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Tuesday, May 06, 2025 — Houston, TX

Trends on Campus

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Duncan College freshman Mary Anderson’s idealization of the trend, for dressier occasions.

By Mary Anderson     10/26/11 7:00pm

Being a trailblazer takes on a whole new meaning as Martel College freshman Elle Eccles and Wiess College junior Henry Gorman both show how to perfectly execute the classic blazer. Eccles gives a youthful perspective to a mature, business-appropriate navy blazer by pairing it with a plaid skirt and simple accessories. By adding the blazer, she demonstrates her personal style in an updated yet classic way. The simple bow on the skirt gives a feminine touch to the structured staple. With her ballet flats and basic white shirt staying within the same color palette as her blazer, she allows the other elements of her look to seamlessly blend into her outfit.

Gorman demonstrates how guys can easily dress up their looks by adding a blazer. By including a blazer, Gorman refreshes his look without making himself appear overdressed. His striped shirt and denim jeans give a sense of ease to the structure of the jacket. The Converse tennis shoes also modernize the classic jacket, updating the look for the current generation. When searching for a suitable blazer, guys definitely must keep in mind the sleeve length and material, as they can ultimately determine its versatility throughout the wardrobe. Most importantly, both looks demonstrate how to create a modern approach to a classic look.

The blazer has a variety of predicted origins, yet the most popular involves the former queen of England in 1837. Many believe that the style began when the royal naval commander of the H.M.S. Blazer strongly disliked his shipmates' uniforms, and designed a new, more structured jacket. When Queen Victoria saw the new style among the crew, she instantly fell in love with it, and demanded that the entire Royal Navy sport the innovative look. Since then, the trend has not been strictly limited to uniforms, as celebrities ranging from The Beatles to Beyonce have adapted the trend, bringing creativity to the classic blazer. The jacket's ability to stand the test of time reveals both the blazer's adaptability and its versatility.



Today, the blazer is an essential element of most wardrobes, as it can instantly elevate any look. Currently, blazers come in a wide variety of styles and fabrics, from luxe leathers to striking silks, and there is sure to be one to fit anyone's style.



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