Your Blazer Choice Might Be The Key To Looking Powerful At Work

Forbes

31-03-2025

As remote work recedes and return-to-office mandates sweep across industries, those professional blazers and suits languishing in the back of your closet are due for a comeback. Many of us are facing a wardrobe reality check: it's time to either resurrect pre-pandemic workwear or refresh our professional attire altogether, leaving behind the comfortable but casual styles that defined our work-from-home era.
This shift isn't just about appearances. Research consistently shows that dressing well significantly boosts both confidence and work performance. This phenomenon has a name: "enclothed cognition," coined by researchers Hajo Adam and Adam D. Galinsky in 2012. This concept explains how the clothes we wear actively influence our psychological processes, affecting everything from our thought patterns to our behaviors.
Hundreds of subsequent studies have expanded on this foundation. One notable investigation explored how stylistic choices, particularly footwear like heels, make women feel and act more powerful. The research revealed that fashion choices associated with higher status directly translate to increased feelings of personal power in professional settings. Among these power-conferring garments, the blazer remains a cornerstone of professional attire, instantly elevating both appearance and mindset.
'Blazers are one of the most versatile wardrobe staples, transitioning seamlessly between work, evening, and weekend wear. How a blazer is styled depends on several factors, including the work environment, personal style, and how the piece is constructed,' explains Roberta Lee, known as The Sustainable Stylist, tapping into a decade worth of experience.
In corporate settings, blazers offer remarkable styling versatility. According to Lee, one approach features structured silhouettes in neutral tones. A well-crafted blazer, like this collarless blazer, with premium finishes instantly elevates your professional appearance, creating a polished, authoritative presence. To add to this, a timeless watch really elevates the look. Opt for a piece from Armitron's affordable range that features premium materials like two-tone stainless steel and plated gold with sparkling crystal accents, so you, too can love every second of work.
Colorful blazers can absolutely work in professional environments. Dessislava Bell, co-founder and CEO of Saint + Sofia, challenges the notion that work attire must be boring. "A colorful blazer can add an element of fun and personality in the workplace. If I am looking for a mood boosting office look, I would pair a bright colored blazer with nice jeans or muted color trousers for an easy option."
Her line's Cambridge Blazer epitomizes this philosophy.
Available in seven vibrant colors, this double-breasted classic delivers a chic aesthetic that transitions seamlessly from workday to weekend. Bell suggests that pairing a pink, green, or blue blazer with simple jewelry and strategic layering pieces helps you command attention in crowded professional spaces, potentially creating a distinct advantage in competitive workplace environments.
Dressing professionally doesn't mean predictable. Today's sustainable fashion movement has revolutionized blazer options such as this Miley Blazer from Blue Revival which is crafted from recycled plastic bottles and fuses comfort and environmental responsibility. Each garment repurposes six bottles that would otherwise end up in landfills. Pair with high-waisted black, navy, or beige trousers and a statement tote back for a soph
By wearing recycled materials, you become part of the solution rather than contributing to pollution. For spring and summer styling, pair this versatile piece with a black or navy dress to maintain professionalism while adding contemporary flair. If you go for a blazer that is even more cropped, then Bell suggests pairing with high waisted trousers. 'Couple that with a great belt, or a pair of smart trainers to look pulled together and confident,' she adds.
Size-inclusive fashion pioneer Universal Standard has a"Power of Style" collection, challenging traditional workplace attire boundaries. Available in a size range from 00-40, this line features favorites like the "All Day Daria" Blazer. This piece of clothing has a longer-line silhouette that accommodates taller frames with a strategically cut-away front hem creating extra width over the hips to eliminate pulling. No matter what size you wear, this blazer has your back (literally).
We understand the challenge: you're required at the office, but you've also got plans for happy hour or a night out with friends afterward. The solution? Versatile pieces that effortlessly transform from professional to playful, like the Alpina Blazer from Lilysilk.
Crafted from 100% Charmeuse silk, this jacket offers both sophistication and luxurious comfort. Its thoughtfully designed shoulder pads create a refined silhouette that commands respect in the boardroom. However, the distinguishing feature is the blazer's belt that instantly shifts the piece from structured workwear to chic evening attire. 'A belt with distinctive hardware can sharpen the waistline,' adds Lee, for those who want to further signal they are ready to leave work behind and embrace the evening's social possibilities. For an even more elegant look, utilize Lee's styling trick of draping the blazer over the shoulders rather than arms through the sleeves for an effortless shift into evening mode.
Selecting the right blazer is a precise calculation of color, pattern, fabric and construction. To curate a wardrobe that you will visit over and over again, purchase well-made pieces in high quality materials that fit your body and styling preferences. invest in the right options that ensures longevity, comfort, and an effortlessly polished aesthetic both in and out of the office.