“I’m A Style Editor & This Is The 1 Piece I Can’t Live Without”
Working in fashion, I am often asked what my absolute style essential is. While I have an unnecessary array of sunglasses, it’s still got to be the timeless blazer. Classic, cool and unfalteringly stylish, without it, my wardrobe would be incomplete.
Let’s get one thing straight. This is no life and death matter. For one, I will survive if I don’t pop on my trusty blazer, but my style could very possibly wither. The blazer is my fashion lifeline. It pulls outfits together. It makes everything make perfect sense. On the days when all I can muster is a tee and baggy jeans, it’s the structure and tailoring of a blazer that lifts me up, making the day ahead feel not just manageable, but filled with potential.
After becoming a mum, like many, I lost my way in a sea of hoodies and sweatshirts. Then, while rummaging through my own mum’s wardrobe, bulging with gems from the ’80s and ’90s, I discovered her blazer collection. We’re talking retro treasures from Benetton and Sisley. Wool, pinstripes, tweeds and even bold yellow. It was akin to finding the missing piece in a puzzle. Slipping one on, the connection was made. The love affair began.
Her blazers make up the bulk of my style obsession, but I’ve since found other beauties from Anine Bing, Zara, & Other Stories, and H&M. For a long time, these jackets felt like quiet, timeless staples. But then, as with all trends, the revival of oversized tailoring became mainstream. Not only did I feel put together, but I also now felt current and strangely powerful.
The blazer is my fashion lifeline. It pulls outfits together. It makes everything make perfect sense.
Ashling, Contributing Style & Interiors Editor
You see, this is the wonder of tailoring. Yes, it will have its time in the spotlight. We can like the latest posts from content creators in understated suiting and follow the hottest looks on the SS26 catwalks, but it will never date. Forever chic. Always cool. And yet, so incredibly effortless and my absolute style essential.
Even on days when it’s all about my kids, a blazer will instantly make me feel like I can cope. I may be in old jeans and trainers, but pop on a tailored jacket and the message is clear. I’ve got this.
Iflit between endless hours behind a laptop to days in the studio on camera, to meetings with buyers or PRs – a blazer allows me to quickly shift from laid-back (possibly slovenly!) to work smart.
Ashling wearing her mum’s Blazers from the ’80s
There are brands that specialise in exquisite investment buys. This is the occasion when I would encourage possibly taking the plunge, as tailoring will last well beyond the current season. My own collection is predominantly made up of my mum’s blazers from the ’80s and ’90s.
Also, the blazer is not just for the minimalist. I’m here for the streamlined, savvy suit, but classic tailoring packs a punch when teamed with clashing prints – especially animal print.
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