The blazer: Outerwear or outfit?

I have added two corduroy blazers to my wardrobe: rust and brown. I have to admit that pairing them with a camisole or shirt look really sharp. I wanted to know if it would be in bad taste to not take them off when I go out. For example, I will be going to a birthday gathering at a friend’s house and I was thinking of getting a leather jacket (I’ve always wanted one of those) and pairing that with a camisole or a sweater. Is it wrong to keep the jacket on? In my mind it’s part of the outfit but if keeping a blazer (tweed, corduroy or otherwise) or a leather jacket on all night is not the socially correct thing to do then I’ll wear something under it that can stand alone.

Thanks again!
Linley

I love this question, because I'm certain that Linley is not the only one wondering this. Am I right?

First, let's define our terms. Outerwear is any piece that you remove when you go indoors -- a peacoat, say, or long winter coat. Outerwear goes OVER your outfit, and is designed to keep you warm as you go from one place to another. You take your coat off when you get to your destination, leaving you wearing only your lovely outfit.

A blazer is typically NOT outerwear; it is part of your outfit. When the weather is nice, a blazer may be the only layer you need to keep you warm. And while you CAN take it off, you are not required to.

Let's think for a second about how men wear blazers (you didn't see THAT coming, did you? but sometimes, the men are right about what to wear and how to wear it). Men will wear a jacket over a dress shirt, which they CAN wear alone, but they will most often leave the jacket on all day (or all night, as the case may be) because it is an integral part of the outfit.

But let's get back to Linley. A blazer or leather jacket over a beautiful camisole or tee or sweater is a completely appropriate choice. The camisole should provide appropriate coverage, of course, because it is a layering piece not lingerie, but as long as Linley is keeping The Girls in check, she's good to go.

So yes! Leave the blazer on! Add a pretty necklace and some terrific shoes and have a wonderful evening!