IMO, we were living in a sexy suit deficit for most of the last decade. The ‘90s and early 2000s were full of jacket-trouser combos that brought sultriness to suiting, from Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic red velvet suit to Jennifer Aniston walking the Golden Globes red carpet in cropped black blazer with nothing underneath. As time went on, workwear became more formal and less playful — so much so, you probably wouldn’t dare wear it outside of the office. But it seems we might be getting back to a place where suiting doesn’t have to be so serious, and Elle Fanning is leading the way.

Earlier this year, the actress wore one of my most coveted looks when she rocked a cropped, pin-stripe waistcoat with low-waisted, seriously oversized trousers, perfectly balancing formal and fun. And this week in New York, she might have even one-upped that look: While appearing on LIVE with Kelly and Mark, the actress wore straight-leg trousers and matching but slightly oversized blazer from Michael Kors Collection,a timeless black belt, and a cropped, cross-strapped halter top. 

Madewell the Marled Bedford Oversized Blazer

Madewell the Harlow Low-Slung Wide-Leg Pant

Floerns Criss-Cross Halter Top

The long hem on both her blazer and pants made the suit feel extra slinky, while the midriff-baring, strappy tank added a youthful touch to the outfit. It was sexy, fun, and still sophisticated. And while I obviously want to wear this entire look down to the perfect black heels, I’m also thinking of ways to bring elements of her outfit into my existing wardrobe, and can’t help but gravitate towards the blazer.

Oversized blazers have been the ‘It’ girl layering piece of the last few years, and this look proved to me that they’re not going anywhere. As Fanning demonstrated, a relaxed blazer makes even your favorite going-out tops feel a bit more polished. And what I love the most is that it works beyond suit pants, transforming more casual looks — like a white T-shirt, jeans, and sneakers — into a chic ‘fit. It’s the coat that keeps on giving, with versatility that lends itself to most seasons and almost anything in your wardrobe. 

So whether you want to recreate Fanning’s sexy suit outfit or looking for a layering piece that can make anything in your closet feel instantly cooler, an oversized blazer is the way to go. Shop more styles below.

Get the Look:

The Drop Blake Long Blazer
Shop now: $75; amazon.com

Topshop Pinstripe Blazer
Shop now: $122 (Originally $162); nordstrom.com

Everlane the Italian Wool Oversized Blazer
Shop now: $228; everlane.com

AllSaints Elle Double Breasted Blazer
Shop now: $267 (Originally $445); nordstrom.com

Banana Republic Vasto Relaxed Italiana Wool Blazer
Shop now: $270; bananarepublic.gap.com

Gap Relaxed Ponte Blazer
Shop now: $128; gap.com

Reformation the Classic Relaxed Blazer
Shop now: $278; thereformation.com

The Frankie Shop Gelso Blazer
Shop now: $280 (Originally $400); ssense.com