Back to Everything: The Blazers + Button Downs That Build a Wardrobe....My Fave Underneath-It-All Bra and more
Time to take stock of what you have + what you might need for Fall.
It’s the unofficial start of Fall here in New York and we’re at the end of a heat-wave, so it is still going to be a few weeks before I can comfortably wear a wool blazer. Still, it is a good time to dust off what I have in my closet, get an idea of what I need to refresh (even repair) and what I might want to add to my wish list.
I always feel that I look my best in a blazer, tailoring really suits me physically and mentally. I feel sharper and more pulled together, even if I’ve paired it with a tee, jeans and sneakers. I have acquired a good collection of blazers over the years and have two new additions in mind. However, I think the biggest game-changer will be a new shirt or two. Once you have a solid blazer line-up and a few button-down shirts, you have a reliable core that can be mixed and matched. Notice that I gravitate towards designers and brands who create pieces that are often available year after year. Most of them have a set of “classics”. That’s how you get to fewer, better things—by wearing clothing that always looks en pointe yet also effortless. Find your fun in the extras or some nice jewelry (say, some made-to-order Jennifer Alfano!)
First, a black blazer, or really two—both single-breasted and double-breasted. The single-breasted version I wear the most is a slightly oversized style from Another Tomorrow which they no longer sell. It’s unlined and travels and packs easily, which is one reason I rely on it so much. I also have a light version that is part of a suit from Nells Nelson, and an older Celine I found at Bergdorf’s for 60% off post pandemic. I don’t wear the Celine too often because it often feels too classic, too straight-laced. If I were going to replicate my AT one, I would choose either this Acne Studios version made from 50% recycled material, this Matteau button-less style—who buttons their blazers anyway, this The Frankie Shop number or this from COS. As far as a double-breasted version, I am adding a new Nells Nelson soon (which I will share) and currently have an old Acne Studios. Many friends have this from HommeGirls and swear by it, then there is the splurge Tristana from The Row (cheaper here, but not a lot of sizes, also here) that seems like a good travel piece, this Nili Lotan Valerie and this from COS which isn’t black, it only comes in dark brown and navy—both good color options.
Next up…a houndstooth/plaid blazer. I bought a Nili Lotan Diane plaid blazer about five years ago. I pull it out every season and it never gets old; it’s a perfect cut. I’m always inspired by my fave style icons, Lauren Hutton or Charlotte Rampling, when I pull it on. (On a side note, I have an IG blazer/shirt inspo reel that coordinates with this post.) I think you only need one blazer in a wool blend like houndstooth or plaid. Wear it til it gets worn in a bit. Splurge on this this Saint Laurent; this Blaze Milano with corduroy trim is another classic; and I’m kind of into this Polo Ralph Lauren.
Third blazer in choice would be grey and/or camel. I bought a Maria McManus belted grey blazer last fall and it feels very Kate Hepburn every time I put it on. I was on the fence about a belted style, but every blazer can’t be the same, otherwise boredom sets it. There are a few out there still on sale (here and here—I have a size 4 and it’s slightly oversize), but luckily there are multiple new grey blazers for fall. This is Maria’s latest, then Nili does the Diane in grey and this boyfriend style, and this from Toteme. Sometimes these blazers come with matching pants. I do like a grey suit, especially with sneakers and a tee. Another option or addition is camel. Like grey, you can never go wrong with camel, however, camel has to look luxe—some camels look cheap, beware! I didn’t add a camel blazer to my closet until last year. I bought the oversize Anine Bing Quinn blazer in cashmere Camel blend, which because of the shape and heavier material veers more into an overcoat/jacket category (I took the shoulder pads out). This Blaze Milano is uber chic as well. There aren’t a lot of camel options out there right now, it seems everyone is into grey and channeling the 90s. (I still do have my Helmut Lang gray single-breasted suit from the 90s, which my daughter now wears. She doesn’t know how lucky she is.)
The fourth optional blazer, which is one I have on my wish list, is one with gold accent buttons, preferably in a black fabric. Nili Lotan has about five this season, I am going to have to get to her store and try them on, because I’m not sure which I like most. The ultimate is the Celine Chasseur jacket (with or without pockets), which is something I am going to buy when I’m ready to splurge; it’s a have-forever classic. This is a not a button-down shirt jacket, crewneck tees or a feminine pussy-bow blouse would be my wear with it choices.
Then, shirts. I think you need at least four options: White, light blue, a standout stripe and a denim shirt. As far as white button-down shirts go, I have this HommeGirls (also in light blue) and this lightweight version from Frances de Lourdes. I will spend some money on a white cotton shirt, but not The Row kind of money. I would consider this and this and this. Toteme has a nice light blue, this from Charvet. If you want an ultimate, it’s a bespoke shirt from Micky Paris (I have two), which designer Michelle Boor will help you with measurements and style and fabric choices. She is coming to NYC first week of October to do an event with me so stay tuned if you’re interested. If you want something upcycled and like a little bling, A Shirt Story is another idea. In the meantime, I think a standout stripe is where you can quickly update any blazer combo. There is this, this, this. My vote if you already have something similar is a taupe/beige/brown stripe to wear with camel, grey, houndstooth. I’m going to try this Toteme. And finally for a denim shirt, just go to the OG, Levi’s. The price is right and their denim is still decent. Plus you can choose your wash from a few options.
So you’ve got your blazers, you’ve got your shirts….every combo should work together. What to wear underneath? A black bra with lace detailing—with all of it, even the white shirts. My favorite is this Hanro, because I wear a 34B and don’t need underwire. If you need more support, perhaps this one. But a black bra under everything, because you need a little bit of sexy.
I’ll be wearing all of the above with my Nili Lotan Anna jeans I talked about in my first post, my vintage Levi’s and black pants. We will get to shoes and other extras later.
Until next week!
x Jennifer
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Have enjoyed and appreciated your writing since Vogue/ Bazaar and so happy to follow you to Substack after reading your blog for years. Loving these posts!
curious what size you took in the Toteme brown striped shirt?