English - American - Italian Style

English Style	American Style	Italian Style
Glen Plaids Coat Navy Coat Shearing Coat Gray Herringbone Coat Gray / Charcoal Gray / Shark Skin  / Navy Single Breasted Suit Navy Double Breasted Peak Labels Suit Single / Double Breasted Peak Labels Tweed Suit Single / Double Breasted Peak Labels Gray / Charcoal Gray / Shark Skin  / Navy Single Breasted Suit Glen Plaids / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe / Hounds Tooth Single Breasted Suit Three Piece Suit Glen Plaids / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe / Hounds Tooth Blazer Navy Double Breasted Peak Labels Blazer Single / Double Breasted Peak Labels Tweed Blazer Single / Double Breasted Peak Labels Corduroy Blazer Single / Double Breasted Peak Labels Beige / Navy Trench Coat Pocket Square Brown / Burgundy Red / Navy Plain Tie Wool Tie Preppy Tie Fair Isle Tie Stripe / Polka Dots Silk Tie Bow Tie Cuff Links Stripe Dress Shirt Contrast Round / Pointing Collar Shirt Hounds Tooth Check / Windowpane / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe Single or Double Breasted Waist Coat Gray / Yellow / Navy Cardigan Fair Isle Sweater Tartan Sweater Polo Team Shirts Gray Flannel Pants Tan Chinos Tartan Pants Dark Denim Brown / Oxblood Leather Wingtip Shoes Brown Leather Loafers Tassel Loafers Single Monk Straps Wingtip Boots Spectators Cap Toes Ivy Hat Fedora Hat Tote Bag Hand Bag Navy – Brown Combination Gray – Brown Combination Suspenders Barbour Burberrys Ted Baker Hackett	Duffle Coat Pea Coat Single Breast Plaids Suit Single Breast Navy Blazer Single Breast Plaids Sports Coat Bold Check / Gingham / Tatter shall / Stripe (Navy / Red / Green / Pink / Orange) Dress Shirt French Blue Dress Shirt French Cuff  Dress Shirt Cutaway Shirt Extreme Cutaway Shirt and Bow Tie Crocheted Knit Tie Wool Tie Skinny Tie Chambray Tie Tartan / Plaids Tie Orange Tie + Navy Blazer Pocket Square Cuff Links Madras Pants Dark Denim Gray Flannel Pants Tan / Navy Chinos Bold Chinos Brown / Oxblood Leather Wingtip Shoes Brown Leather Loafers Tassel Loafers Single Monk Straps Wingtip Boots Spectators Cap Toes Suspenders Multi Pattern Combination Navy & Green Combination Navy & Brown Combination Red & White & Navy (Flag) Combination Ralph Lauren Brooks Brothers Tommy Hilfiger Fred Perry Gant Nautica Allen Edmonds Sebago	White / Pink / Light Green / Salmon Red / Brown / Navy / Wool / Linen Double Breasted Peak Labels Suit with Contrast Buttons Hounds Tooth Check / Windowpane / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe Double Breasted Peak Labels Suit with Contrast Buttons White / Pink / Light Green / Salmon Red / Brown / Navy / Wool / Linen Double Breasted Peak Labels Blazer with Contrast Buttons Hounds Tooth Check / Windowpane / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe Double Breasted Peak Labels Blazer with Contrast Buttons Round Pocket Square Knit Tie Cuff Links Hounds Tooth Check / Windowpane / Pinstripe / Chalk Stripe Single or Double Breasted Waist Coat Extreme Cutaway Shirt and Bow Tie White Chinos Black / Brown / Cognac / Navy Leather / Suede Wingtip Shoes Tassel Loafers Suede Loafers Double Monk Strap Beads Bracelet Suspenders Dolce Gabbana Versace Roberto Cavalli Canali Tailor di Italia Barba di Napoli Kiton Bontoni Napoli

