BLAZING A TRAIL!

One sure way to pull your look together? A fabulous blazer. The best ones are ultra-fitted, with nice long sleeves. Try something adventurous, like an adorned, asymmetrical or multi-zippered jacket. Below, the go-to designers . . .

Best Blazers:

Christian Lacroix

Comme de Garçon

Dolce & Gabbana

Givenchy (top right)

Hedi Slimane -- model Eugenia Silva’s fave!

Hervé Leger (black ruffled, below)

L.A.M.B. by Gwen Stefani

La Rok

Libertine

Jean Paul Gaultier

Jil Sander (small photo )

Proenza Schouler

Requiem

Richard Tyler

Smythe

Wunderkind

Wyeth

Ya-Ya

Yves Saint Laurent

The best thing about blazers is that, if they are well-constructed, they are timeless: a gorgeous Chanel bouclé will last you a lifetime! Moreover, blazers are virtually seasonless. A lightweight wool jacket can be worn all-year round!

The choices are limitless this Spring and Fall. Just look for the PERFECT fit and PLEASE spend the few extra dollars to have a choice piece tailored, if need be. Many stores (such as Nordstrom and J. Crew, for example) will tailor full-price items for free!

The general consensus is that the construction of a blazer is in direct proportion to its retail price. But this is not always the case. I have found several surprisingly well-made little toppers at Forever 21, of all places! So keep an open mind . . .

Photographs courtesy style.com and nymag.com.