Men’s Autumn/Winter Essential: Tweed Blazer

Introduction

As far as winter fabrics go, tweed is among the very best – an essential addition to any modern wardrobe. [If you don't believe me, check out Matt Allinson’s article on the subject.]

When it comes to tweed, the first thing many associate with the fabric is today’s hot topic: the blazer. In all variations a blazer is timeless, stylish and practical, and with a host of qualities like that it’s no surprise they are a firm FashionBeans favourite among both readers and staff.

The Autumn/Winter Essential

A hallmark of traditional British style, the tweed blazer is deeply ingrained into the heritage look that has been a major influence in recent seasons.

The tweed blazer, sadly, does have some rather unflattering stereotypes, chief among them: pensioners and poorly outfitted geography teachers. However, ‘academic chic’ has been modernised with slim lines and well-layered textured fabrics, as Murray Clark broke down in a previous article.

Today’s seasonal essential is both versatile and weather appropriate. Working in both casual or formal environments, the tweed blazer sits alongside a shirt and tie as comfortably as it does with coloured chinos and a polo shirt.

The heavier composition of tweed also allows it to be utilised as a great makeshift jacket, especially on days warm enough to forgo a true winter coat – or when you’ve got some expertly crafted layering underneath.

How To Wear: The Tweed Blazer AW12

Men’s Tweed Blazer Lookbook

Look One: Smart-Casual

This dress code, as we all know, is notorious for being deceptively difficult. With more than a few faux pas being committed on account of it, it’s important to get it right first time round. The tweed blazer is an almost fool proof way to sidestep style slip-ups this season.

Align your modern, slim cut blazer with a pair of dressier chinos to create a clean-cut look with heritage roots. Brogues compliment the statesmanship of the tweed but double monks or even a solid pair of Chelsea boots would provide the outfit with a more contemporary appeal.

Depending on just how smart or causal the event is, a tie is certainly an option but I personally wouldn’t scrimp on the pocket square – the devil is in the details after all.

• Blue Long Sleeve Shirt
• Burton Brown Tweed Tipped Blazer
• Topman Blue Denim Tie
• Charvet Polka-dot Silk Pocket Square
• Reiss Maine 2 Brushed Twill Trousers Blue
• H By Hudson Chocolate Leather Bloomfield Brogues

Look Two: Keep It Casual

A tweed blazer doesn’t have to be reserved for more formal occasions, it can work exceptionally well within your everyday looks. The addition of a tailored piece into your casual ensemble will instantly make you look more put together, not to mention the insulating properties of good tweed will keep you astoundingly toasty.

A blazer layered over the top of a t-shirt is an easy go-to casual look. Opt for coloured trousers to inject some personality while also keeping with the current standout trends. Desert boots are a casual yet structured choice for your feet.

On the accessory front, a pocket square will of course bring something extra to the look but you could also consider a lapel pin – it’s all personal preference.

• Allsaints Tonic Crew T-shirt
• United Colors Of Benetton Tweed Blazer With Cord Patch
• Topman Ben Sherman Ezra High Desert Boot

Look Three: Layering Up

One of the secrets to a successful autumn/winter look is perfect layering. A tweed blazer is superb for this purpose, as it is not only thick enough to work well as a top layer but the textural element helps add separation and depth, which is essential in defining your layers.

Couple a shirt and cable-knit jumper underneath the blazer – the subtle patterning of the knitwear will again add more texture and separation to the outfit. Wear your trusty slim indigo jeans on the bottom half to keep the look casual while emphasising the hardwearing aesthetic.

Footwear options range from the FashionBeans-favoured brogues to a pair of rugged, masculine boots. Again, work your finishing touches around the rest of your outfit, occasion, environment and your own personal style. Leather gloves are a perfect autumn/winter accessory and so much sharper than their knitted counterparts.

• Reiss Icicle Long Sleeve Dotty Shirt Light Grey
• Asos Cable Knit Jumper
• Topman Harris Tweed Skye Blazer
• J.crew Cashmere-lined Leather Gloves
• Edwin Ed-55 Raw Selvedge Slim Tapered Jeans
• Allsaints Conduct Shoe

Look Four: Office Formal

Work heritage into your office attire with a well put-together tailored look that will have colleagues doing double takes. A classic tweed blazer in a herringbone weave combined with a simple white spread collar shirt and (optional) textured tie screams minimal luxe.

In keeping with the textural element, opt for wool trousers in a grey hue and finish with a solid pair of brown leather Derbies or Oxfords.

• River Island Shirt
• J.crew Ludlow Slim-fit Herringbone Wool Blazer
• Reiss Heath Micro Dot Printed Wool Tie Aubergine
• Gucci Flecked Slim Trousers 127980
• Burton Navy Polka Dot Pocket Square
• H By Hudson Burgess Brown Leather Shoes

Men’s Tweed Blazers

• Allsaints Mason Blazer
• Burton Grey Tweed Slim Fit Blazer
• Burton Montague Burton Taupe Slim Fit Heritage Jacket
• Cord Collar Fitted Tweed Blazer
• Topman Harris Tweed Berry Herringbone Blazer
• Drykorn Blazer In Tweed
• Asos Slim Fit Tweed Blazer
• Universal Works Lantel Tweed Manor Jacket
• Reiss Clinton Lightweight Patch Pocket Blazer Deer
• Uniqlo Men Herringbone Jacket
• Customellow Green Herringbone Tweed Wool Blazer
• Burton Montague Burton Khaki Slim Fit Heritage Blazer
• Ted Baker Brandoe – Herringbone Blazer
• Billy Reid Jonathan Slim-fit Wool-tweed Blazer
• Dolce & Gabbana Double-breasted Wool-tweed Blazer

Have Your Say…

• Are you a fan of the tweed blazer?
• Is it an essential in your seasonal wardrobe?
• How do you style yours?
• Or do you prefer your tailoring to not conjure up ghosts of teachers past?

Let us know in the comments below…