If you buy one thing this season to feel en pointe but not slavish to trends, it should be a blazer in houndstooth or plaid. You might already have one, because they have been a staple the last couple of seasons. Probably the most pivotal Fall show was Hedi Slimane’s Celine debut, because frankly, he sent our wearable clothes (a rare runway occurrence these days). Perhaps he thought them tongue-in-chic with a “bourgeois” undercurrent, or he’s letting everyone else think that, because he knows women will spend money on classics. (I cannot spend Celine dollars on a blazer, most shown here are more affordable options.)
The top image is from September Paris Vogue, and I love the casual, somewhat preppy ensemble. To make it less so, try khakis with a modern silhouette (or steal some from your brother/father/husband and roll up the cuffs and paper-bag cinch the waist). The bottom image from Celine is a dressier way to wear the blazer, with culottes, cropped trousers or a longer lean skirt. And I like the idea of layering a slim crewneck sweater over a blouse.
Of course, the easiest, and still equally chic option for a blazer is a pair of jeans. That seems like go-to weekend ensemble to wear again and again.
Top photo, clockwise from top left: MM 6 Maison Margiela blazer, $925; EVE denim blouse, $325; Nili Lotan blazer, $850; Alex Mill shirt, $110; Rosetta Getty loafers, $580; Isabel Marant Etoile blazer, $695; Le Monde Beryl loafers, $335; Isabel Marant pants, $680.
Thanks for this post and for finding beautiful alternatives to Celine, Balenciaga and other very pricey blazers. I just ordered the Nili Lotan and have high hopes for it.
While I love the buy better buy less theory it isnt easy to put into practice. Better seems to be equated with a pretty high end price tag. Celine, The ROW, Bottega , ( beyond beautiful) are really for a very small percentage of women. Even if you only buy one piece a year…. Yes Nili lotan has a lower price point but 595 for a silk blouse is still in a completely other category for most. Is there no other way to buy quality ,fashionable, timeless pieces at a more accessible price point ? Maybe not.