From Alia Bhatt to Anushka Sharma: The boxy blazer is making a comeback

Power suits, but with a hint of sexy because femininity is not a weakness to be shied away from – it’s a weapon in disguise.” That is how the pitch for Masaba Gupta X Rhea Kapoor’s big, boxy blazer look reads on Instagram. While the entire collection is a bit of a mixed bag, the duo has managed to be timely in its boxy blazer look. After all, the 90s power-shouldered big blazer is blazing through style charts in time for the Fall season.And the celebs are lapping it up. By now, it’s evident that Priyanka Chopra Jonas loves a big suit – in white, colour or pattern. Joining her in the blazer bunch is cousin Parineeti, Ileana D’Cruz, Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt and Shibani Dandekar who has been spotted in back-to-back big blazers.
TRAILBLAZERS
The big blazer revival owes a lot to the Kardashian clan – Kim K in particular. Stylist Harsh Khullar says the modern blazer is more dramatic than classic, and definitely more fun. “Most blazers now can be styled casually. A basic grey and black blazer is a good investment as it can be styled with almost anything, for any occasion,” he says. Wear it traditionally over same coloured pants, over ripped denims or as a belted robe blazer.
Khullar says, “As fashion is changing, even the colour, shape, style and form of the blazer is changing. When picking up a blazer, pay attention to the fabric, colour, buttons, fit and the style. Another point to consider is where you plan to wear it.” If your lifestyle calls for high-powered soirees, invest in a black velvet or silk jacket. A blazer is a great transitional layering piece and the boxy, roomy ones allow for wearing layers under. For instance, a turtleneck is a great layering choice, while Gupta prefers to make the boxyness more feminine by pairing it with a lacy bralet.
Blazers today are extremely versatile garments. Designer Sandeep Gonsalves says that in terms of cuts, styles and shapes, a blazer can range from oversized to well-fitted based on the personal style of the wearer. A bespoke one gives you the liberty to showcase your personal style. The one blazer to invest in this season is the double-breasted jacket as it’s making a big comeback – interestingly it’s been reimagined as a single-breast, keeping the exaggerated cut and feel of the style.
Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt and Masaba Gupta
Sanya Malhotra, Priyanka Chopra and Ileana D'Cruz
COLOUR CODES
- Black, blue or grey are the most versatile colours
- For casual wear, invest in lighter palettes – khaki, mauve, light blue
- Experiment with textures
Find the right FIT
- A boxy blazer has to be big on the shoulders with a tapered waist
- Pick a boyfriend blazer
- You should be able to fold the arms
- Top button should hit more than a bit above the navel
- Make sure it’s with no lining as that will hug your body right
Get the STYLE
- Invest in black silk or brocade for a party-ready look
- Wear a blazer on your travel – the extra pockets come in handy
- A long blazer adds length
- Make sure the fabric is good – inside and out
- Power shoulders are not for the faint-hearted