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1 Piece, 3 Ways: The Timeless Tux Jacket

Maybe we're going out on a limb here, but few wardrobe staples have the power of a tuxedo jacket. Tailored to fit a woman's frame, it can look equal parts sexy yet androgynous, severe yet alluring. It is, in our minds, the one piece that can make nearly every outfit look a little more crisp, a little more finished. Still need convincing? A quick peek at Angelina Jolie at the BAFTAs should land you squarely on Team Tux.
Now, what to do with it? Ahead, we'll show you how to style the jacket for work, for a night out with your ladies, and for an artsy event, like a gallery opening. All you need to do is be a little bit bold. Come out here on the limb with us — and reap the sartorial rewards.
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work

At Work
A blazer is a no-brainer for the office — but a tux blazer is a definite upgrade from your basic black jacket. All clean lines and crisp authority, this topper can elevate even the most basic of basics. Here, we're pairing it with bright cobalt trousers and a timeless Breton stripe top. A punchy yellow satchel and a sleek loafer polish off the look with playful flair.

Clockwise from top left: Joseph Stretch Gabardine Trouser, $345, available at Intermix; Mango Essential Straight-Cut Blazer, $109.99, available at Mango; Forever 21 Runaround Faux Leather Satchel, $19.80, available at Forever 21; J.Crew Embellished Striped Slub Cotton-Jersey Top, $50, available at Net-A-Porter; ALDO Edelirien Loafers, $70, available at ALDO.
artopener

An Artsy Event
The juxtaposition of masculine and feminine has undeniable sex appeal — just look at how many starlets have made on-screen cameos in a man's button-down (and nothing else). For this take on boy-meets-girl, pair the structured jacket with a wispy, barely-there chiffon dress. We love the modern combo of navy and black, which looks even more elegant with metallic heels, tough earrings, and a beautifully embellished clutch.

Clockwise from top left: Mango Essential Straight-Cut Blazer, $109.99, available at Mango; H&M Chiffon Dress, $14.95, available at H&M; BaubleBar Gold Thorn Studs, $28, available at BaubleBar; Anthropologie Espaliered Beads Pouch, $68, available at Anthropologie; Schutz Gabrianna Heels, $200, available at Piperlime.
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nightout

Girls' Night Out
Truth: This formula of high-low, edgy polish is our favorite solution to the going-out outfit conundrum. After all, what could be more comfy for a night on the town than a stretchy skirt, a comfy tee, and walkable boots? Nothing, really. Now, add a dramatic tux blazer, and you've taken the look from low-key cool to downtown chic in a matter of seconds. A bold tote and statement earrings finish off this supremely wearable getup.

Clockwise from top left: Mango Essential Straight-Cut Blazer, $109.99, available at Mango; Elizabeth Cole Roux Earrings, $133, available at Elizabeth Cole; Midnight Rider Townes Sunset Crème Tee, $60, available at Bona Drag; Topshop Suede and Leather Holdall Bag, $130, available at Topshop; Emilio Pucci Mosaic Print Mini-Skirt, $665, available at Stylebop; Zara High Heel Leather Ankle Boot With Fringes, $99.90, available at Zara.

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