I've always loved the look of a sharp suit, but I'm not always a fan of wearing a tie. It can feel a bit restrictive, especially on warmer days. I wanted to find a way to rock a suit without feeling like I was choking myself. So, I started experimenting with different styles and looks, trying to find that sweet spot between professional and comfortable.
One thing I noticed was that buttoning my dress shirt all the way up, even without a tie, just didn't look quite right on me. I tried it a few times, thinking it might be a simple solution. But honestly, it just felt a little… off. I realized that I'm definitely in the camp that believes leaving a button or two undone creates a much better overall appearance. It feels more relaxed and confident.
I started wondering about the "air tie" – the look where you wear a suit with a dress shirt buttoned all the way up, but without a tie. I've seen it around, and I wanted to see if I could pull it off. But after trying it myself, and seeing it on others, I've come to the conclusion that it’s often a miss. It can sometimes look like you simply forgot your tie, or that you're trying too hard to be trendy without quite nailing the execution.
I've found that most of the time, either wearing a tie or leaving the shirt open looks much better. Maybe on certain occasions, like with a crisp white suit, the air tie can work. But generally, it just doesn't quite hit the mark for me. It can come across as incomplete or even a bit awkward.
Since the "air tie" wasn't working, I started exploring other options. I considered wearing open-collar shirts with my suits, which definitely felt more comfortable. But I was still searching for something that felt a bit more… me.
That's when I stumbled upon the idea of incorporating more casual, stylish blazers into my wardrobe. I found that a blazer with a unique print or design could add a pop of personality to my outfit without sacrificing professionalism. I wanted something that was both comfortable and eye-catching.
I was searching the Gracequeens store and found something interesting. They have a wide variety of styles; you can view all styles on their site. I started looking at blazers with floral prints, and I was instantly drawn to the Nomikuma Floral Printed Vintage Blazer.
It was exactly what I was looking for! The floral print is vintage-inspired, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness. The notched collar and single-breasted design give it a classic blazer silhouette, while the short sleeves make it perfect for warmer weather. It's loose and comfortable, which is a huge plus for me. I can wear it with a simple t-shirt or a blouse underneath, and it instantly elevates my look.
I tried pairing it with dark jeans and some loafers for a casual yet polished look. It also looks fantastic with a skirt and heels for a more dressed-up occasion. I've found that this blazer is incredibly versatile, and it's quickly become one of my go-to pieces. The quality feels good too! Gracequeens really nailed the design.
Based on my experiments, here are some tips for wearing a suit without a tie: