Full disclosure: If you ever catch me on Zoom, I will invariably be wearing a crisp blazer on top — and gym shorts on the bottom. A blazer instantly makes me feel more professional and polished, even if the reality off-camera tells a different story. The same philosophy guides my packing strategy: I always include a blazer, my go-to travel essential that helps me look “rested and ready” even when I’m jetlagged, bleary, and thousands of miles from the next laundry day.
In fact, I have a closet full of blazers, ranging from casual denim to dressed-up wool and lightweight linen to warm leather. Even as the styles change, I find many of my travel blazers have a timeless look that endures, so my investment pieces end up making their way around the world in my suitcase season after season.
From budget-friendly buys to splurge-worthy staples, here are 15 of my favorite blazers sure to become your new travel go-tos. Bonus: Many are on sale at deep discounts right now!
Cicy Bell Blazer
You can’t beat the price of this timeless, versatile blazer — which is currently an extra 20 percent off with an on-site coupon, bringing the price down to the same as a pair of airport cocktails. This one is so easy to wear, with functional pockets for stashing all your travel essentials. Plus, it’s machine-washable!
Anrabess Cardigan Blazer
This one skates the line between a cardigan sweater and a proper blazer — and that’s what I love about it. It’s super soft and has a looser fit, so you can wear it comfortably even on the plane. But it’s also got some of the structure of a blazer, with a lapel neckline, so it looks plenty polished. It comes in 10 colors, all neutral and versatile hues.
The Drop Women’s Blake Long Blazer
With nearly 5,000 five-star ratings, this blazer jacket is a popular pick on Amazon, noted for its elevated construction and quality. It’s a powerhouse multitasker at a budget-friendly price point and comes in an inclusive size range from 2XS to 5XL. Choose from 21 colors, from goes-with-everything black to standout prints and textures, including holiday-ready velvet or sequins.
Madewell Alston Blazer
Use the discount code “LASTCHANCE” for an extra 50 percent off this elegant blazer, which is a timeless wardrobe staple you’ll travel with forever. Unlike some of the oversized pieces on my list, this one has a tailored, slim fit with seam details on the back, making it look sharp and chic. Wear it as part of a full suit for a boardroom-friendly look, or with just about anything else for an everyday outfit.
Everlane Houndstooth Blazer
There’s something so appealing about the vintage Ivy League aesthetic of this Italian wool blazer, available in five houndstooth or herringbone colorways for a classic preppy style. The oversized cut is roomy and menswear-inspired, with cuff buttons, flap pockets, and shoulder pads. (Heads up: The style runs a bit large, so size down for a more fitted look.)
Mango Textured Tweed Jacket
Nothing says “old money” and “I serve on a few boards” faster than a tweed blazer with gold-tone buttons. I love the posh look and rich color of this collarless blazer, which pairs equally well with an little black dress or broken-in jeans.
Quince Leather Blazer
Ever since my leather jacket went MIA on a London trip, I’d been looking for the perfect replacement — and I finally found it last year. This 100 percent leather blazer has a classic cut that will be a staple in my travel wardrobe for years to come. I love that it’s a slamdunk for all seasons: It can serve as outerwear for spring and summer evenings, or a layering piece under a coat when the weather’s cold.
Old Navy Satin Lapel Tuxedo Blazer
Sometimes, the right blazer — and maybe a swipe of lipstick — can take the whole look from day to evening. This is one such blazer: Its tuxedo style, with a satin lapel and well pockets, gives it a super dressy vibe. That said, it works equally well with a dress as it does with a pair of blue jeans, and gets you party-ready in a flash — all on sale for $30. Bonus: It’s machine washable, too.
Levi’s Denim Blazer
I long ago ditched my traditional denim jacket in favor of traveling with a denim blazer, which serves the same purpose (that is to say: almost every purpose) but looks so much more polished. This 100-percent cotton version is machine washable, timeless, well made, and currently on sale.
Abercrombie Cropped Tweed Blazer
This cropped blazer is such a smart look, whether dressed up or down. The single-breasted style and tweed material give it a posh, polished look, while the cropped silhouette makes it cool and current. An inside pocket stashes any travel essentials securely and out of the way of potential pickpockets.
Quince European Linen Blazer
I packed an Everlane blazer similar to this 100 percent linen look for my vacation to a tropical resort. It’s perfect for layering over my dresses or pants, to take any chill off my shoulders in the evenings. The linen construction makes it feel so breezy, even while it has the structured, polished look of a blazer. And you can’t beat the price for such a quality piece.
Paige Sarto Blazer
I love this jacket for its year-round versatility. It features a timeless charcoal grey, double-weave stretch material, along with horn buttons for a luxe look. I also appreciate its flat pockets, which are practical for all kinds of travel purposes. This one goes from the meeting room to city sightseeing to dinner so seamlessly. It’s a keeper — and the quality is sure to endure.
Wishlist Velvet Blazer
I love a velvet blazer for the fall and winter seasons: It’s such a festive style that instantly elevates any look. This travel blazer is great for dressing up an outfit for a holiday party and also serves as an easy layer to add some extra warmth. This one comes in versatile black or taupe, with a stripey texture made to get noticed.
Quince Scuba Convertible Blazer
This epic blazer jacket can be so many wardrobe pieces in one. Made of scuba material (recycled stretch nylon fabric), it looks so cool on its own, with zip pockets and a single-button snap closure. Wear it as it is, or add a zip-in insert for a whole other look and feel. Choose from a Mongolian cashmere ribbed collar insert, a Mongolian cashmere hoodie insert, or a heavyweight fleece hoodie insert. Genius.
Babaton Power Blazer
I love the entire vibe of this open-front blazer, which screams “power.” I love it for packing for a power breakfast or lunch on a work trip, layering over a dress or cool trousers for dinner, or pairing with jeans for a smart everyday look. It’s high-quality, fully lined, and made from crepe with a satin back — this piece is elegant, elevated, and definitely made to last.
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