Preppy vs Hipster

Preppy / Ivy: A Pair of Glasses Coat of Arms Pastel Colors Bold Colors Navy / White Suit Gray Flannel Suit Linen Suit Beige Trench Coat Velvet / Corduroy Blazer Navy Blazer Double Breasted Blazer Tweed Sports Coat Seersucker Sports Coat Glenn Plaids Sports Coat Madras Sports Coat Bold Sports Coat Cotton Sports Coat (Gray / Tan / Navy) GTH Sports Coat Cricket Sports Coat Quilted Jacket Varsity Jacket Fields Jacket Madras Bomber Button Down Shirts Contrast Collar and Cuffs Shirt Stripe Sport Shirt Check Sport Shirt Madras Sport Shirt White / Light Blue / Pink Oxford Shirt Horizontal Stripe Sport Shirt GTH Sport Shirt Denim Sports Shirt Waist Coat College Tie Madras Tie Bow Tie College Scarf Stripe Belt NATO Stripe Watch Half Zip Sweater V-neck Sweater (Yellow / Gray / Navy / Burgundy Red) Argyle Sweater Cricket Sweater Fair Isle Sweater Aran Knit Sweater Cable Knit Sweater Cardigan Polo Shirt Rugby Shirt Stripe T-Shirt White / Navy / Khaki / Tan Chinos Bold Chinos Madras Pants Khaki Pants Corduroy Pants Dark Denim Gray Flannel Pants Bold Shorts Navy Shorts Madras Shorts GTH Pants Dark Wash Denim Argyle Socks Boat Shoes Driving Shoes Oxfords Jodhpur Boots Beanie (Duck) Boots White Sole Sneakers White Shoes Spectator Shoes Ostrich Shoes Embroidered Loafers Madras / Embroidered Velvet Slippers New Balance Sneakers Bucket Hat Baseball Cap Straw Hat Ivy Hat Driving Gloves Tote Bag Messenger Bag Rolex Watch Suspenders Anchor Motif Duck Motif Pastel Colors Pink & Green Combination Navy & Green Combination Navy Stripes Polka Dots Layered Look Ray ban Glasses Ascot Polo Ralph Lauren Tommy Hilfiger Gant Brooks Brothers Lacoste Fred Perry Nautica Paul and Shark J. Crew Tod’s Allen Edmonds Sebago

Hipster: A Pair of Glasses Plaids Suit Beard Gray / Tan Cotton Blazer Madras Sports Coat Battle Field Jacket Puffy Jacket Bomber Black Bike Jacket Denim Jacket Varsity Jacket Henley White V-neck T-Shirt T-shirt with a Pocket T-shirt with Logo or Print Check Sport Shirt Madras Sport Shirt Polka Dots Sport Shirt Red or Blue Flannel Madras Sport Shirt Sweater with Logo or Animals Madras Sport Shirt Red Check Flannel Sport Shirt Gingham Sport Shirt Horizontal Stripe Sports Shirt Two pocket Sports Shirt Denim Shirt Mandarin Collar Shirt Extreme Cutaway Shirt and Bow Tie Tropical Polo Shirt Gray Flannel Button Down Shirts Stripe Polo Shirt Polo Shirt with Bow Tie Tank Turtleneck Argyle/ Stripes Cardigan Black / Navy / Gray / Green Plain or Zacar Cardigan Mock Neck Sweater Sweater with Graphics Zacar Sweater Gray Sweater with Polka Dots Gray Cardigan Waist Coat Gillet Knit Tie Crocheted Knit Tie Wool Tie Skinny Tie Chambray Tie Fair Isle Tie Black or Gray Bow Tie Plaids / Madras Scarf Suspenders Sun bleached Crewneck Sweater Skinny Belt Hoodies Hoodies Cardigan Skinny Denim Bold Color Skinny Denim Pattern Skinny Denim Distressed Skinny Denim Black Wash Denim Cargo Pants Sweat Pants / Jogger Madras Shorts Bold Socks Wingtip Oxfords Blue Suede Brogues Double Monk Straps Suede Boat Shoes Patent Loafers Tassel Shoes Sneakers Converse Boat Boots Bike Boots Desert Boots Timberland Boots High Top Sneakers Fedora Hat Flip Flop Sandals Back Pack Tote Bag Ray ban Glasses Camo elements Ivy Hat Black Mélange Beanie Beanie Suspenders Bracelets Scarf Toms Vans

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOCKS, YES SOCKS

THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOCKS, YES SOCKS
It might seem like a trivial subject, but socks say a lot about you

Men's Health By Men's Health Posted on January 14, 2016 ShareTweetShareToggle

There are two types of men in this world: those who know socks are important and those who are just plainly and simply, wrong.

