Outfit building blocks

Blazers and loafers and where to find affordable examples

Hi everyone,

Last time I wrote about day to day outfits you don’t have to think about.

Which might sound like a sartorial fantasy since getting dressed always involves a level of thought - even if we are not completely conscious of it.

What this alludes to though is the idea of a wardrobe that works for you.

In other words if you have clothes and accessories you like to wear, that go well together and fit your lifestyle, you don’t have to spend a lot of time figuring out what to put on every day.

Personally, this is something I’m always aiming for when it comes to my own wardrobe. And it’s also what this newsletter is really all about.

Key pieces

Blazer, t shirt (or tank and shirt), jeans and loafers - this is my go to, my fail safe, my ‘uniform’ as it were.

To me the blazer and loafer are key because of their capacity to elevate the remaining pieces.

Consider by comparison a day to day outfit of jeans, a t shirt and sneakers. It’s perfectly good - but just a bit less interesting in my opinion.

As well, a blazer and loafer bring versatility to your wardrobe, opening up alternative outfits -

• For an event throw a blazer over your shoulders if you’re wearing a dress. Or wear a blazer with matching trousers and a strappy heel.

• For the office go full suit mode and simply add loafers.

• Day to day if you want a change from jeans, try the trousers with loafers and a t shirt.

I’m a strong advocate for buying the best blazer or loafer you can afford.

So here’s an edit of ‘the best’ at various price points.

Blazers

I love this example from St Agni - the slate hue is both unexpected and versatile. Pair with black, chocolate brown, oatmeal, white or denim. But also available in black.

The Outnet and Yoox are great sources for affordable tailoring. This cropped blazer from Acne Studios is a case in point. This check version from Frame is also a winner.

WARNING! Before you go trawling through either of these sites, filter your search as much as possible. The array of options is literally endless so I find this saves a lot of time.

Dissh has a good example -

And from Zara comes this very cool check version -

Loafers

So far I’ve resisted the temptation to buy this incredible pair from L'Eclisse -

Comparable to these from Saint Laurent but less than half the price ($750AUD/ $490USD vs $1665AUD/ $1070USD)! There is no L’Eclisse website unfortunately but visit the store if you’re in Melbourne or contact the brand via Instagram.

I love these backless loafers from Bassike. True to size and so comfortable -

Since I first tried them on last week some sizes have sold out. Same story with this pair, also available in neutral. I guess we can blame Black Friday for that.

A soft moccasin style loafer is available at Zara -

I also like this chunkier style from Cos.

And here is a different take from Clergerie -

I’ll leave it there for now and really hope this edit is helpful.

Also a quick reminder - I would love it if you come join me on Instagram! You’ll find each newsletter there as well as additional content.

Thanks so much for being here and for reading. I’ll see you in two weeks!

x

Jennie