Here’s How to Wear a Blazer With Jeans and Heels When It’s Hot Out

There are a few outfit formulas worth mastering. Up first: figuring out how to wear a blazer with jeans and heels. The combination feels polished without trying too hard and can be adapted to nearly any occasion. After all, you don’t always need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to putting an outfit together—sometimes the simplest looks are the most effective.

What makes this outfit formula so appealing, you ask? For starters, it’s endlessly reliable, taking you from the workday to a nice dinner to a night on the town. It’s also a favorite among fashion-forward celebrities, with everyone from Jennifer Lopez to Reese Witherspoon adopting the three-piece look over the years. And as you’ll see below, there are many ways to make the combination your own. Pick up six summer styling ideas ahead.

For a night out

Looking for a way to refresh the formula for nighttime? Start with patterned pumps. A leopard-print pair of slingbacks, for instance, adds personality to an otherwise classic blazer-and-jeans combination. Draw focus to your standout footwear with a pair of flowy, flared jeans. From there, all the look needs is a few finishing touches, such as oversized sunglasses or a gold choker.

For the office

If your office’s dress code falls on the stricter side, you may want to forgo overly oversized silhouettes in favor of a more business-casual look. Try reaching for a fitted black blazer and straight-leg jeans; bonus points if you cuff the hems for an extra chic touch. Complete the look with a crisp button-up and a pair of ladylike heels. (Sub in a short-sleeve blazer if you’re facing particularly hot weather or underperforming AC.) Your boss may just end up copying your work outfit.

For happy hour

A simple way to push your look into cool-girl territory is thrashed denim, which looks like a thrift-store find in the very best way. Strappy heels keep the outfit feeling summery while also preventing your hems from dragging on the street. A gray wool jacket is an excellent choice for the colder months, but a cotton or linen blazer over a tank top is better suited for summer.

For a dinner party

A black or tan blazer may be your go-to, but don’t be afraid to switch things up with a colorful alternative, like, say, fiery red. Because the jacket makes a statement on its own, there’s no need to overcomplicate the rest of your outfit: Baggy jeans and understated kitten heels work wonders. For a night out, simply swap the pumps for strappy sandals.

For a dressy date

You may have packed your leather blazer away for the summer months, but a fitted black jacket looks good year-round; the breezy pick below is perfect for warm weather. Paired with a T-shirt, high-waist blue jeans, and statement heels, the topper feels effortlessly polished. And as any fashion girl knows, the right accessories can make an outfit. In this case, a trendy pendant necklace ties the look together perfectly.

For plans with the girls

Want to look like you stepped straight off a Chanel runway? A cropped pink blazer will do the trick—especially if you opt for a structured silhouette. Wide jeans add a little edge to the look, while pastel pointed-toe heels only enhance the luxurious feel. It’s the perfect girls-night-out ensemble, no?