The Blazer

I’ve been wearing blazers my entire life, which in the grand scheme of things is funny because I’ve never worked an office job, I attend almost no weddings, and my current job is done from the comfort of my desk (which is actually a nightstand…if you or anyone you know is selling a desk let me know).

For the last few months, I’ve gone all-in on blazers. I’ve cleansed my dad’s closet with labels bearing Armani, Hugo Boss, Peter Millar, anything that was ill-fitting and contained a well-structured shoulder. I almost always pair it with denim.

Blazers aren’t a new look, I’m willing to bet it’s one of the oldest standing items of clothing that’s stayed relevant in all contexts. Maybe that’s where my fascination with the blazer begins and ends, with the simple fact that this garment applies to every genre of person.

This last summer I had a coworker tell me I reminded her of an 80’s sitcom dad. This was one of the better compliments I’ve ever received. Fashion TikTok has all sorts of intellectualist fashion twenty-somethings saying they're wearing an all-black outfit in such and so way and that it’s unconventional. I understand it because I’m wearing a blazer and jeans in a Jerry Seinfeld, Ralph Lauren, Fran Lebowitz type of way and not in an “I wear my dad’s clothes” kind of way.

The blazer has always transported me to the better version of myself. When I was a kid, it made me feel older. At 23-years-old, it makes me feel like I’m a man, who has many responsibilities which wouldn’t be handled without the blazer. It was my “gateway” garment, which opened me up to an entire world of clothing.

The crux of good style isn’t about a price tag or hype, it’s much more simplified. Does it make you feel good? Does it make you want to seize the day? Does it grant you a moment of excitement? That’s what it’s about. If a sweatsuit does it for you, run that thing into the ground. I’ll continue with blazers.