This month's high-street hottie
If you spent much of your childhood being strong-armed into your school blazer by your mum, you probably won't relish the idea of voluntarily wearing a blazer in adulthood. However, it's time to set your doubts aside and invest in one of these most versatile of jackets.
Need more convincing? Well, they're smart enough to wear to work or a restaurant, but just as wearable with jeans or over a summer frock. They're also the perfect cover-up for those days when the weather can't quite make its mind up, and just doesn't know what it's doing.
And forget plain navy and black: the new crop of blazers come with a myriad of details and trims to make them stand out from the crowd (although we're not suggesting you go for brightly coloured options - unless you want to look like you work in a holiday camp, that is.) Look for ribbon trims, nautical features and unusual buttons and embroidery.
It's no surprise to learn that the ultimate fashion trail-blazer (no pun intended), Kate Moss, has been spotted out and about in summer's must-have jacket. And it's even less of a surprise to learn she's added a couple of blazers to her new collection for TopShop. One comes with an old-school crest on the breast pocket, and pale yellow lining with turn-up sleeves (£70; www.topshop.com).
If you'd prefer to get away from reminders of your school uniform, however, there's also a pinstripe option (£65). Or check out the stripes on offer at New Look (020 7659 5900 for stockists) and Miss Selfridge (0845 121 4517).
Kate aside, other celebrities have been working the look in different ways. TV presenter Fearne Cotton paired a plain navy blazer with a blue and white hooped top for a recent shopping trip in London; actress Thandie Newton dressed to impress with a dark blazer over a mauve satin dress on a dinner date; and Hollywood star Jennifer Love Hewitt was spotted looking as cute as a button in a retro '50s-style green and cream blazer at LAX airport in Los Angeles.
See? Blazers are officially no longer boring. But don't just take our word for it. Pick one and try it! Your mum would be so proud ...
