This content is sponsored by Primark

Sponsored by Primark

This content was produced by Boston Globe Media's Studio/B in collaboration with the advertiser. The news and editorial departments of The Boston Globe had no role in its production or display.

Every guy needs a versatile blazer for work and play. To find yours, try these tips on for size

Step up your game for this year’s holidays and dress for any event with a single, affordable blazer that can go from formal to friendly and any occasion in between.

Contrary to what you see in glossy magazines or worn by eccentric celebrities, fashion should be simple. And the simplest way to take your wardrobe up a notch is to invest in a sturdy, stylish blazer. Why a blazer? One word: versatility.

The right blazer can work for a relaxed hangout or a fancy celebration, elevating any outfit while also pulling a look together. It’s also about time we leave those ugly sweaters out in the cold.

At Primark’s four-story location in Downtown Crossing, which was the hot Irish retailer’s premier store in the U.S., the blazers section has a wide range of affordable styles, from classic blues, grays, and blacks to herringbone and other more unexpected fabrics and designs. But where to begin? To show you just how versatile the right blazer can be in your wardrobe, we’ve put together a variety of outfits ranging from casual to formal that will help inspire your next shopping trip.

A good blazer can upgrade your favorite jeans and t-shirt in an instant. The perfect look for Saturday drinks or Sunday brunch, the casual blazer-and-tee combo showcases the right amount of relaxed refinement. Take the slim grey birdseye blazer ($52), which pairs well with a range of colors and styles, allowing plenty of room for your own personality to shine through. Finish the look with a dark sneaker and you’re ready for any weekend plans.

This look is finished with a long-sleeve plaid flannel shirt ($8), black skinny stretch denim jeans ($15), and a pair of black suede Chelsea boots ($26).

Blazer tip: Fit
You know a blazer’s too tight if it pulls and forms an “X” when it’s buttoned. It’s too loose if the shoulders extend past your actual shoulders.

Head into work looking professional before heading out on the town looking the right amount of put together by dressing up your blazer just a bit. A pressed button-down shirt and pants that aren’t jeans but aren’t too dressy either (think chinos of any color) are a perfect pairing for that presentation at 4 and dinner at 8. That same slim grey birdseye blazer ($52) goes well with a navy shirt and crimson pants for a touch of color and plenty of semi-formal sleekness.

This look is finished with a long-sleeve slim-fit navy shirt ($11), wine-colored slim-fit chinos ($15), and a pair of chocolate brogue Chelsea boots ($29).

Blazer tip: Color
While most blazers can be styled for any occasion, grey and navy are the most versatile colors, with brown and tan better suited for more casual settings.

Heading out on the town but don’t want to get bogged down (or overheated) by too many layers? Dress up your blazer with a quick twist of a scarf and pair of gloves and you’re ready to look sharp while also staying warm; especially if you grab a grey wool mix blazer ($52) that looks just as good with dark jeans as it does with black dress pants. The light-colored wool blend is perfect for holiday celebrations, and might cause everyone you encounter to put it on their wish lists.

This look is finished with a wine-colored, knitted long-sleeve polo ($14), black skinny stretch denim jeans ($15), a grey and black, lightweight skinny stripe scarf ($6), and a pair of black, vegan-leather formal Chelsea boots ($24).

Blazer tip: Style
Dress down with a polo shirt or v-neck tee. Dress up with a solid or patterned oxford shirt or layer with a sweater vest for more texture and sophistication.

Big occasions require sharp suits, but that doesn’t mean your go-to formal blazer can’t double as a more casual option. Pairing your blazer with a neck or bow tie will immediately make it more formal, and finishing the look with a matching pant and polished shoes is a must for weddings, graduations, and other milestones. The navy check slim fit suit jacket ($52) has a hint of patterning that adds dimension, and its classic color can be easily dressed down with jeans and a white shirt.

This look is finished with a white, long-sleeve slim-fit shirt ($9), a navy paisley tie ($7), navy check, slim-fit suit pants ($25), and a pair of tan formal oxford shoes with memory foam in-sole ($21).

Moral of the story? Blazers are not just for special occasions anymore. Whether dressed up or dressed down, the right blazer can lead to plenty of new outfit options in your wardrobe, leaving you more time to enjoy what’s truly special about the holidays.

To find more blazers, styles, and accessories, check out Primark.com.

This content was produced by Boston Globe Media's Studio/B in collaboration with the advertiser. The news and editorial departments of The Boston Globe had no role in its production or display.