By day, I tend to dress to a formula of two parts smart to one part casual. That way I can be sure my outfit is appropriate for the office and any casual plans after work, all without looking stuffy or equally too relaxed.
By default, that means I have lots of blazers and trousers in my arsenal, since pairing them with trainers, which I often do, is the quickest way to nail my unofficial dress code.
It’s a formula I wear year-round and only the fabrics change – my summer suits are cotton and linen, but come the colder months, anything weightier or with a wool mix comes out.
It’s a popular Instagram combo, too, since with a quick change of accessories, it works from day to night and suits a range of body shapes and budgets. So much so, that if I’m stuck for inspiration on how to style my blazer and trousers, there are a few accounts I’ll head to first.
Jessica Skye is one of them. She’s a tailoring aficionado and keeps hers interesting and modern by pairing textures (think leather and wool, or sequins for party season) with luxe accessories. When I spotted she was launching an edit with Amazon Fashion, I knew it would be full of tailoring gems – and I wasn’t disappointed.
The best new season tailoring to invest in now and wear all winter
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It’s around this time of year (Black Friday bargains and upcoming Christmas sales) that I add a few new tailored pieces to my wardrobe in a bid to refresh my look for the new season, and when it comes to finding the perfect slouchy but sharp blazer or flattering wide-leg trousers that work with both trainers and heeled boots, Jess knows her stuff, so I duly shopped her edit on day one of the launch.
Since she dresses quite timelessly, her edit was full of minimal staples like cigarette trousers, faux leather blazers and high-waisted blue jeans.
As well as a knitted shorts co-ord (more on that another time), I bought a longline checked blazer from Amazon’s own brand label The Drop, which, thanks to the nipped-in waist and fitted silhouette, is easily dressed up for night – I added strappy sandals and sparkly earrings for after work drinks last week.
If you’re splashing out on trouser suits at this time of the year, you’ll want maximum versatility. Tis the season for parties and fancy dinners, after all, so tailoring that works with knits and trainers, then with silky blouses and heels is a must, so always think about how many ways you can wear something, pre-purchase.
I’d spotted Jess wearing the checked suit with her go-to chunky New Balance trainers, (also in her edit – run, don’t walk) oversized sunglasses and a leather shoulder bag, then for evening, she added strappy mules and lots of gold jewellery.
Elsewhere on the high street, With Nothing Underneath’s bold striped shirt is on my wish list – I’d wear it with a fine ribbed polo neck underneath for now, and a contrasting tweed blazer on top. I added Zara’s It wool skort to my Black Friday order, too: I figured it would give Clueless-vibes with a matchy blazer, spotted tights and chunky chain loafers.
What to wear them with by day:
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What to wear them with by night:
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