Silk Lined Blazers... Diamond Cream Facials... VVS Cuff Links...

Greetings Gentle Readers, (Cue music) It's the most wonderful time of the year.... Kids jingle belling and all that jazz... It's also the time of year for opulent occasions, office parties, jazzy cocktail receptions, festive fetes and the like, which means dressing for them. Dressing this time of year can be a little tricky; you'll get 4 different invitations with 4 different dress codes ranging from "festive chic" and "dressy cocktail" to "holiday casual" and "cocktail casual." And all of them mean separate things!! Now, before you drive yourself crazy, check out our break down of what exactly these terms mean here... But for a little more specific instruction, we've got you covered with a personal favorite. Holiday parties and end of the year gatherings are optimum times to step it up a little... go for a little more drama and style. Now being a well dressed and stylish usually means avoiding all things sartorially over-dramatic, but there's something to be said for combining the two. Which is precisely what we're here to tell you how to do... Enter: The Statement Blazer. The joy of something like a statement blazer is that it takes something you as a Sartorially Savvy reader are well versed in (a blazer) and kicks it up a notch. Now, if that sounds daunting, worry not fellas, we've got you. Sit back, relax, and take notes...

Statement Blazers: How to pull 'em off...

1. Think Outside the Box: The crayon box that is... well, in the cliche way too... But mainly the crayon box. Now is the optimum time to experiment with bold colors. Take for example Drake's look; Mr. Graham's rocking a deep teal that makes the color statement of his entire ensemble. Bold, but not too out there, complimentary to his skin tone, and eye catching (in a good way). A key to pulling off a bolder color like this is subduing everything else about your ensemble; Drake paired his single-button, shawl collar evening jacket with a crisp white dress shirt and black slacks. This keeps the focus on the blazer. And as we always say, every ensemble should have a focal point. In these instances, this will be your blazer. When Estelle stepped out to a recent movie premier in head to toe McQueen the look, she followed this philosophy to the tee. While her all black basics are chic and stylish, the focus is her stunning blazer by the recently deceased British designer. Estelle's look shows that the ladies can play this game too. And well... Ladies, don't be intimidated. Follow the leads given here: Pick a brilliant color or pattern, and subdue the garments you pair them with. This doesn't make the remainder of your ensemble boring as Estelle's cropped leather pants ensure; just subdued. A special note about a jacket as formal as this; leave the jeans at home. The silken texture, the shawl collar, and the single button all say evening, meaning, pair this with slacks, or if the occasion calls for it, maybe even tuxedo pants.

2. Touchable Texture: Ok, so, see that lovely lovely Sports Illustrated swimsuit model with John Legend there? What is it that Johnny boy has that you don't? Is the the platinum plaques? The Grammy's? The ridiculous talent? Well, maybe... But it's also that amazing velvet blazer. A velvet blazer might not land you a Sports Illustrated model... but it'll sure have the cuties unable to keep their hands off you and your touchably soft jacket... and who knows, maybe even one of them will be a Sports Illustrated model. The point here: Now's the perfect time to try a little texture. Velvet is an excellent choice. Many designers and retailers make velvet blazers, and this time of year, they're in no short supply. We suggest trying in a deep, rich jewel tone like navy blue, emerald green, or eggplant purple. All other blazer rules apply here; as always fit is essential. When it comes to accessorizing, take a cue again from Mr. Legend and try a pocket square. Patrick Robinson, creative director of Gap, also gets it right and borrows cue from our "All Black Everything" post. Also unlike the aforementioned more formal option, you can pair a velvet blazer with dark jeans for a more dressy casual look (make sure the occasion which you're attending is jeans appropriate). You can take the route of Mr.'s Legend &Robinson and pair with a shirt and tie, or opt for a v-neck sweater.

(cue music)... And lots of holiday cheer!!! It's the most wonderful time of the year!! And hopefully, your best dressed time of the year... That 'bout does it for this go 'round. Until next time, we remain....

Stylishly yours,
Sartorially Savvy

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