Seeing Red…

Whether you love it or hate it, the concept of a dress code has become less relevant with every passing year. As time marches on and the retail industry changes, shoppers are prioritizing versatility and longevity more now than ever when it comes to purchasing clothes. Personally, when I shop, I won’t buy something unless I can imagine wearing it three different ways. I want to make sure that the piece will stand the test of time (and rinse cycles) as well as flatter my shape and work for my lifestyle. One investment piece that I oftentimes gravitate towards is the jacket – in particular, the blazer.

The blazer is a universal layer that, when fitted properly, is flattering and sophisticated. It can be the cherry on top to a business-professional ensemble. It can be the last layer that you throw on before heading out the door to meet your friends for happy hour. It can be the stylish flair that elevates your afternoon-at-the-mall outfit. Even though diamonds are nice, I could make a case for the blazer being a girl’s best friend.

Chances are you already have a black, navy, or gray blazer somewhere in your wardrobe. And while those pieces are staples for many, I tend to prefer bright pops of color and trendy details that other blazers may not have. This tomato red number from Alice + Olivia has been a go-to piece for me this fall. It was the contrast of the subtle, feminine cap sleeve and the menswear-inspired flap pockets that made this particular jacket stand out to me. Though I’ve worn it over everything from sequined camisoles to graphic tees in the past, this time around I’ve layered it over a leopard blouse and raw-hem skinny jeans. This easy daytime outfit has taken me from shopping appointments to brunch to meetings and back again, sometimes all in the same day!

This silk Gucci satchel ties the statement jacket and my thoughtfully-layered gold jewelry together with a vintage feel; perfectly on-brand for me. I could wear this bag anywhere and with nearly anything. Even though it’s not a neutral, it’s the kind of statement piece that completes an outfit with its eccentric color palette and timeless, luxe feel. I chose to finish the look with nude platform heels, so as not to compete with the other strong prints and colors. Make this look work for you with any kind of neutral shoes – loafers, sneakers, booties, or even stiletto pumps. As long as the jacket is the star of the show, this is an outfit formula that you can use all autumn long.