I Practically Live in This Blazer—Here Are 5 Easy Ways I Wear It

If there's one thing we preach at Who What Wear, it's getting the most out of your wardrobe. We're all about investment pieces, the timeless essentials that cost a little more but last a lot longer. When thinking of elevated basics, one brand especially comes to mind: Calvin Klein. Known for–amongst many things–its 90s slip dresses that were worn by everyone from Kate Moss to Cher Horowitz, whenever the seasonal collections drop, our editors are quick to swoon over them. Monochromatic tailoring, silk shirts and sumptuous leather accessories? Yes, please.

Founded in 1968, Calvin Klein very quickly became a favourite at New York Fashion Week. By the 1970s, it had sportswear and lingerie lines under its belt, but the designer denim heyday of the mid '80s is where the brand really became a household name known for quality cotton basics, jeans and a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. Since then, it has become a pioneer of the understated—one could say the brand invented "quiet luxury" well before it became the term it is now.

It doesn't take much to see that quiet luxury is Who What Wear to a T. Scroll on our site for a moment or two, and you'll no doubt see us use terms such as "capsule wardrobe," "investment pieces" and "affordable luxury," all of which are synonymous with Calvin Klein. If you'll be heading to the store to browse its spring 2023 collections, then don't miss our exclusive 20% discount, which you can use in-store by simply showing this article. You can find out more about this offer here.

As we transition from a cold, wet and rather grey winter into an occasionally sunny but often drizzly spring, we look to key layering pieces that can be worn several different ways. Some say you should dress for the weather you want, but anyone in the UK will tell you that the chance of showers makes it imperative to carry a jacket, especially for those in-between weather days. Of course, there's a plethora of jacket options for this time of year—a leather jacket is a personal favourite, and everyone loves a trench coat—but today, we're making a case for the blazer.

At WWW, blazers aren't just part of our capsule wardrobes—they're part of our identity, our unofficial uniform. But this isn't just any blazer. This is Calvin Klein's cropped smoking jacket. To show its versatility, I headed into the store and style it in five different but equally excellent ensembles. Keep scrolling to see my outfits, and if you would like to re-create these looks, then head to the store for an exclusive 20% Who What Wear discount.

This look has transitional capsule wardrobe written all over it! Twill trousers are such a staple for weird weather days. Simply swapping your shoes and removing the blazer makes a March outfit feel appropriate for May. This Calvin Klein vest top is made with 91% sustainable modal, and the super-soft fabric seamlessly fits on the body like a second skin, making it easy to tuck into trousers without any visible creases. (An essential part to elevating staples is ensuring they fit your body correctly.)

In case you missed it, sheer is one of the biggest trends for spring 23. But admittedly, sometimes sheer mesh is difficult to elevate. Make way for this ribbed dress, which is made with an Ottoman knit fabric, so it feels luxe and polished. You don't need me to tell you that the ribbing designed in a vertical direction helps to elongate the silhouette, and the slip dress that comes with it makes it appropriate for any occasion. Swap out these sandals and this ultra-soft leather shoulder bag for a clutch, heels and a lipstick, and this dress becomes a strong contender in the "wedding guest dress" category.

Next up: denim. It's something we all know Calvin Klein does so well. This high-waisted silhouette with a flare is great with a cropped jacket as it showcases the natural waistline unlike oversized blazers that can swamp. For underneath, I selected a vest top in this beige hue, a warmer alternative to white. (I can never keep them fresh for very long.) For accessories, I went sleek and sophisticated with a shoulder bag and pointed mules, elevating the jeans to feel office or dinner appropriate.

Calvin Klein appreciates a neutral colour palette. Soft beiges, navy and occasional pops of bold colour (I hear mustard and cobalt blue have just hit the store floors) help balance out the monochromatic scheme that the brand is known for. Whilst we love all-black dressing (especially on those days when you have to go straight to your evening plans from work), it can be hard to make an all-black outfit feel interesting. The answer to this problem is texture and finer details. This coordinating skirt and top have a fish net overlay that attracts the eye and adds an element of unexpected interest. This netting paired with the cropped blazer gives an edge to your usual "skirt and matching top" outfit. My tip: For a more casual feel, drape the jacket over the shoulders.

Perhaps I've saved the best for last—because a two-piece suit never fails. These tailored trousers obviously look like they were made for this jacket, but then, they were made for it! The wide leg feels very now, and I love how the trousers sit on the waist just above where the jacket ends. This silhouette is just so flattering and comfortable, which is exactly what we can expect from a premium brand such as Calvin Klein, who has always excelled in tailoring. Whether it's for work or play, this two-piece will always work.

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