One blazer, five ways: how to get more wear from a single jacket

Choosing the blazer

Colour

Navy, black, charcoal, camel and grey go with almost everything. A subtle check or tweed adds interest and still mixes well. A bold colour can be striking, but works with fewer outfits.

Fabric

• Wool and wool blends hold their shape, resist creasing and suit most of the year.
• Cotton and linen are lighter for spring and summer, and look more relaxed.
• Velvet is great for evenings and winter, though less versatile day to day.
• Polyester blends are easy to care for, but check they do not look shiny.

Fit

• Shoulders should end at your shoulder edge, with no dents or overhang. They are the hardest part to alter, so get them right first.
• Sleeves should end around the wrist bone, so a little shirt cuff can show. These are easier to shorten.
• Buttoned, it should close without pulling into an X across the front.
• Length depends on style, but most classic blazers cover the top of the hips.

Way 1: with jeans and a T-shirt

The simplest, and maybe the most useful. A plain white or striped T-shirt, straight or slim jeans, and trainers or loafers. The blazer turns a weekend outfit into something you could wear to a nice lunch or a casual office. Push the sleeves up slightly for a relaxed look.

Way 2: over a dress

A blazer over a simple dress adds structure and warmth. It works with a midi or knee-length jersey dress in the daytime, or over a slip dress in the evening. For spring and summer, a lighter-weight blazer over a floral dress is a good alternative to a cardigan.

Way 3: as a suit, or with tailored trousers

If your blazer came with matching trousers or a skirt, wear them together for interviews, meetings and formal events. If not, pair it with tailored trousers in a neutral that complements it, such as navy with grey or camel with black. Add a shirt, blouse or fine knit. Our guide to second-hand workwear shows how to build a week of outfits around it.

Way 4: over knitwear

On colder days, layer a fine-gauge jumper or a roll neck under the blazer. Merino and cashmere are thin enough to sit smoothly underneath. This works with trousers, jeans or a skirt, and is a smart way to stay warm without a heavy coat indoors. Make sure the blazer has a little room across the back and in the sleeves for the extra layer.

Way 5: dressed up for the evening

Wear it over a satin top, a sequinned camisole or a silky shirt, with tailored trousers or a skirt, and swap trainers for smart shoes. A velvet blazer is especially good for winter parties. Our guide to second-hand Christmas party outfits has more ideas.

What to check on a second-hand blazer

• The shoulders and lapels, which should lie flat without rippling.
• The lining, for tears at the armholes and along the back seam. Our guide to checking seams and linings explains what to look for.
• Shine on the elbows, lapels and back, from wear or a hot iron.
• Buttons, including those on the cuffs. A spare inside is a good sign.
• Pockets, which are sometimes still stitched shut on newer blazers. That is normal and the stitches can be carefully snipped.
• Moth holes and pilling on wool.

Ask for the chest, shoulder width, sleeve and length in cm, laid flat. On Rewear, tap Message the seller on the listing if they are not there, since measurements are optional. Our guide to measuring clothes shows how each is taken.

Looking after it

• Hang it on a wide, shaped hanger to support the shoulders.
• Brush it after wearing to remove dust and lint.
• Air it rather than washing it, and spot clean marks.
• Follow the care label. Many tailored jackets are dry clean only.
• Steam rather than iron where you can. Our guide to getting creases out without an iron explains how.

The short version

Choose a blazer that fits your shoulders, in a neutral colour and a fabric you can wear most of the year. Then wear it with jeans, over a dress, as a suit, over knitwear and dressed up for the evening. One good blazer can do the work of a whole rail of clothes.