There are some wardrobe staples that have firmly cemented themselves as must-haves. One everyone is familiar with? The blazer. But fashion brands have recently given the timeless tailored piece a rather chic update this year: they've gone collarless.
You'd expect a great blazer to come with a collar, after all, it's one of its signature features. Single or double-breasted, notch lapel or peak lapel, it's a defining detail of the menswear-inspired staple that has become a wardrobe essential for everyone. But sometimes, a classic deserves a little experimentation, and can look all the better for it, as proven by a rather excellent piece from Next.
Designed in one of the season's favourite colours, a rich chocolate brown, I'd predict this Next staple is set to sell out in no time. Yet, if you're not quite ready to fully delve into an autumn wardrobe (I can't say the same for myself), there's also a neutral, grey-ish style that would look brilliant with a pair of light blue jeans or linen trousers - the latter being a piece I can guarantee you'll already have in your wardrobe after an especially roasting summer.
Of course, the colour isn't what we're here to talk about. It's more about how chic the style is, with an almost avant-garde feel. Incredibly sleek, it marries the polished appeal of a blazer with the more casual feel of collarless pieces, such as cardigans and other less structured outerwear favourites.
The buttons are another interesting feature, tapping into the military-inspired styles that have started to creep into fashion conversations. And if you want to really nail the put-together appeal of soldiery, add a belt for a final touch of polish. It'll also create subtle cinching at the waist without feeling too over the top.
