They flatter every figure, suit every age and won’t break the bank: Be a fashion trail blazer

One button or two? Cropped or oversized? Single or double-breasted? These are important questions to ask yourself this winter, because the blazer is squarely back in fashion.

The great thing about this particular trend is that it’s extremely broad, so by ‘blazer’ I mean any jacket not worn as part of a suit. Beyond that it can be a tuxedo, a belted style (more like a short trench), tweed, leather, long, short, boxy, fitted . . . you get the picture. In fact, there are only two things a blazer shouldn’t be in 2020: expensive (nearly all the High Street chains sell one) and flimsy — many are made from thick tweed or leather.

If the current obsession with all things Eighties is for you, then happy days. Just think Lady Di in a boxy blazer and you’ve got the look. I particularly like Kitri’s navy design (above). Style with a turned-back cuff or with the sleeves slightly pushed up the arm.

A quick note on length. Does it matter? Well, no, not in terms of the trend. You can pick anything from super-cropped (just below the rib cage) to oversized (ending mid-thigh). 

But what suits your shape? Traditional blazers tend to finish on the hip bone. 

This is flattering if you have narrow hips or a bit of a tummy, but it won’t work if you’re a pear shape as the widest part of your hips will be accentuated by the edge of the jacket. In this case go for either a longer line, or a crop worn with wide-leg trousers.

Finally, it’s impossible to discuss blazers without mentioning shoulder pads. Don’t be shy, but definitely try before you buy. My American football-obsessed teenager gave me a reality check last week when I tried out an exaggerated shoulder pad in one of my favourite stores.

‘Blimey! You look like a linebacker for the Chicago Bears.’

I left that one on the rail.