Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon (Leaderboard Ad)

Let's Talk

Your Total Guide To shopping

Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon (Outlet Village)

Suit Jacket Alternatives for Any Occasion

Suit jackets don’t have to be stuffy. In 2017, it’s time to take your traditional workwear and make it just that little bit edgier, to stand out a little among the grey and black tailored blazer crowd. If you’re considering mixing up your smarter styling, try out some of these suit jacket alternatives that can be worn for any occasion:

Velvet
 
Fancy getting a little swanky with your suit jacket alternative? Perhaps for a posh dinner or party? Then you can’t get much swisher than velvet. If you’re feeling adventurous opt for a velvet dinner jacket in a bold purple or red to really get the party started. Pair with tailored trousers, smart shoes and a buttoned down shirt, swap the tie for a bow tie or ditch it altogether.
 
Bomber Top Gun, Pulp Fiction, Trainspotting, Drive: some of the best films in cinema history feature the main protagonists decked out in a bomber jacket. Men’s bomber jackets aren’t limited to sportswear themed styles either and when it comes to wearing one as an alternative to a suit jacket you have plenty of options.
 
Look for a bomber with a strong collar and luxurious material – a soft suede or leather is a good option – and wear this with a crisp white shirt, a strong tie and tailored trousers. Be sure to wear your bomber open to ensure everyone can see you have more traditional smart clothing on underneath.
 
Jersey
 
A jacket in jersey material can be dressed up or down, but to nail the look for a smarter occasion opt for an inoffensive darker shade that could be mistaken for a blazer from afar. These jackets are traditionally found in the sportswear section, so look for styles without logos. Ribbed cuffs and a collar are great for introducing a casual element to your look but pair this with suit trousers and a smart shirt and you’ll be comfy and stylish all day/night.
 
Denim
 
Darker denim is best for those moments where you need to make an impression but if you’re looking for a suit jacket alternative for the more casual Friday dress code at work then a lighter shade will do. Wear your jacket with a shirt and tie and chino trousers, brogues are also a great choice when it comes to footwear.
 
Mac
 
A lightweight mac is an excellent alternative to the traditional suit jacket. Its longer length and strong collar scores effortless smart style points but be sure to choose a fairly neutral colour such as black or tan. Navy is also a good option and works well with beige chinos and brown shoes for country inspired formal looks. Again, leave this jacket open to expose the smart shirt and tie you have on underneath.
 
When it comes to mixing up suit jacket styles be sure to break the rules, push the boundaries and dress for yourself – although it’s still a good idea to be mindful of the occasion. It’s fair to say, a black tie dinner will more than likely reject any denim on the premises.
 
Frasers Plus Designer Outlet Swindon (Animated Ad)
Upton House Food & Music Festival 2026 (Animated Ad)
Sub 13
NSBRC (October Autumn Animated Ad)
Bath College (Apprenticeship 2026 Animated Ad)
Ted Mortgages (Animated Ad)
Jurassic Fields 2026 (Animated Ad)
Poole Harbour Festival 2026 (Animated Ad)

We recommend

The Coconut Tree Bath (Animated Ad)
Bath Preservation Trust (Animated Ad)
Bed E Buys (Leaderboard Ad)

Weather in Bath

Update cookies preferences