During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look.  Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch.  She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event.  Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins.  Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea.  At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt.  Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights.  Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure.  Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape.  I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag.  There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook.  If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21.  A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt.  If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue.  A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings.  Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!