5 Cream Blazers And Outfit Inspiration That's Anything But Vanilla

Shop these styles from H&M, Toteme, Khaite and Reformation …

When considering the neutral blazer, our thoughts go straight to Scandinavian brands that deal in sleek lines such as Toteme. However, even if fashion’s minimalist preoccupation isn’t your thing, there’s no denying the timeless allure of the right white cover-up. Or, in this case, it’s cream or white that reigns supreme.

For THE GLOSS Style Editor Aislinn Coffey, an Anine Bing satin-silk double-breasted blazer, nabbed in the sales last year, is a purchase that feels special. (Although, as Coffey advises, caution must be taken with silk styles as they snag so easily.) Shape matters, according to Coffey. “I love a double-breasted silhouette, it’s polished without trying,” she says. Meanwhile, a collarless version from Khaite, pictured below, is a refreshed take on a timeless buy. If a classic blazer isn’t for you, try a longline coat with a similar aesthetic. “Sinéad Keary‘s cream wool Jessica coat (pictured below) has the look of a blazer but is ankle length. Think of it as outerwear fused with the most polished elements of a blazer: satin lapels, buttons and a strong silhouette,” Coffey advises.

For Beauty Editor Sarah Halliwell, a red carpet moment from last year’s British Fashion Awards sparked an ivory obsession. “I spotted Erin O’Connor wearing this amazing cream silk suit and went to look at it, as if viewing a work of art, at the Alex Eagle boutique in Soho, London. What a beautiful store – rails of elegantly made separates plus carefully chosen books, beauty and curiosities. The jacket is part of a three-piece all-silk suit, made in the UK – the waistcoat alone is nearly £1,000. The fabric is so beautiful. It reminds me of an oversized cream silk vintage jacket (which probably cost like £20) that I wore throughout my late teens/early twenties, until the red wine stains became too glaring. I’m forever searching for that much-missed treasure,” Halliwell says.

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A post shared by Erin O'Connor (@erinoconnor)

This season, brands have upped the ante when it comes to luxury, with a cream blazer becoming a prestige buy, akin to a fashion flex by those in the know. Toteme’s satin blazer comes in at a cool €990, while brands like Khaite cost into the thousands. However, buy the right style and you will have it forever. Also, keep an eye on The Outnet for generous discounts on stealth wealth labels. (This writer nabbed a pure Italian wool double-breasted tuxedo blazer from J Crew in a Black Friday flurry; a smart investment that will pay dividends.) On the high street, pay attention to composition – aim for wool or wool-blend fabrics if your budget allows. At the affordable end of the scale, H&M’s two-tone blazer, below, has impact, while mid-range label Reformation currently has a satin blazer with a high-collared neckline and an elegant, cinched waist.

No matter which style you choose, wear the blazer of the season with aplomb by leaning into cool separates. Think: a pair of silk wide-leg trousers, slingback heels and a printed or lace-trim camisole, and you can navigate most dress codes. Equally, we love the idea of an oversized tuxedo blazer shrugged on top of a party dress: there’s something nonchalant in that pairing. As for maintaining it? “A steamer relaxes any creasing between wears and sterilises the garment so there’s less need for professional cleaning. A little spritz of vodka mixed with distilled water (I mix mine in a spray bottle from Dealz) will fight off any odours,” Coffey advises. It may not deter those pesky red wine stains, but it’ll save you a small fortune on dry cleaning bills.

Collage image credits (from top left): Róhe, Toteme, H&M, Alex Eagle Studio, Instagram @nlmarilyn.