How wrong? That’s a question of degrees.

For instance the person who plucks any pair from the drawer because “they’ll do,” isn’t quite as bad as the one buying all their socks in a single colour so they’ll “always have a pair.” If you fall between either of these extremes, then you need to … well, pull your socks up. Socks are a mark of a man. A subtle beacon broadcasting subliminal messages - clothes may ‘maketh the man’, but socks reveal if mum still buys his undies.

So here’s our guide to exactly what you need to consider to improve your foot couture.



Matching Your Socks to Your Shoes - NO

“No. Never,” Henry Powell, founder of sock subscription service Henry J Socks, says.

Matching the colour of your socks to the colour of your shoes creates a kind of weird ‘bootee’ look which is just wrong. Why would you want to make your shoes look taller than they are? It also has the effect of shortening the legs and making you seem a bit stumpy. If you’re already on the short-side it’s not going to do you any favours at all.”

Matching Your Socks to Your Trousers - YES

Now you’re talking. As Henry says: “This is the traditional way to wear socks and there are real benefits in terms of how it makes you look. By matching your socks to your trousers you’re actually giving the impression of elongating your legs – which is better than elongating your shoes. You’re also defining the topline of your shoe, which brings a real sense of style.” Unless of course, your shoes are rubbish.

He adds: “You don’t have to go for the exact same shade as your trousers. A shade up or down is fine. If you want to make a statement, then great - go for a patterned pair. Just make sure the dominant shade still works with your pants.”

Matching Your Socks to Your Shirt - NO

No. Don’t. Seriously. Why would you?

(Related: How to make a baggy shirt fit)

Matching Your Socks to a Sweater - NO

Unless you’re the sort of person who co-ordinates his Homer Simpson jumper with his Homer Simpson socks, then you must never do this. And if you are that sort of person, you’re too busy shouting Paddy McGuinness catchphrases at workmates to care. Please know we fully support your beleaguered colleagues and their daily ritual of tea-bagging your ‘No Coffee No Workeee’ mug.


Matching Socks to Accessories – NOT SURE

The jury is split on this one. Traditionalists say socks shouldn’t be an accent colour, but the classic British country gent look relies on tying together accessories such as socks and ties with a big fat bundle of tweed. “You can do it,” says Henry, “just keep it muted and use tasteful neutrals and earthy shades. Use patterns, maybe an Argyll, just be aware of the dominant shade.”

(Related: The MH guide to trouser fit)

Top 6 definite no-nos for the gentleman sock wearer

1. White socks and shoes. Never. Ever. Ever. Not even if you work for CID.

2. Socks and Sandals. Are you a primary-aged schoolgirl? No? Then stop it.

3. Socks and Crocs? Don’t care. Just go away. And take those stupid rubber things with you.

4. Boat shoes, espadrilles – if you’re canny, you can get away with secret socks. But officially – no socks.

5. Training shoes – secret socks only. Black or white depending on the colour of your footwear. You can get away with white ankle socks if you have to. But never knee-length unless you want to look like a geriatric who got lost looking for the tennis court. Never ever, ever, under any circumstances wear non-sports socks with trainers.

6. Novelty socks? That way lies madness. Bin them and cut the person who bought them for you out of your life.


Source:

http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/the-complete-guide-to-socks-yes-socks

15 Quick Fashion Tips for Men

15 Quick Fashion Tips for Men
by Jeremy Reeves
I’m sitting here enjoying a hot cup tea, trying to get the creative juices flowing for this next article. Since everyone loves top lists, I thought I’d give you guys something you probably don’t see too often, a quick list of some practical fashion tips.

Here are 15 Quick Fashion tips:

1. Fit is King – The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the shape of your body – without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic. The Kinowear Bible shows you how to avoid the “bad fit disease”.

2. Keep it simple – You want a wardrobe that looks great on you, but don’t overdo it. Don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a dressy belt, and your sharpest dress shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more. Check out out our article on basics to refresh yourself on what are essential wardrobe items.

