Smooth Operator

A leather blazer looks sharp like tailoring but feels as easy as a jacket. It blocks the wind, goes with jeans, and dresses up a plain tee in a second.

This season the best shapes are a little longer and slightly oversized, in smooth black leather and soft brown suede.

I split the edit into two groups: black leather blazers first, then brown leather and suede blazers.

These go with absolutely everything. The fitted styles with notch collars look polished over a white tee, and the oversized cuts feel cool with straight jeans.

The cropped blazer looks great with a matching skirt, the long three button style feels a little seventies, and the boyfriend shapes slip over a chunky knit.

My fitting room test: cross your arms. The shoulders should not pull tight across your back. What I would skip: faux leather that feels stiff or squeaks when you move.

Brown feels softer than black and works beautifully with denim, cream and grey. The chocolate leather styles look rich, especially the double breasted one and the blazer with a cinched waist.

The cognac and tan suede blazers feel very seventies with plaid skirts and flares, and the long caramel double breasted style looks great as a matching set.

What I check: the colour of the suede. It should look even all over, with no shiny spots at the elbows or pockets. What I would skip: very light suede if you carry a heavy bag that rubs.

Wear a black leather blazer with a white tee, straight jeans and loafers. For dinner, try it over a slip dress with ankle boots.

Brown suede looks best with warm colours, like a cream knit, dark denim and brown boots.