What the Blazes?

CC’s “uniform”: blazer, tunic, skinny jean, heeled shoe. Works every time! Photo at left from London Fashion Week taken by the lovely Kamel of STYLE AND THE CITY .
Autumn is the perfect season to show off your favorite jackets! A fabulous blazer can be worn with everything from a gown, as at Carolina Herrera’s Spring 2009 show, left . . .
to jeans!
At left: Willliam Rast rocker chic studded white Chanel-esque jacket for Spring 2009.
Runway inspirations via style.com except where noted.
Take stock and round out your collection.
These are the 12 Blazers every gal should have:
1) Schoolboy Pinstripe, Crested or Windowpane plaid in a classic shape and color, preferably navy (Inspiration? "I'm Chuck Bass!")
Boy by Band of Outsiders
At right: J-C de Castelbajac, via Paris Vogue
Forever 21 satin trim blazer with pin
2) Cropped
Richard Chai Spring 2009
3) Fitted Black or Grey, ideally with an interesting twist like contrast panels or a bold shoulder
Diane von Furstenberg Theobald Houndstooth Jacket. Go to shopbop.com
Anna Sui charcoal short jacket, at chickdowntown.com

At right: Luella Deputy blazer in wool silk tweed blend, at lagarconne.com
4) Bright and/or Embellished
Celeb Style: Blake Lively taking a stroll in the South Beach Design District; photo via teenvogue.com
Miami Vice Chic on the runway at Isaac Mizrahi’s Spring 2009 show
At right: J. Crew berry-trim Astrid jacket, at jcrew.com
5) Leather
Classic: Antonio Berardi
Adventurous, at right: Christopher Kane Spring 2009 – CC looooooved this collection!
Alexander Wang distressed leather blazer, at shopbop.com
6) Tuxedo
Balmain tuxedo jacket, at net-a-porter.com
LaROK Vested Interest herringbone jacket, at shopbop.com
7) Equestrian
Smythe les Vestes Equestrian jacket. Visit shoplanguage.com
Nanette Lepore Love Note riding jacket, at revolveclothing.com
8) Long
Gucci
Luxe 120s long wool jacket, at victoriassecret.com
9) Wool Felt: Tweed, Herringbone or Camel
Victoria’s Secret cutaway blazer
ADAM camel wool slim single button blazer, at bluefly.com
10) Double Breasted
Jonathan Saunders Spring 2009
Gai Mattiolo, courtesy Vogue Paris
Hanii Y double-breasted tweed jacket with funnel collar, at shopbop.com – CC particularly likes this one for its potential to double as an overcoat – remember the layered look this autumn allows for doubling up on jackets!
11) Evening: Velvet, Silk or Shimmery - like this gold Mason slim lapel jacket. Go to revolveclothing.com
12) Military or Band
Alvin Valley jacket at bluefly.com
For the gents:

Runway love: Michael Kors camel blazer

DKNY Spring 2009
CC also loves a corded blazer – splits the difference between casual and put-together! Generra cadet pinwale corduroy blazer, at bluefly.com
The best thing about blazers is that, if they are well-constructed, they are timeless: a gorgeous Chanel bouclé will last you a lifetime! Moreover, blazers are virtually seasonless. A lightweight wool jacket can be worn all-year round!
The choices for autumn are limitless. Spend the few extra dollars to have your blazers tailored. Some of CC’s fave vintage blazers were thrifted 3 sizes too big and now they fit like a glove! If you pay full price, stores such as Nordstrom and J. Crew tailor for free!

Last photo courtesy The Dapper Kid.