Fit to Print

The eighties had their power suits (thanks, Jil Sander) and the aughts had the ever-ubiquitous tuxedo jacket. But now, the blazer is making the transition from a traditional menswear-inspired piece to a decidedly ladylike wardrobe staple. The printed blazer, seen on the spring 2012 and resort 2012 runways, is sure to be this season’s knockout piece. This trend has taken shape in bold, graphic designs, like the ornately patterned blazer from Balmain’s resort 2012 line  — 25-year-old head designer Olivier Rousteing even sent out a beaded, gold chain–trimmed evening jacket that put the basic black blazer to shame. Jil Sander, of course, took a turn at punching up the working-woman look in the plaid and paisley two-button blazers in her spring 2012 collection. Our favorite, however, is the feminine florals featured in Celine’s resort 2012 collection, like the Laura Ashley–inspired jacket.

While this garden-party perfect piece is a shoe-in for spring, there’s no reason for you to wait it out through winter. Pair these bright blazers with neutral pieces, like an all-black ensemble or a pale winter dress. And, if the aforementioned high fashion selections just look like a wearable rent check to you, fear not. Hit Top Shop for affordable variations on the printed blazer look, like this unstructured co-ord oil feather jacket, or try the trend in toile, like this scenic ASOS blazer.

Text Kara Solarz
Images Style and Vogue