One of the heroes in your closet season after season is a classic blazer. The men’s wear inspired jacket is a key look for fall that can be spun so many ways. Here’s three ways I wore my version, in an unexpected pastel plaid by Veronica Beard.

WEEKEND: Everything looks amazing with these ripped and distressed jeans by Anthropologie. (I wish I had bought multiple pairs of this style.) I added a grey sleeveless sweater from J. Crew to bring out the grey in the plaid and then animal patterned Valentino Rockstud heels for an unexpected twist. Crossbody bag, Loewe.

WORK: A tailored jacket is a no-brainer at the office. I took the stuffiness out of an expected look by pairing the jacket with a dark denim trousers from COS and a vintage-inspired lace scarf that I found at a home decor boutique. 

COCKTAILS: Opposites, like plaid and sequins, really do make the perfect style marriage. The rose gold sequins bring out the dash of pink in the plaid – and the Rockstud heels add another unexpected texture. I bought this skirt on sale from J Crew (such a massive score!) and love it best when wearing it with something completely unexpected such as plaid or denim. Silk top, Jason Wu. Sunglasses, Rayban.

My Top Three Shopping Tips based upon this jacket:

  • Classics like a plaid jacket aren’t mundane when you have fun with the styling – mix in lace, sequins, animal patterns, denim. Don’t just pick a classic wool skirt or trouser.
  • Don’t save traditional evening materials (like sequins) for special occasions. Pair it with opposite materials to make the look less precious and more wearable.
  • An unusual piece like distressed sequinned jeans aren’t a fad. They’re so different (and unexpected) that they’ll never go out of style.