Whether you need a blazer for work or a formal event, you're not alone. Many men wear a dress shirt under a blazer daily, which is OK if you want to be one of the few men who stand out and dress creatively and stylishly.

Blazers may make you look smart without a suit jacket. Here are five suggestions for wearing under a men's blazer to look good and feel well.

Well-tailored cotton dress shirt

Many men buy stiff, scratchy, or unpleasant dress shirts because they think they're all the same. A well-made men's dress shirt that stretches feels comfortable and lightweight, and doesn't wrinkle is perfect for wearing beneath a jacket. It looks best with a tie and is the most formal (try a bow tie for fun). For a more casual style, undo the top button and wear a T-shirt underneath. Tuck it in.

Polo Shirt

A men's polo shirt, a wardrobe staple for many men, can look good under a jacket when belted and tucked in. Polo shirts are more comfortable, especially in the summer when men prefer to wear short sleeves but still have the option to wear a blazer to a meeting. Polo shirts also wrinkle less than dress shirts. If you wear a polo under a jacket, make sure the collar is well-starched.

Flannel

Don't assume all men's flannel shirts are warm cotton, wool, or synthetic "lumberjack plaid" shirts. They were constructed in 17th-century Wales to protect farmers from the elements. Today, men's flannel shirts range from summery thin to wintery thick. They also come in solid colors that scarcely seem like flannel, but you'll feel the coziness immediately. Wear it under a belted blazer like a cotton dress shirt.

Corduroy Shirt

Corduroy shirts for guys look great alone or under a jacket. The stitching embellishments make it stand out from an ordinary dress shirt. If you believe corduroy shirts are stiff and warm, think again—the greatest ones are composed of a thinner cloth. They stretch with the body and are pleasant.

T-Shirt

A good-quality men's T-shirt under a jacket looks nice unless you're headed to a formal event or business conference. Make sure your V-neck or crew-neck T-shirt is clean and fits nicely.

Whatever shirt you wear under a blazer, make sure the blazer matches the shirt's material. You shouldn't wear a winter blazer with a summer blouse or vice versa. Additionally, focus on details. Maybe it's how you wear it. A watch, belt, handkerchief, tie, or leather shoes can change an ensemble. A blazer shouldn't make you look drowning or suffocating.