3. Change the way you see casual – casual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

4. Pay attention to your supporting pieces – Some sweaters are lean and others are big and chunky. The first rule of thumb is that your top and bottom halves need to match. If you’re wearing a big, chunky, rugged fisherman knit sweater, your bottom needs to be rugged, too. Don’t wear a fisherman’s sweater with a beautiful silk-and-wool suit pant. Instead, wear it with something as casual as cargos or jeans, or dress it up with a Harris tweed blazer.

5. Never go shopping alone – Most of the time, it’s tough to trust the sales people because they usually work for commission. Shop with a friend who will give you their honest opinion. Also, read about shopping on a budget.

6. Stay a notch above – Don’t overdo it to a fault, but dare to take some risks. It’s always better to be a little bit overdressed than underdressed in any setting. All you have to do is think about where and who you’re going to be with and just step it up one notch. But make sure you’re not better dressed than someone who is more important in a certain setting, like your boss. 7. Never underestimate the power of details – The last thing on is usually the first thing noticed. So mind the details instead of throwing together the main parts of your outfit. “Details” can include a scarf, a subtle pocket square, or the way you tie your tie knot.

8. Invest in a superb pair of shoes – If it’s one thing that women will notice, it’s your shoes. Especially how clean and sharp they look. It’s easy to wash and press the rest of your clothes to keep them looking new, but most guys disregard their shoes. Show that you’re a man of taste by getting a great pair of shoes and keeping them in pristine condition.

9. Fashion Tees with logos – When you’re going around with a big logo on your shirt, you risk looking like a walking billboard. Lose the lame Coca-Cola shirt and go for a classic v-neck tee or something artsy (check out threadless.com).

10. Disregard trends – Beware of buying something just because it’s “in” right now – stick to what you truly like. A lot of people rush to get in on the latest trend and end up with a bunch of clothes they don’t wear. It’s better to learn to build a versatile and timeless wardrobe first – then bring in your own twists with some of the new fashion. This one tip will save you so much money! Read up on our compiled list of 40 Common Men’s Fashion Mistakes for extra info.

11. Don’t be a sucker for brand names – Don’t be a Patrick Bateman. Before you decide to purchase an item, ask yourself if you are buying it simply because of the brand name or because you love the quality and style. Ask yourself,  “Would I buy this if there was no logo on it?” Check out our article on how to look designer for less.

12. Continually cultivate your image – Invest more time and money into your image. Cultivate your fashion sense. Your style is a huge mode of communication, and is worth caring for as much as your education, career, and relationships. Sign up for our free crash course on knowing your own style. Oscar Schoffler, longtime fashion editor of Esquire once said, “Never underestimate the power of what you wear. After all, there’s just a small bit of yourself sticking out at the collar and cuff. The rest of the world sees what you drape on your frame.”

13. Ask for real feedback – Most of your friends and family aren’t going to go out of their way to tell you what looks bad. You have to ask for it. In fact, ask anyone and everyone you trust to tell you the truth. Ask your hairstylist, ask your best friend, ask your mother!

14. Upgrade your shave – Even if your fashion is golden, an unkempt beard can be an attraction killer. Achieve a perfect shave by trying a shave brush & old-fashioned double-edged razor.

15. Experiment with style – The only way you’ll really learn, is if you go out there and try new things. I make an effort to try something completely out of my comfort zone whenever I’m at a store – many times you’ll end up loving something you never thought you would. If you make mistakes, life goes on. So many guys are afraid to express themselves through their style, don’t be one of them. Check out our article on how to put an outfit together.

- See more at: http://www.kinowear.com/15-quick-fashion-tips-for-men/#sthash.OIMuyaw4.dpuf

Source:

http://www.kinowear.com/15-quick-fashion-tips-for-men/

Business Casual For Men – What Does It Mean?

It always bugs me whenever I read the words ‘Business Casual’ next to ‘Attire’ for an event or am told to wear ‘Business Casual’ on Fridays to work. The main reason being I’ve never been sure what those words actually mean. I know what ‘Formal/Business’ attire refers to (watch out for a future post if you don’t where we explain the nuances of suiting up)  and I’m very comfortable with ‘Casual wear’ (read our Summer Color Combinations post for ideas). If you’re like me, it is time for you to stop fretting – because we’re going to decipher the meaning of those two words in this post.

