Not Just Any Jacket Required

A blazer and jeans seems like the simplest smart-casual combo, but this classic menswear pairing can easily skew schlubby. And we’re all guilty of the number-one mistake.

- CHARLIE TEASDALE

FOR DECADES, pairing a blazer with jeans has been considered one of menswear's great fail-safes. And thanks to a convergence of recent trends-as 1970s swagger collides with bold tailoring and classic Americana-this combo feels very 2025. No longer just a moremellow, less-ceremonial alternative to a suit, the look is being widely promoted as a true style statement, from the preppy provinces of Drake's and J. Press to the high-fashion halls of Ami Paris and Louis Vuitton.

The only problem? This "fail-safe" outfit can easily look lame. To achieve easygoing cool that's not cringey-whether for work or play-you need to pay close attention to the core items' fit and fabric, as well as to your accessories.

Nicolas Gabard, founder of cult Parisian tailoring house Husbands, says a successful blazer-and-jeans outfit can lean two ways. It can skew sexy and louche, a la Serge Gainsbourg and Bryan Ferry. Or preppy and a little tumbled, as on Andy Warhol and Ralph Lauren.

"You have to figure out what message you want to convey," said Gabard.