The Edit5 min read

Plus Size Blazer Outfits: 6 Ways to Wear a Blazer

Throw a relaxed boyfriend blazer over a tee and jeans for weekends, or pair a shawl-collar Bend Over® blazer with matching pants for a full suit.

Smiling plus-size woman in her 50s wearing a relaxed boyfriend blazer open over a tee and jeans on a sunny terrace

A blazer is the fastest way to look pulled-together without feeling buttoned-up. Two styles do most of the work: the Relaxed Boyfriend Blazer for easy, open-front layering, and the Bend Over® Shawl-Collar Blazer when you want a head-to-toe suit. Below are six outfits built on them, from Saturday errands to Sunday service to dinner out.

Which blazer fits the look you're after?

Pick the boyfriend blazer for relaxed, mix-and-match outfits; pick the shawl-collar Bend Over® blazer for suiting, since it comes in colors that match Bend Over® bottoms. Both are lined, 32" long and machine washable.

Want to see more shapes, from cropped to longline? Browse all plus size blazers, or widen the search to jackets and blazers for denim and utility layers.

Relaxed Boyfriend Blazer vs. Bend Over® Shawl-Collar Blazer, from product details
DetailRelaxed Boyfriend BlazerBend Over® Shawl-Collar Blazer
SilhouetteLooser, more relaxed cut, still tailoredTailored, with princess seams
Collar and closureSingle-button frontShawl collar, single-button front
Pockets and backFront pockets, back ventFront pockets
LiningLinedFully lined
Length32"32"
Fabric and carePoly/rayon, machine washBend Over® poly, machine wash
Best forJeans, tees, dresses, weekend polishMatching suits, office, church, events
Plus-size woman in a matching shawl-collar blazer and pull-on pants suit walking through a sunlit office lobby
Match the Bend Over® blazer to Bend Over® pants in the same color and the suit is done.

6 plus size blazer outfits to try

Each look below starts with one blazer and changes only what goes underneath and below. That's the point: one great jacket, worn six ways.

1. The weekend uniform: boyfriend blazer, tee and jeans

Wear the boyfriend blazer open over a soft crew-neck or V-neck tee and your favorite jeans. The relaxed cut means nothing feels stiff, and the back vent keeps it moving with you when you sit or reach.

  • Push the sleeves up once to the forearm for an off-duty feel.
  • Finish with white sneakers or loafers and a crossbody bag.
  • A striped or printed tee adds personality without extra effort.

2. The full suit: Bend Over® blazer and matching pants

Pair the shawl-collar blazer with the Classic Bend Over® Structured Straight Leg Pull-On Pant in the same color. You get a true suit with pull-on ease: an elastic waistband, crisp woven fabric and a straight leg that drapes without clinging.

  • Under it, a silky shell or fine-knit top keeps the line smooth.
  • Pointed flats or a low block heel lengthen the straight leg.
  • Button the single button for meetings; leave it open after hours.

3. Sunday best: shawl collar over a dress

Layer the Bend Over® blazer over a knee-length or midi dress for church, a christening or a luncheon. The shawl collar frames the neckline softly, so a solid dress or a bold print both work underneath.

4. Dinner out: boyfriend blazer with a statement top

Swap the tee for something with shine, ruffles or a bright print, and trade jeans for dark trousers from our work and dress pants. The blazer reins in the statement top; the statement top keeps the blazer from reading as office wear. Add earrings that catch the light.

5. Break the suit: mix colors and textures

Wear the Bend Over® blazer with pants in a contrasting shade, such as a jewel-tone jacket over black or a neutral jacket over a print. Breaking up a suit doubles your outfits without adding a single new piece.

6. The tunic layer: blazer over leggings or slim pants

The 32" length on both blazers sits well over a longer tunic with leggings or slim pants. Keep the tunic a little shorter than the jacket, or let it peek just below the hem for a deliberate layered line.

How do you make a blazer feel relaxed instead of stiff?

Soften the pieces around it. A blazer looks stiff when everything else is formal too, so pair it with knits, denim, prints or flats and let it be the one tailored element.

  1. Start with the shoulder. The seam should land at your natural shoulder; that one fit point makes the rest hang well.
  2. Wear it open. An unbuttoned front creates a long vertical line and an easier attitude.
  3. Play with the sleeves. Push or cuff them once to show a bracelet or watch.
  4. Mix textures. Jersey, knit or silky tops underneath read warmer than a crisp button-down.
  5. Choose easier shoes. Sneakers, loafers and sandals relax the look; heels dress it up.

What to wear with a blazer for work, church and dinners

Match the bottom and the shoe to the occasion, and let the blazer stay constant. This quick guide keeps every outfit head-to-toe finished.

Your Style, Your Size: whichever outfit you start with, check the size chart on each product page, since fit can differ from one style to the next. Ready to start? Shop blazers and build your first look in sizes 10W-44W.

Blazer outfit pairings by occasion
OccasionBlazerUnderneathBottom and Shoes
OfficeBend Over® shawl collarSilky shell or fine knitMatching Bend Over® pants, pointed flats
Church or LuncheonBend Over® shawl collarDressBlock heels or dressy sandals
Dinner OutRelaxed boyfriendStatement topDark trousers, heels or loafers
WeekendRelaxed boyfriendTeeJeans, sneakers

Frequently asked questions

What blazer style is best for plus size?

There's no single winner. A relaxed boyfriend cut gives easy room through the body for casual outfits, while a shawl collar and princess seams create a soft, tailored line for suiting. Choose the shape that matches where you'll wear it most.

How should a blazer fit?

The shoulder seam should sit at your natural shoulder, you should be able to reach forward without strain, and the front should close without pulling. Sleeves should graze the wrist bone, or push them up for a relaxed look.

Can I wear the Bend Over® blazer without the matching pants?

Yes. It works as a standalone layer over dresses, jeans or any work pant. Matching it to Bend Over® bottoms in the same color is simply the fastest route to a full suit.

How do I care for these blazers?

Both the Relaxed Boyfriend Blazer and the Bend Over® Shawl-Collar Blazer are machine washable, according to their product pages. Check the care label on your piece before washing.

Do the Bend Over® structured pants run large?

They're designed for a relaxed, roomy fit. The product page suggests your regular size for a loose drape, or one size down for a trimmer, more tailored look. Silhouette fit may vary by style, so it's always best to check each size chart and to match your exact measurements to our size guide.