What can I say about blazers that I haven’t said already? They are one of the more perfect articles of clothing in existence, as appropriate with jeans and a tee as they are with items far dressier. I like to wear mine with a button-down or graphic tee and sometimes layered over a thin cashmere hoodie. I’m not typically a huge fan of double-breasted versions—especially if the buttons are loud—but I do like this understated version a lot.

I would totally wear a corduroy blazer in a light color like this right now.

The charcoal hue of this Theory blazer is very nearly perfect.

This is Veronica Beard’s School boy jacket, and it’s not too cheap, but I like the shrunken proportions like the shorter sleeves.

I don’t know what this pattern is called—is it a check?—but I do think it’s a ton of fun. And I surprise myself by liking it, a little.

I am so fond of this funky madras plaid jacket so much that I had to include it even though it’s only left in a few sizes.

This notch collar number comes in several colors and rings in at under $100.

I’m pretty certain I’ve shown you this blazer before (my memory is a disaster) but I love everything about it: the cut, the collar, the pockets, the buttons. So much excellence rarely exists in the same item.

Another design detail I usually don’t go for is a lapel-less look, but this Madewell blazer is really polished.

A white blazer worn just like this, over all black, is one of the best looks going.

Here is a J. Crew stretch linen option that is so nicely understated.

Another shrunken silhouette, this one is an excellently fiery red.

This reminds me of a shrunken Nili Lotan blazer I wanted last fall, but it’s much, much cheaper.

Stripes are kind of a kick, and this one comes in pink too, if you’re feeling poppy.

You could turn a silk blazer black tie-worthy with a perfect pair of black trousers and white silk shirt (or a cami if you’re feeling daring).

Chinos aren’t having a big fashion moment out there in the world, but they’re always having a big fashion moment with me, and I’m pretty much dying for this super-snappy (yet, alas, splurgy) Nili Lotan pair.

A lovely, clean-lined army green pair with an unfinished hem, which I know not all of you are fans of, but which I still like.

Usually, I like the slouchiness of chinos (because of course I do) but this Vince pair is curve-hugging in a way I can get behind too.

The leopard-print cuff here is a fun touch.

A higher rise sets this pair from J. Crew apart.

These come in a ton of cool colors, but I’m partial to this faded-out black.

And finally: just a really well-priced pair.

I love a striped shirt above almost all other garments: they’re crisp, versatile, easy to wear, and even kind of sexy (though I might be in the minority in thinking that). I wear them mostly with jeans, but they’re snappy in an entirely polished way with trousers too. I think this Etoile Isabel Marant number is very nearly perfect—nice and slouchy, with a winning combination of hues. Here is something strikingly similar but cheaper.

Everlane’s silk shirt with micro-stripes is really luxe, but doesn’t come with a fancy price.

I just think the colors on this iteration of Madewell’s popular Central shirt are adorable.

The covered buttons on this breezy linen shirt are a nice touch.

I like the slightly shrunken boy cut here.

Zoom in and check out the white stripes on this Vince shirt; they’ve got a cool textured thing going on.

The tonal stripes here are so appealingly barely-there.

A very sweet, summery option.

I am always a sucker for a good rainbow stripe, and this one, from Xirena, is quite excellent. I don’t know why the colors all make sense together, but somehow they do.

And finally: I am in love with the lightning bolt embroidery on this shirt from the stripe mavens at Kule.