Years Later, And This Classic Blazer Is Still the #1 Choice for Fashion People
Sometimes less is more. Even in fashion, where many can be easily drawn to ruffles, feathers, sequins and excess in general, at Who What Wear we always seem to go back to the same pared-back staples. It's the true secret to a capsule wardrobe, I think, to have malleable elevated essentials that an be worn countless ways, to numerous occasions that look universally good when paired with pieces of all different proportions, fabrics and colours.
If there's one brand I always go back to for this, it's The Frankie Shop. You'll see from a previous instalment of our Great Try-On that this isn't a line, I love everything The Frankie Shop presents–from its cargo pants to its iconic quilted ripstop jacket. But the item I treasure most in my wardrobe? The much-loved blazer. This is a fine example of what the brand does so well–basics, but erm, better? Everything they design has at least one point of difference that gives it an edge. For example, the aforementioned ripstop jacket jets out at the back, giving a sort of avant-garde silhouette, as does the exposed label sewn on to the back exterior, instead of inside the collar. Despite all the replicas spawned as a result of its instant popularity, there was no way to mistake it, anyone with a knowing fashion eye can spot the real deal.
But let's go back to the blazer. You may be thinking "A blazer? That's not exactly new?" And you'd be right! It's not, and we've loved tailoring since the dawn of, well, our time. But there's something about Frankie Shop's–is it the fact that it drapes over the shoulders as if you've borrowed Vince Vaughn's dinner jacket? Perhaps. Maybe it's the colours. The beige isn't a boring beige, but a warm, oatmeal hue that looks textured. The grey is slate–it's cool, with a blue undertone. And the pink isn't saccharine, but dusty, and therefore appropriate throughout the year and not just spring. Ultimately, they just look expensive, you know?
So scroll ahead to shop my most-loved Frankie Shop blazers.
Frankie Shop Gelso Blazer in Beige:
Style Notes: The beige is sure to go with just about everything in your capsule wardrobe. Make like Sarah and pair it with a simple white tee and light wash denim.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Frankie Shop Bea Blazer in Black:
Style Notes: Our very own Managing Editor Poppy loves the Bea blazer. Style yours over dresses, with jeans or with wide-leg trousers. Poppy wears a medium and is normally a size 12.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Frankie Shop Gelso Blazer in Grey:
Style Notes: There's something extra chic about the grey iteration. We love how Sarah has worn hers and gone topless underneath.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Frankie Shop Gelso Blazer in Pink:
Style Notes: The pink is high on my autumn wish list! I'll desperate to copy Karina and pair with with brown hues.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Frankie Shop Olympia Blazer in Faux Leather:
Style Notes: For something a little different but still timeless, try a leather number. I've styled mine with distressed denim and clogs for an effortlessly cool look but you can also wear it with a slip dress and heels for an evening 'fit.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Shop More Frankie Shop Blazers:
The Corrin is a new style for the brand. It's slightly more tailored than the other shapes, so is a great choice if you're not into the slouchy look.
Poppy loves the Bea so much she just invested in this grey style too...
A gorgeous hue for autumn. Pair with browns and creams for a polished look.
Next Up: Experts Agree—These Autumn/Winter 2023 Fashion Trends Are the Ones That Matter
This story was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Rebecca Rhys-Evans is a London-based fashion and beauty editor with a decade of branded content and editorial experience. She started working at Who What Wear UK in the summer of 2022, where she was hired to lead all branded content for the UK site. Be it appearing on-camera to showcase how to style the latest designer collections, or reviewing the most recent beauty skincare products, Rebecca is the voice (and often face) for Who What Wear UK’s commercial partnerships. A self-confessed internet obsessive, she loves all facets of content creation—be it writing, filming, art directing or styling—and revels in collaborating with brands to help harness their product and tell their story. After graduating from University of Liverpool in American Studies, she travelled around North and South America before moving to London to pursue her career as a fashion journalist. Before she landed her position at Who What Wear, she was a freelance writer and content consultant, writing for Polyester, Screenshot, Marie Claire, Refinery29 and Culture Trip, reporting on everything from internet culture, vintage shopping across the world, sustainability and sex work. Adding to this, she has also held editor positions at FLANNELS.com, BURO., Koibird and SHOP Magazine.
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