Four ways to wear: A blazer

If there's one thing our stylists recommend again and again, it's the textured blazer. There are two reasons why: 1. The texture keeps the jacket from looking like half a suit, and 2. The textured fabric also makes the blazer somewhere between casual and smart, which means you can wear one with almost any trousers and a variety of shirts—and to a wide range of occasions. 

Need proof? Here, Thread stylist Alice Watt shows you how to wear one blazer to four different occasions. 

1. For a last-minute client meeting

Outfit: Blazer, shirt, jeans and brogues or brogue boots

Why it works: "If you usually dress quite casually—but are occasionally called into last-minute meetings—the textured blazer is your best friend. Keep it at your desk and throw it on before you go into a meeting; it makes a shirt and jeans immediately smart casual." 

Photographed: Gant white shirt (£80), Nudie jeans (£99)

2. For when you can't tell if an event is formal or not

Outfit: Blazer, t-shirt, formal trousers and Derby shoes

Why it works: "Dress codes are so fluid these days, it can be really hard to figure out what to wear to certain events. An engagement party, for instance, sounds like something you'd wear a jacket to ... but maybe not if it's at a pub. When you're stumped on whether an occasion is formal or casual, this is the perfect combination because the formal trousers and blazer are smart, but the t-shirt keeps them from looking too stiff."

Photographed: Research Garments white t-shirt (£15), Peter Werth navy formal trousers (£69), Grenson oxblood Derby shoes (£200)

3. For a "grown-up" party or a nice dinner out

Outfit: Blazer, shirt, chinos and brogues

Why it works: "First, here's what I mean by 'grown-up' party: your parents' anniversary do, a dinner for your sister's engagement, a garden party with a dress code (explicit or implied). You could also wear this to dinner at a fancy restaurant ... and I'm not talking Nandos. This outfit is at the smart end of smart-casual dressing, so you won't risk being underdressed." 

Photographed: Gant chinos (£100), Gant white shirt (£80)

4. For a wedding or special occasion

Outfit: Blazer, shirt, formal trousers and Derbies

Why it works: "A blazer with formal trousers is more interesting than the usual suit—but just as formal. This combination is particularly appealing when you're on the mid-20s wedding circuit and are tired of wearing the same suit to every nuptial." 

Photographed: Gant white shirt (£85), Peter Werth navy formal trousers (£69)