What to Wear Under a Blazer: 8 Options for Women

What you wear under a blazer sets the mood of the whole outfit: a crisp shirt makes it formal, a fine knit makes it relaxed, and a lace cami makes it evening. The new ME+EM Lace Trim Cami Top in Light Cream ($260) is built for exactly this job. Below are eight options with the ME+EM pieces to match, and you can see every jacket on our ME+EM page and in the blazers edit at Coveti.

Quick guide: what to wear under a blazer

1. A crisp shirt

The most formal choice. A white poplin shirt under a black and navy blazer never fails. Wear the collar inside the lapels for a neat line, outside for a seventies feel. The silk-cotton Silk Cotton Cloud Layering Shirt in Chocolate ($340) is semi-sheer with an optional tie, a softer take on the office shirt.

2. A fine knit

A slim crew-neck jumper turns a blazer into a winter suit. Keep the knit fine so the sleeves do not bunch. The High Neck Straight Jumper in Cocoa Brown ($430) is merino, cashmere and silk with slim sleeves, ideal under tailoring. More shapes in our guide to cashmere sweaters for women.

3. A lace cami

A blazer worn open over a lace cami is a reliable dinner outfit. The lace shows at the V, so you can skip the jewellery. The Lace Trim Cami Top in Black ($260) is soft stretch jersey with a lace neckline, designed to be left on show. Read our full lace cami tops guide.

4. A satin tank

For cocktails, swap the cami for satin. The Fluid Evening Tank in Merlot ($390) is 100% silk satin with a scooped neck. Under a black tux blazer, it is a complete cocktail outfit. Our evening tops guide has more.

5. A baby tee

A fitted tee under an oversized blazer with jeans is the weekend version. Choose a tee with a little structure so it does not cling. For evening, the Evening Baby Tee in Black ($530) is silk satin with cap sleeves.

6. A high-neck top

A slim long-sleeve top with a high neck gives a clean, minimal line. The Barely There Top in Black ($280) is a lightweight merino and cashmere crew designed as a base layer.

7. A knitted vest

A slim vest over a shirt and under a blazer is the most layered option and works for smart casual. See our guide to how to wear a knitted vest.

8. Nothing at all

A fitted blazer buttoned with nothing underneath is an evening statement. It only works with a blazer that closes high and sits close to the body.

Which blazer for which layer

Match the blazer to what goes underneath. A sharp-shouldered, single-breasted blazer such as the Sharp Contour Blazer in Black ($760) suits shirts and fine knits. An oversized tux blazer like the Icon Oversized Tux Blazer in Black ($810), with satin lapels and hidden elastic to hold pushed-up sleeves, suits camis, tanks and baby tees. A pinstripe such as the Sharp Shoulder Blazer in Grey Multi ($760), in 100% wool, looks best over a plain white shirt. For velvet, the Soft Contour Blazer in Bay Green ($840) is silk-blend velvet with a ruched back panel that draws in the waist; wear it over cream.

For full suits, read our guides to women’s pant suits and tuxedo suits for women.

Common mistakes

• A bulky jumper that pushes the blazer shoulders out of line.
• A long, loose top hanging below the blazer hem; tuck it in instead.
• A collar that fights the lapel; choose one side and commit.
• Visible bra straps under a cami; adjust the straps to sit mid-shoulder.

Frequently asked questions

What do you wear under a blazer for a casual look?

A fitted tee, a fine knit and a knitted vest over a shirt all relax a blazer. Add jeans and loafers.

Can you wear a cami under a blazer to work?

Yes, when the cami is in a matte jersey and only a lace edge shows. Keep the blazer on in meetings; for a formal office, choose a fine knit.

Should my shirt collar go over the blazer?

Inside the lapels is neater and more formal. Over the lapels gives a relaxed, seventies feel. Both are correct; inside is the safer choice.

What colour top goes under a black blazer?

White, cream and black are the classics. Deep red and chocolate brown are richer alternatives for evening.

Can you wear a jumper under a blazer?

Yes, a fine-gauge knit. Avoid chunky jumpers; they bunch at the sleeve and push the shoulder out of line.

Is it OK to wear nothing under a blazer?

For an evening look, yes, when the blazer closes high and fits closely. Use tape to keep the lapels in place.