Business Casual – The Grey Area

What gets most men sweating is that the words ‘business’ – inferred as being very formal – and ‘casual’ – associated with relaxed nights out with friends/girlfriends – are used in the same breath. This gets our heart rates up as we start assessing the level of casualness that will not be frowned upon while at the same time needing to refrain from hitting the heights of formality found at an English tea party.

So then, what is the sweet spot we seek when it comes to ‘business casual’? Let’s take a look at it from bottom up.

Shoes
We know it says business casual on the invitation card, but when it comes to shoes, stick to a formal pair, maybe with a bit more personality. If you’re looking to get a new pair – be sure to read this article on dress shoe styles before you shop!

Dress Socks for Business Casual look

Socks
We recommend a solid and subtle pair of socks that match your shoes and do not raise eyebrows if spotted when going business casual.

Pants
This is where opinions really start swinging like a pendulum – for some, wearing dark denim jeans is still considered withi1n the realms of business casual – while for others, it drops into the casual wear category. We do not recommend wearing jeans as we fall into the latter camp and we tend to err on the side of caution. However, we do encourage you to make a judgment call based on the type of event and the people who will be attending.

What we do recommend is wearing khakis, chinos or corduroy pants and of course, your standard dress pants. Always ensure that the length of your pants is appropriate – don’t wear them too high and show off your ankle while also not letting them bunch up around your ankles. Both these looks are considered casual.

Belt
beltThe buckle should not be too loud for business casual attire but you can definitely get something more casual than a plain belt – be sure to match it with your shoes when you’re selecting your belt.

 Shirt
Always stick to a collared shirt for business casual. A polo shirt or a golf shirt could also pass for business casual although you would look dapper in a dress shirt with a bit more personality to it like a gingham or stripes.

Jacket or Sweater (Optional)
You can choose to finish off your look with a jacket or a sweater/ sweater vest over your shirt. We recommend staying away from a tie when it comes to dressing business casual.

 Suit Jacket, Sweater or Sweater Vest are Appropriate for Business Casual

And that is a simple guide to dressing business casual. Next time you see or hear those words, there’s no longer any reason to worry about it! Just look your best and impress!


Source:

http://artofstyle.hucklebury.com/business-casual-for-men/

A Man’s Primer on the Blazer Jacket

Incredibly versatile, a navy blazer is one of the core garments a man should own if he lives in a large city, near the water, or has a lifestyle where the wearing of suits and sports jackets needs to be bridged.  A blazer should always be matched with odd trousers (never a fabric too similar) and is not a substitute for a suit; rather, it is meant to fill the void between a business suit and casual dress.  Technically, blazers are more formal than light colored or rough weave sport jackets and about on par with a suit worn without a tie and loafers.  A blazer is at home dressed up with a tie and dark slacks and is a natural dressed down with an open collar striped dress shirt, white trousers, and boat shoes.

Blazer Jacket History

The story behind the men’s blazer jacket is a muddled one.  Today what we generally call a blazer jacket is actually the offspring of two distinct jacket styles, one being double breasted and having a British military origin while the other is single breasted having evolved from the jacket worn at rowing clubs.  From 1870 to 1950 there are about 10 different stories that I know of as to how the blazer became a classic – I’ll bore you with none of these.  What I can tell you for certain is that the blazer jacket has been serving men for over 100 years, is a style that has been approved of and worn by kings, and because of its naval history evokes a feeling of nautical adventure in its presentation.   The modern blazer is a hybrid of this heritage – it can be found in single or double breasted styles, is often cut from a wide range of colors, utilizes a variety of buttons and patches, and is used by businessmen, sportsmen, and school children to signify belonging and placement in society.

Blazer Jacket Style

Blazers come in all types; for this article I will give you an overview of the traditional “country” styles.  However, it’s important to note that an Italian can ask his English tailor to make him a jacket in the American style……in other words travel and fluid borders have made it so that these distinctions have less to do with location.  Instead, these country styles serve as more of a historical guide on what was and is still possible to create.  But hybrids incorporating a mix of the below characteristics are common and often even preferred.

American Style Blazer – The traditional American style blazer is normally a 2 button navy blue jacket with soft shoulders.  The jacket’s pockets can either be patch or flap pocket, with the lapel style being notch.  Normally you’ll see a center vent here, although I encourage men to choose a double vent as it flatters more body types.

