving it a sense of artistry and story.”

Aisha Rao- Taroob Hand Embellished Kashmir Art Blazer

Marella- Blazer with floral and embroidered detail

Cinq A Sept- Metal Paisley Karlie Blazer

Leather blazers

Another Dubai-based designer reimagining blazers this season is Dima Ayad, whose just-released leather pieces mark a departure from her feminine and colourful eveningwear. Crafted from vegan leather, her trenches and shorter, blazer-inspired jackets are versatile and timeless, available in hues like brown, khaki and burgundy. While a black leather blazer makes a sleek statement, brands in this region and beyond are turning it up a notch by experimenting with colour: hues of greens and pinks are appearing alongside neutral tones.

Dima Ayad- Leather Jacket

Tuxedo-inspired blazers

In Marella’s recently-unveiled collaboration with British-Irish model and former Victoria’s Secret angel Stella Maxwell, blazers are not only abundant, they were the starting point for the collection. Sharp tailoring, sculpted lapels and an overall air of exaggeration give new meaning to power dressing through tuxedo-inspired blazers, and there are also designs incorporating floral appliques, corsetry and cropped lengths (which we’ll get to later).

Plaid and pinstriped blazers

A trusty plaid blazer is key for adding depth to a jeans-and-tee ensemble. Finished off with bold jewellery, and you have a breakfast-to-boardroom look that’s effortless and exudes confidence. Pinstripes have a similar effect. Stick to monochromes or branch out into neutral tones this autumn, and witness your outfits transition seamlessly from day to night.

Saint Laurent- Jacket in Prince of Wales Wool

12 Storeez- Pinstriped Wool Blazer

Cropped blazers

Classic but with a punchy, contemporary twist, the cropped blazer has emerged as younger fashion enthusiasts’ take on corporate style. Wear it closed or with a white tank underneath, paired with baggy denims or high-waisted trousers. Play with proportions and experiment with layers – they key is to keep it playful, a la Miu Miu’s cropped blazer with a faux sleeve cuff.

Miu Miu- Single Breasted Jacket

Balenciaga- Cropped Distressed Blazer

Lapel-less blazers

For some, a lapel or collar is a crucial design element of a blazer. For others, it’s a cumbersome addition of fabric. The collarless blazer, refined, feminine and without superfluous lapels, then becomes an ideal outfit-topper, adding just the right polish to your office – or dinner – look.

Max Mara- Segnale Cotton Twill Blazer

Limé- Wide-Shoulder Blazer

The fun doesn’t stop at selecting your blazer silhouette – the next step is styling it, with summer’s layering trends that are transitioning into the cooler months. Push bold bangles over the cuffs of your sleeves or tie a silk scarf around your waist like a belt, to give your blazer an editorial edge.

This story first appeared on Voguearabia.com.