Stella McCartney and Valentino—Among Others—Prove That Blazers Are NOT Out of Fashion This Spring

Last week, I was scrolling on TikTok, as one does, and stumbled upon a video declaring that blazers were out of style for 2023. In distress, I rapidly swiped out of the app and found myself searching 'why is TikTok claiming that blazers aren’t in?' on Google. I could’ve sworn that I had seen blazers in almost every Spring 2023 runway show, but I wasn’t 100% sure. It turned out my anguish was pointless as I was right: blazers are certainly—completely and unequivocally—in style this Spring… And this year, for that matter. Sharp and tailored suiting has never been bigger.

Stella McCartney SS23 via Vogue Runway

Since time immemorial, the blazer has been a unisex staple that has only continued to grow in popularity. Despite originally being designed as menswear for sports, it didn’t take long for the wardrobe classic to be adopted by luxury fashion as a genderless item. For this reason alone, it is almost inconceivable that the blazer would go out of style. Ultimately, blazers are a classic, not a trend, and therefore, will never be out of fashion.

Stella McCartney via Vogue

Alexander McQueen via Vogue

Stella McCartney and Valentino are among the majority of fashion houses to show collections that incorporated blazers. Although designers switch up colours and fabrics, this essential item rarely changes its shape. After all, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sticking to this motto was Stella McCartney, showing double-breasted blazers with peak lapels in an array of neutrals. Keeping the same lapel, she played with boning, sewing it into the body of the garment and fitting the fabric close to the body. Another designer accentuating the female form was Sarah Burton, creative director of Alexander McQueen. Her take on the blazer meant expert tailoring, pointed shoulders, and peak lapels—the most formal lapel, often found on double-breasted jackets. The standout of the collection was a black double-breasted blazer dress slashed at the elbows, side of the waist, and just below the hips. It was certainly a contemporary choice.

Victoria Beckham via Vogue

Valentino via Vogue Runway

Chanel via Vogue Runway

Playing with different textures was Victoria Beckham’s way of redefining the blazer, working with more structured fabrics to satisfy the masculine tailoring and chiffon to show movement and relaxedness in the same shape. Valentino took a similar approach, with creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli designing oversized blazers adorned with feathers and sequins. The black single-breasted floor-length blazer dress with a shawl lapel was the superlative of the collection, representing a new wave of suiting… One that takes risks with silhouettes to create a modern-day look. Similarly, Chanel brought their signature tweed fabric to the blazer. Accompanied by a pale pink patchwork design and pearlescent buttons, the single-breasted blazer felt more youthful and current compared to their popular jackets. Unlike other designers, Virginie Viard used a notch lapel, giving the blazer a more casual look.

Valentino SS23 via Vogue Runway

Blazers have been around for decades (centuries even), and their prominence in fashion is monumental. Even though I have only broken down this spring's blazer trends, expect to see them dominate the runways throughout the autumn fashion season, and years to come. And, next time TikTok tells you something is out of style, don’t be so quick to believe it… I won’t be so gullible next time.