THE EVERLASTING APPEAL OF THE BLAZER

I remember the first blazer I owned. It was single-breasted, navy, pinstriped – and it was my grandad’s. Naturally, it was way too big. But do you know what? Now it fits perfectly. Mainly because I was 15 when he gave it to me, but also because I like my blazers oversized. If that isn’t a testament to the timelessness of the iconic tailoring silhouette, I’m not sure what is. The point: everyone should own at least one blazer. We see them on the runways every season, and for AW25 they’re cinched with strong shoulders – consider 'sculpted' the blazer’s middle name. And this Fashion Month promises much of the same.

If you’re not already convinced you need to invest in a good blazer this season, keep reading for the different styles you can try for yourself.

A good-fitting blazer is hard to come by, but once you find it, you’ll never let it go. Trust me. This one from ARRANGE will make getting dressed a breeze. Carry the sculpted silhouette through to your bottom half with a pair of interesting jeans – the barrel leg is a personal favourite – and choose your shoes based on the occasion. A shoe with a sculptural heel or ballet flats would look great here.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ARRANGE premium sculpted blazer in grey marl, £120

ARRANGE Tova tapered curved leg Jean with roll hem in light wash, £65

Topshop Itzel tie up mid heel sandal in buttermilk, £38

Topshop Toby tubler handle tote bag in buttermilk, £32

ASOS DESIGN hoop earring with twist link design in gold tone, £6

If you lean more into casual looks, a boyfriend blazer is the obvious choice – think Julia Roberts in her Pretty Woman era (fashion at its peak, in my opinion). The key to a slouchy blazer still looking polished is the quality, and you can count on ARKET for that. This navy style is in a key seasonal shade, and the single-breasted silhouette lends itself to a more casual tone. Style it simply with a plain white tee, baggy jeans and a slouchy bag for an off-duty model vibe. Undone hair will complete the look.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ARKET oversized blazer in navy blue, £199

Pull&Bear Loose oversized jeans in navy, £29.99

Topshop everyday tee in white, £10

Topshop Sienna real leather shoulder bag in black, £65

ASOS DESIGN Riley mid-heel ankle boots in black croc, £45

As I said before, suede is going to be a key fabric for AW25, but so is leather. It’s a choose-your-fighter situation. As a self-confessed spiller, leather is a better option for me, but there’s really nothing better than a buttery suede blazer – all your favourite it-girls agree (Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid and even Andy Sachs herself). Once you’ve settled on your style, you can build the rest of your look. For example, indigo denim, Western boots and some boho accessories with a suede blazer would be the perfect autumn formula.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN real suede 70s jacket in dark mocha, £185

ASOS DESIGN knitted collar shirt cardigan with seam detail in olive, £30

Topshop denim seamed full midi skirt in washed black, £48

DIA Studios Cowboy western boots in brown, £90

ASOS DESIGN pack of 4 resin bangles in multi, £16

Personally, I own about five blazers. But if you’re going to invest in only one, make it a classic black blazer. They truly go with everything. What was once a silhouette reserved for formal occasions has transcended dress codes and become a failsafe layer for any occasion. From adidas shorts and loafers to over the shoulders of a satin slip dress at a wedding, I’ve worn mine with so many different outfits I couldn’t tell you them all. For autumn, get out of your styling comfort zone, whether that’s opting for more colour or mixing up aesthetics.

 

GET THE LOOK:

Mango cross button blazer co-ord in black, £79.99

ASOS DESIGN knitted structured polo top in burgundy, £28

Topshop full circle maxi skirt in blue check, £50

River Island mary jane ballet flat in black, £36

Mango woven leather east to west shoulder bag in black, £159.99

Just because the blazer is a classic, doesn’t mean you have to go classic in style. Go for a bold colour or something embellished or a collarless style with ties rather than buttons, just like this. Changing up the details will give the silhouette a refreshed look and make it feel more special. If you do go collarless, just know it makes the perfect base for shirt collars or a roll-neck jumper – so good for layering as it gets cooler.

 

GET THE LOOK:

ASOS DESIGN collarless oversized tie front blazer in mocha pinstripe, £60

House of Sunny double layered check shirt in multi, £95

LAAGAM ronnie high waist pants in khaki, £160

ASOS DESIGN Mayfair premium ruched loafers in brown suede, £45

Jimmy Fairly The Freja rectangle sunglasses in tortoiseshell with brown lens, £135