If You Buy One New Thing This Season, Make It a Blazer

It’s the most universal item in my closet.

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Photo:

Getty Images/ Tory Burch

As a shopping editor who spends each day perusing the internet for the best fashion and beauty finds, temptation is everywhere; the urge to buy every belt and boot I come across, omnipresent. But my self-discipline has never been so tested as it was on a recent trip to Europe, where I rationed myself a modest budget of one perfect item. I wasn’t looking for anything in particular, nor did I need anything. Ten days, five countries, and several French boutiques later, I successfully returned with a single souvenir in tow: a statement blazer. And I’m convinced it’s the only thing you, too, need this season.

Ribboned in black and red plaid, my vintage camel-colored pick is the epitome of a fall blazer. The pattern is an obvious choice for autumn — it’s reminiscent of weekends spent apple picking and enjoying warm cider donuts — but it got me thinking: In 2023, when seasonless quiet luxury reigns supreme, is wearing a traditional check print in the fall too expected? Maybe. But long-established classics are such for a reason. (In other words: Buy the plaid!)

Fabric choice is important; wool or corduroy would make for a stately standalone piece nearing winter, while lightweight satin would better serve as a chic topper in moderate temperatures. Corset details and cutouts call for a night out, while a cropped or denim style is more laid-back for daytime outings. And when you need a blazer that can do both, an effortlessly cool leather-like option never fails. To maximize your styling options, opt for an oversized, double-breasted design, which — bonus! — can be worn as a dress too. So if you’re looking for a standout fall layer, there are plenty of outside the (plaid) box options; I encourage you to get dressed in something unexpected this autumn.

The "perfect" style, though? That all comes down to personal preference. Shop more of the top statement blazers of the season below.

Rails Cody Houndstooth Check Double-Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom Rails Cody Houndstooth Check Double Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $348

Madewell the Bedford Oversized Belted Blazer in Stripe 

Madewell The Bedford Oversized Belted Blazer in Stripe

Madewell

Buy on Madewell.com $228

Tory Burch Denim Blazer

Tory Burch DENIM BLAZER

Tory Burch 

Buy Now $498

Avec Les Filles Mixed Plaid Double-Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom Aves Les Filles Mixed Plaid Double Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $200

Banana Republic Ama Italian Corduroy Blazer 

Banana Republic AMA ITALIAN CORDUROY BLAZER

Banana Republic

Buy Now $260

Bardot Cassian Cutout Blazer

Amazon Bardot Women's Cassian Cut Out Blazer

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $169

Cicy Bell Satin Blazer

Amazon Women's Satin Lapel Casual Blazer Long Sleeve Work Business Suit Jackets with Pockets

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $52 $47

Sam Edelman Imogen Color-Block Double-Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom Sam Edelman Imogen Colorblock Herringbone Double Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $179

Spanx the Perfect Oversized Blazer

Spanx The Perfect Oversized Blazer

Spanx

Buy on Spanx $248

& Other Stories Double-Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom & Other Stories Double Breasted Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $239

Open Edit Corset Blazer

Nordstrom Open Edit Corset Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $89

Veronica Beard Roche Dickey Jacket

Veronica Beard Roche Dickey Jacket

Neiman Marcus

Buy on Neiman Marcus $748

Free People We the Free Block Party Blazer

Nordstrom Free People We the Free Block Party Blazer

Nordstrom

Buy on Nordstrom $148 $69

The Drop Anouk Blazer 

Amazon The Drop Women's Anouk Blazer

Amazon

Buy on Amazon $80
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