Product of the week: The short blazer

What is it:

Oversized blazers and power suits are particularly trendy at the moment – but now the popular item of clothing is taking on a new shape and appears cropped. Although the blazer silhouette is already widely used in the fashion world, it is only recently that this shape has sparked cross-gender interest. In the SS24 season, the cropped blazer appears primarily in men’s collections, redefining tailoring for this garment. The look is often thought to come from 80s designers who brought an edgy twist to the typically formal piece, but these days the cuts have become even more casual and fabrics vary from jacquard to knit.

Why you should order it:

The current rise of the short blazer can be attributed to a number of new trends that are primarily influenced by GenZ and are currently dominating the fashion industry. This is particularly true of the rise of “office punk,” a variation of formal clothing worn by the generation that is taking over social media: familiar rules of office attire are being dissolved and taken in a new direction through individualization and experimentation. This is where the short blazer comes in, because it is the perfect piece of clothing with which you can go straight from work to the bar thanks to its casual cut.

Where we saw him:

The short blazer appeared in many SS24 collections, often gender-neutral and in casual cuts, as in numerous men’s collections. At Louis Vuitton, the classic button-down was contrasted with a checked material, while Songzios showed a tiered-sleeve blazer in a pastel-colored material. St. Nian and Alexander McQueen stuck to more traditional shapes, with only the short hemline a nod to the trend. In women’s fashion, the short jacket appeared in more tailored cuts, reminiscent of the aforementioned styles of the 80s – combined with matching miniskirts or dresses in bright colors, such as Marine Serre and Patou.

How to style it:

Short blazers are fun to style. As a stand-alone piece, they can be worn with high-waisted trousers or wide-leg jeans in a contrasting shade. Create a casual outfit with a coat or over a loose-fitting shirt or T-shirt. Paired with a matching dress, skirt or pair of trousers, the blazer creates an effortless, classic look that’s easy to pair with a chic shirt or V-neck sweater. Minimalist accessories such as a small leather handbag or several necklaces complete the look. Both calf-high boots and sneakers go well with this.

Regardless of whether it is intended to appeal to the “office punk” generation or the smart casual fan – the short blazer is a relevant piece of clothing that has a permanent place in the SS24 collections. The modernized fit and variation in materials further emphasize this, bringing an updated approach to the classic two-piece suit.

This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz