5 Ways to Pull Off the Boyfriend Blazer

It’s a simple (and obvious) statement, but it needs to be said: We love celebrities. They give us juicy news to gossip about with our friends; they entertain us endlessly both on screen and off; they constantly show up in new outfits for us to dissect, love, and hate. In short, they’re essential to our everyday lives. But it’s this last element — the fashion one — that makes us love them the most, oftentimes because they help us translate seemingly unwearable trends into executable styles.

The most recent case in point: the boyfriend blazer. When Jessica Alba showed up to an Anthropologie event in Los Angeles wearing an enviable, blue leopard print version, she quickly reminded us why we need to work this outfit staple into our wardrobe immediately — especially with spring just around the corner.

But Alba isn’t the only star showing us all of the right ways to wear the relaxed, boxy boyfriend blazer. Take a look at Alba and four other celebrities, who are giving us five different outfit ideas based on the boyfriend blazer.

1. With Jeans and a Tee

Alba isn't the first — and she certainly won't be the last — to seamlessly pair a boyfriend blazer with dark denim and a T-shirt, but she definitely knows how to do it the right way. If you're wearing a printed version like Alba's, keep your jewelry minimal and accent the look with a few bold accessories, like a bright clutch or heels. If you're opting for a monochromatic blazer, you can experiment with the rest of your look by donning printed denim or adding a statement necklace to your outfit.

2. Over a Mini (or Maxi!) Dress

The simplest way to add some sophisticated intrigue to a day dress or night-out ensemble? Throwing a boyfriend blazer on top, of course. Follow in actress Blake Lively’s footsteps by pairing a structured blazer with a delicate lace minidress — all in the same hue for maximum visual impact — for a girly glam look, or channel your boho-chic side by throwing one on over a flowing maxi dress, à la Vanessa Hudgens.

3. With an All-Black Palette

If there’s anyone who knows how to nail a super-chic style, it’s designer and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, who proves that sometimes the easiest and most glamorous way to rock a boyfriend blazer is by pairing it with a plunging black blouse, tailored black trousers, and a killer pair of simple black pumps.

4. Over Cute, Short Shorts

If you’re covering up with a boyfriend blazer on top, then don’t be afraid to show off a little leg on the bottom in a pair of short, tailored shorts. Mimic actress-slash-author-slash-lifestyle-guru Gwyneth Paltrow’s flawless style by sticking to a classic white and black color combo, with an intricate top and glam heel to help make a statement. If a casual look is more your style, try pairing a boyfriend blazer with denim shorts, a plain button down, and flats or gladiator sandals for something more laid back.

5. In a Head-to-Toe Print

If you’re really ready to enter the bold world of boyfriend blazers, take a note out of singer Solange Knowles’s look and match a printed blazer with a shorts, a skirt, or pants in the same pattern. To keep the ensemble from going overboard, anchor the look with a neutral blouse and minimal accessories. Love the matchy-matchy look but not quite ready to dive into head-to-toe print? Pair a bright boyfriend blazer in a hue like bold red or cobalt blue with bottoms of the same color instead.

Now that you've seen the pros pull it off, it's time to get out there and borrow from the boys to make this your go-to blazer style for spring.