Yves Saint Laurent to Fendi: Blazer dresses are a hot favourite this year

From long ones with a slit to those that stop at the knees — blazer dresses have been making waves in the fashion circuit in their various avatars.

It might be a tricky trend to pull off, but blazer dresses are scorching the ramps this season. From Yves Saint Laurent to Fendi — several design houses have been exploring this style with renewed enthusiasm. “Androgyny is still one of the top sartorial trends this year. And blazer dresses are perfect to up the ante,” says designer Ridhi Mehra.

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Designer Shubhika Davda, who runs the label Papa Don’t Preach, says blazer dresses have become popular because they are formal owing to their full sleeves and collar. They also add an extra dose of glamour to the overall look.

“It’s convenient to wear a blazer dress, as you don’t need to worry about what to wear underneath. Plus, the pockets always help you sneak in the handy lipstick and the phone in,” she says, adding that these dresses also give the wearer a deep and interesting neckline — if worn with nothing inside — for statement chokers or neckpieces. “At the same time, you can also make it sporty by pairing it with sneakers,” she says.

You should always strike a balance. Either highlight the neckline or keep the length short. Both should not be done together, else the dress will lose its classy appeal .

In fact, designer Sameer Madan feels that this trend is here to stay because it provides “comfort along with style”, something people dig nowadays.

If it is a work party, wear a knee length blazer dress. If you are going clubbing, then opt for a short dress or go for a long one with a slit. Don’t over-accessorise. Let the dress do the talking. Avoid wearing stockings with a blazer dress.

As far as the fabric is concerned, in Mumbai, it is more suitable to wear a blazer dress made using embellished crepe or even denim. One should avoid materials such as thick velvet and fur-trimmed fabrics in the city.