Blazers are generally associated with corporate meetings, black-tie settings, or, generally, any formal event. Content creator and aspiring stylist Alia, however, proves otherwise. Free-spirited and unapologetically herself, Alia joins us for the latest instalment of our 5 Ways To Wear series, where we invite each of our guests to style one key fashion item for five different occasions. This series celebrates versatility and creativity, showing how a single piece can be reinvented through personal style and expert perspective.
As part of our Elevation theme this month, we shift the spotlight to Alia, a fashion shapeshifter whose style can be described as part elegant and part rebellious. How will she take on styling the deceptively challenging oversized blazer? Ahead, Alia shows it’s a walk in the park as she shares her perspective and outfit coordination skills.
Cafe-hopping
Cafe-hopping is an ideal way to unwind after a hectic week, and your outfit does not need to be boring. Alia opts for a T-shirt, shorts, and strappy sandals, echoing the ease of a relaxed day out, to tone down the formality of a blazer. But to amp up the fashion score, you can never go wrong with accessorising and here, Alia picks matching leopard prints for her bag and headscarf, as well as a pair of statement hoop earrings.
Outfit details:
Shirt: Cotton On
Shorts: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted
Sandals: Uniqlo
Scarf: Mum’s closet
Earrings: Online marketplace
Weekend errand runs
For a comfortably effortless look to run errands on the weekend, Alia dresses down the blazer by pairing it with a sheer printed top, calf-length sweatpants, and black Mary Jane shoes. Her hair is combed back with a headband, allowing her hoop earrings to stand out. Meanwhile, the beige fisherman’s net bag, a classic grocery shopping accessory, is perfect for carrying items ranging from artisanal sourdough bread to fresh vegetables.
Outfit details:
Top: Thrifted
Pants: Thrifted
Shoes: Thrifted
Bag: Thrifted
Headband: Accessory store
Earrings: Online marketplace
Dinner date
Turning the heat up for a romantic look – and giving off the illusion of a plunging neckline – Alia unbuttons part of her sheer collared blue shirt and tucks it inside her black skirt, which matches her structured outerwear. The vivid red fur clutch gives her date-night outfit a pop of colour, alongside a pair of gold-strapped heels to complement her chunky earrings. The result is a cohesive outfit that is guaranteed to make a great impression on her date.
Outfit details:
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Heels: Gifted
Bag: Moschino
Earrings: Lovisa
Office meeting
Alia may have joked that this outfit is inspired by lawyers, except we think it’s much better. She subtly elevates the usual corporate-core look with an unbuttoned collar, a loose tie, a pair of glasses, and dainty earrings. When it seems like it’s all business on top, a quick glance below will reveal a pair of printed heels, a clear indication of her playful side with fashion, while adding a touch of colour to her otherwise monotonous look.
Outfit details:
Shirt: Thrifted
Tie: Thrifted
Pants: Hanya
Heels: Aldo x Looney Tunes
Glasses: Thrifted
Earrings: Online marketplace
Night out
In Alia’s book, there’s no such thing as playing it safe. For a fun night out with friends, she dresses boldly in full gear: an ultra-short skirt, sheer pink pantyhose, and a satin top. To add some texture to the outfit, she chooses a small white sequinned bag, and for a touch of glamour, chunky earrings in black and gold to mirror the colour combo of her blazer and heels. It’s a perfect embodiment of a carefree look.
Outfit details:
Top: Thrifted
Skirt: Thrifted
Pantyhose: Online platform
Heels: Gifted
Bag: Thrifted
Earrings: Gifted
Keep up with Alia’s latest fashion moments on Instagram here and discover other editions of 5 Ways to Wear here.
Get your dose of fashion news and inspiration here.
Photography by Imran Sulaiman.