English Style Blazer – English style blazers vary from their American counterparts in that they are built around more structured shoulders with a suppressed waist (assuming the man in question is of the right build).  They build out the chest a bit more and have less of a box shape.  Made in either a single or double breasted style, the English style blazer will have a double vent and if double breasted always peak lapels.  The single breasted version will have notch lapels and most likely 3 buttons but possibly 2.

blazer jacket types sears catalog ad advertisement 1960s

Single-Breasted American Style vs. Double-Breasted English Cut

Italian Style Blazer – The Italian style blazer varies from the other two in that the fabric selected is lighter weight, and the entire jacket build is much less structured.  Extremely soft shoulders and a flexible but gently constructed inner lining allow the jacket to float next to the wearer’s body.  Vented or unvented, 3 buttons or 2, the Italian jackets have more flair and are a reflection of their wearer’s personality and quirks.

Blazer Buttons

The most noticeable detail on a blazer jacket, blazer buttons can range from delicate smoked mother of pearl buttons to heavy solid gold family heirlooms passed from father to son.  Most manufacturers will make their jackets with simple generic brass buttons; although many never change these, a man in the know can easily turn one jacket into many by simply having a few sets and changing the buttons out with the seasons.  Mother of pearl for spring & summer, silver for fall, and gold for winter.

Blazer Buttons types marines texas american eagle

3 Various Blazer Buttons

Blazer Fabric

Blue worsted Serge is the classic blazer fabric, although any navy worsted or flannel wool is a classic choice.   Rougher weaves or fabrics with a slight pattern technically transform the jacket from a blazer to a blue sportcoat, but the distinctions are blurred by most, and I have to admit my favorite “blazer” uses a blue glen check fabric that I love.  Besides navy, blazers also come in bottle green here in the United States and lighter colors across the world.

How a Blazer Jacket Should Fit

A blazer should fit in the same fashion a suit jacket and sport coat should.

• Room in the shoulders to allow full arm movement but not so much room that the shoulders are over extending the shoulder points by more than ½ inch.
• Room in the chest to fully button the jacket but not enough to hide a baseball.
• The blazer jacket sleeves should extend to the wrist bone and show ¼ to ¾ an inch of shirt cuff when standing straight.
• The jacket length should always fully cover your backside – it can be a bit longer if you are taller than six foot, and should lean on the shorter side if you are shorter than five foot six.

How a blazer jacket should fit

What to Wear with a Blazer Jacket

Grey Flannel Trousers – the perfect partner for a blazer jacket, grey flannel trousers compliment a wide range of sport jackets as well and have historically been the go to trousers for stylish men for almost a century.  They are comfortable, classic, and durable.

Khaki Trousers – Will make a man look a bit shorter as this combination’s contrast in color draws attention to the midsection instead of allowing the eyes to flow from head to toe.  Men south of five foot seven and those with substantial midsections should try to wear either darker shades of khaki or skip this option altogether.

White Cotton Slacks – A great summer choice, white cotton trousers require a bit of personality to pull off and need to be worn with care.  The pros outweigh the cons here though; if you can pull it off, the contrast looks great.

Quality Denim (aka Jeans) – Levi 501s and 505s are my favorite, but there are so many types out there it shouldn’t be too hard to find something that works for your body shape.  The key here is to know that the quality and color of the jeans will determine the dress level of the outfit.  Dark colored 501s and a blazer – Andy Warhol pulled this off at big events in NYC; shredded designer jeans and a double breasted blazer…..you’re on your own there!  And never wear baggy jeans like this with a blazer.

Lastly, remember the details.  A blazer deserves nice slip-on dress shoes, a crisp dress shirt, and always looks great accompanied by a simple pocket square.

Finally,  the question I hear most often – Can you wear an old suit jacket as a blazer?

The answer is yes, assuming that-

1) the jacket fits you.
2) the style is simple (no 4-button, Saturday Night Fever, or Zoot Suit coats).
3) the fabric is solid navy or dark blue.
4) the plastic buttons are removed and proper blazer buttons are attached.

Source:

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2010/09/16/man-blazer-jacket/