The blazer is probably the single most versatile piece a man can own and if we had to pick one thing to tell someone who was trying to build a wardrobe that works from a standing start it would be to start here. A well fitted navy or charcoal blazer can go with smart trousers for something that reads as nearly a suit. It can go with chinos for smart casual. It can go over a tee with dark jeans for a look that feels intentional and pulled together without being particularly dressed up. The key word in all of that is fitted. An ill fitting blazer does none of those things and just looks like you borrowed someone else’s jacket. Shoulders aligned with your actual shoulders. A length that covers your waistband without hitting mid thigh. Sleeves that show a bit of shirt cuff. Get those things right and everything else is relatively straightforward.