The balmy spring weather makes a trendy spring jacket an absolute wardrobe essential. From the classic trench coats to the stylish cropped blazers — the options are endless. If you are looking for something structured, streamlined and fashion forward, try a menswear-inspired tuxedo jacket. A light tuxedo jacket complements most frames and adds an instant punch of style and grace. Although the look is formal, the versatile jacket can be dressed up or down befitting the occasion. For warmer months ahead, forgo the mundane and find something vibrant. To help you get started, here are five different ways to incorporate the stylish coat into your wardrobe.
Feminine look with a floral dress
Slipping into a dress after long dreary winter months feels liberating, feminine and sexy! This spring, expose your stylish self by pairing your tuxedo jacket with a pleated floral dress, one of the hottest trends of 2012. Accessorize the look with a wide belt and cork wedges.
Get the look: Alfani pleated floral dress (Macy’s) and Nishe soft tuxedo jacket (ASOS)
Chic look with wide-leg pants
Channel your inner chic fashionista by styling a spring jacket with a top tucked in with pants. An on-trend look can be achieved by wearing wide leg pants with a silk blouse. When coordinating your bold hued spring jacket, use a muted color palette as backdrop to balance the whole ensemble. Need to show some skin? Try pairing it with a tweed skirt instead.
Get the look: ASOS Nishe tuxedo jacket with Theory wide-leg crepe pants and Alice + Olivia off-white silk blouse (Neiman Marcus)/ Nordic tweed pencil skirt (Ann Taylor)
Preppy look with shorts
When it comes to fashion, make your own rules, believe in them and carry them with confidence. Edgy fashionistas preferring a preppy look consider styling your tuxedo jacket with tailored shorts. Whether you’re looking for a sophisticate casual outfit for the day or semi-casual attire for a girls’ night out, this outfit will carry you through.
Get the look: ASOS Nishe tuxedo jacket with cuffed shorts and convertible sleeve shirt (Express).
Bold look with colorful pants
Spring 2012 is all about colorblocking. Finding bold and saturated hues, mixing and pairing them together is an easy way to follow the trend. Take your spring jacket to a new level by wearing it with a colored cropped pant, camisole and coordinating shoes.
Get the look: ASOS Nishe tuxedo jacket with Jones New York signature cropped-leg trousers in royal blue. (Macy’s)
Go monochromatic
Take an altogether different route and go monochromatic with your ensemble. To rock a monochromatic look, Chelsea of CollegeFashion.net recommends, “Look for contrast within the same hue. Mix navy and sky blue, army and lime green, or goldenrod and light yellow to get the monochromatic look without resembling a crayon!”
Get the look: ASOS Nishe tuxedo jacket with cap-sleeve skater dress (ASOS)
As you notice, a tuxedo jacket seamlessly translates across styles to create looks that are elegant, polished and fun. Take a cue from the above-mentioned outfit ideas to find a style that is distinctly you.
More from the contributor:
Top 2012 Black and White Spring Must-Haves
Four Ways to Wear Your Favorite Jeans in 2012
Three Outfit Ideas for an Indian Wedding