SHANE WATSON: Not all blazers are created equal. It might be time to ditch your navy version for heritage chic instead

Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn moreMy original plan was to write a eulogy to all blazers. A blazer is a lifesaver in my view. If you want to look like a chic Parisian or fashion editor, add a blazer. If you need to smarten up jeans or trousers for the evening… blazer. And so on.But the truth is – as I discovered when I reached for a neat blue needlecord single-breasted blazer the other day – not all blazers are created equal. This one was exactly the sort I generally go for but somehow didn’t quite chime with the mood of autumn 2026. If I had to sum it up in three words, I’d say it lacked that newly necessary bit of ‘personality’.It’s probably easier to say what the new blazer is not. It’s not plain blue for a start – too middle-of-the-road normal, even if it is in corduroy. It’s not made of any fabric you might associate with the boardroom. It's not smooth and, unless it’s flecked tweed, it’s not black. It’s not narrow fit, but that’s not to say it’s oversize in that wide-shouldered, borrowed from your doorman boyfriend way – those days are past.In this blazer, you want to feel all the bonuses you get from a normal blazer – instantly pulled together, instantly smarter, instantly more poised – and more original.The easiest route to achieving this feel is with a tweed or ‘heritage’ check. I had never owned a tweed wool blazer, and now I do and can confirm it hits the spot. There’s been a lot of talk already this season about ‘heritage’ English country looks rising to the top of the fashion tree, and what that means in practice is that slick modern tailoring, technical fabrics and black have taken a back seat to herringbone coats, tweed and check jackets, argyle knits, greys and browns. Of the lot, the tweed or check jacket has the widest, ‘can’t go wrong’ appeal. Even if you’re not remotely seduced by the country estate vibe, this feels more contemporary than a pinstripe, navy needlecord or black velvet blazer. It taps into the country classics mood, the less minimal mood, and as of now it’s the key item that adds substance and grit with elegance.My Zara one is light flecked brown, and single-breasted with two front patch pockets, for adding swagger. I’ve already worn mine with a crisp blue shirt and smart jeans, with a ginger brown sweater and white jeans (very good early autumn combination if the weather’s good). I could wear it with a leather skirt and knee boots – not a kilt, mind you. One hit of heritage is enough, or you’ll end up looking like you’re in a Holland Cooper ad. Try flipping the collar up and layering a shirt and a sleeveless sweater underneath.A dark grey herringbone would work equally well, and for that you can head to Marks & Spencer and try their longline, single-breasted, collarless version. Mango does a dark grey, faintly plaid, double-breasted style and another really good-looking, double-breasted blazer in that small multi brown, beige and black check that I’m tempted to call Diana Honeymoon check (£99.99).It’s very much in favour now, not least because it blends easily with everything, including black. I’m not a natural check wearer, but I’d give this a whirl, and it has the advantage of a back vent (always sits better). Brora has a tailored houndstooth jacket in similar colours with a bit of a 1970s flair about it that’s now less than half price in the sale.If you want a little more shape, John Lewis does a double-breasted, waisted wool-blend grey herringbone blazer, but be aware this is heavier and I doubt you could wear it all day in the office. A little costlier but good-looking and once again slightly more fitted on the waist is Massimo Dutti’s wool brown check single-breasted jacket. Great length, good lapels – this is a jacket that will stick around. Your jacket doesn’t have to be tweed or check: if you want something wool with the all-important heritage feel but prefer a plainer cropped style, I like Zara’s soft square dark slate grey jacket with gold buttons, fringe trims and front patch pockets. It’s a little bit Loden, a little bit Chanel, a little bit something you might find by the fireside in a smart house in the country. It’ll elevate your old trousers and add a touch of class is the point. Easy.