Rashida Jones' Fashion Philosophy For A Night Out Is Perfect Advice If You Never Know What To Wear

Rashida Jones has had a stunning style evolution since her early acting days. While she's known to turn heads on the red carpet, the "Parks and Recreation" star has a genius fashion philosophy that will always keep you looking chic, even for an impromptu night out.

It doesn't matter where the night takes her, Jones has a styling technique that will complete any outfit. "Striking a balance of elegance and comfort is key," she told InStyle. "I'm not a 'look at me' person when I go out. I like to feel confident and strong but not flashy." That said, the actor offered the perfect advice for anyone who never knows what to wear. "I usually top any outfit with a blazer. A Giorgio Armani suit is a perfect example of clothes I love to wear—edgy, but also understated and elegant," she shared.

For a typical after-hours outing, Jones — the daughter of legendary music producer Quincy Jones — also said that she usually opts for a "delicious casual dinner with friends" before hitting the dance floor and rocking out to "'70s and '80s rare soul grooves and '90s R&B and hip-hop." But even before then, the music lover says the pre-party festivities start while she's getting ready. "I need energy and a serious groove to get me out the door," she said, noting her top three playlist songs are Usher's "U Don't Have to Call," Frank Ocean's "Sweet Life," and SWV's "I'm So Into You" – a musical palette seemingly influenced by her dad, who helped define the classic R&B, soul, and hip-hop sound. But no matter where Jones ends up, she makes sure to keep her outfits elegant but all-business.

Rashida Jones' affinity for the timeless blazer dates back to the '80s, when she was just 8 years old. In a 2012 New York Times article penned by Jones, she confessed that not only did she love "classic business wear" as a child but also spent her weekends as a teen dressed like a "50-year-old assistant professor."

While other girls obsessed over the era's trending "neon, mesh, poodle skirts, tube tops, and patterned leggings," Jones admitted, "I dabbled in houndstooth coats, wool gabardine trousers and vests. I may have experimented with a bolo tie or a silk paisley shirt once in a while. But I never strayed too far from the 'dress for success' model, a credo normal tweens did whatever they could to avoid."

Decades later, the actor remains devoted to fine tailoring and conservative clothing. "It's downright undignified how many blazers I've bought over the years. And will continue to buy," she said. For Jones, it's a sartorial style she connects with on a deep level, giving her a sense of confidence and freedom. "They immediately give shape and add authority. With the perfect blazer, anything is possible," she continued. "Almost like magic, a strong, angular but subtle shoulder lifts your center of gravity, while the clean straight line of a lapel can justify the rest of your outfit. Whether it's printed trousers from Miu Miu or Etro, a longer, fuller skirt like those at Chloé, or even a brightly colored Araks blouse, the blazer makes it all work."