The Oxford American Dictionary defines the blazer as a “sports jacket not worn with matching trousers.” Basically, it is a casual jacket (reminiscent of suit-style jackets in general shape) that doesn’t come with matching pants or a skirt. How did this mate-less piece of apparel become so popular? Did Lady Gaga design these crazy pants-less jackets, you may ask?

The blazer + non-matching pants was the casual, more comfortable, alternative to a full suit for men in the early part of the last century. Previously restricted to sportsmen and those engaging in the pleasures of country life, the look emerged as everyday casual wear in the 1920's, especially among young men. Women quickly followed suit, taking the blazer for their own. 

Coco Chanel with her designs of the 1920's did much to popularize blazers and made them chic options for stylish women. Menswear style gained in popularity with women in the 1930’s and now pants and menswear-style jackets are here to stay. The biggest boost to blazers in recent decades include the menswear and preppy styles that made a big splash in the 1970’s. One example is Ralph Lauren's take on classic looks inspired by the British countryside (including tweedy blazers) which was popularized due in no small part to Diane Keaton's styling in Annie Hall. Ralph Lauren’s classic style has remained popular even today, and retailers like J. Crew preserve classic sportswear staples like the blazer and keep them stylish and relevant.

So that's it. Show us how you style your classic blazers on February 8th! You can even steal a suit jacket from a complete suit you own, and remix it. No one will ever know! 

_{Contributed by Colleen of Squirrel and Starling}

_References:

• _{Fashion Since 1900 (Second Edition) by Mendes, Valerie and de la Haye, Amy. (Thames and Hudson, 1999 & 2010), including image of "Stylish Paris Fashions for the Beach, Summer 1931" (photo from a private collection)}
• _{WWD: The 100th Anniversary Issue, 2010.}
• J. Crew Tweed Harriett Blazer