i’m forever on the hunt for perfect style staples – those classics that just never let you down, work perfectly for any occasion, and are perpetually chic. the perfect little black dress, a great trench coat, a jean that just won’t quit…they’re all highly covetable finds. for me, a navy blazer has always been high on the staple list. it works with everything from jeans and a button-down to a silk tee and slouchy trousers, or even a great pair of wool shorts in the winter. given a chance, the navy blazer is the top-half equivalent of a great trouser jean: it goes with everything, dresses up anything, and is always, always in style.

{images from chictopia, lucky magazine, onsugar, golestaneh street style, style.com/proenza schouler SS10}

unlike those other staples, the perfect navy blazer is considerably harder to find. either they’re styled for casual looks, and are missing some of the quality construction i’m obsessive about (cotton twill is just not sexy), or they’re built for the boardroom, and never look quite right when dressed down. i’ve been on the hunt for my perfect version for years, and when i came across the heritage blazer from canvas by lands’ end, i knew i’d finally struck gold.

this blazer just does everything right. it has a slim, modern silhouette that makes this look like a style you plucked from the boys’ department (like all of those models are forever saying they do), but it’s actually built to deal with a waist and a bust. in fact, it welcomes them – the lapel buttons are placed higher to avoid gapping at the bust, and front and back darts create a perfect shape. i also love the bright navy shade of this version, which stands out against denim, and won’t be mistaken for black. the fabric is ultra-light, so it survives any layering with ease, and will work year-round. plus, extra touches like the stacked buttons on the cuffs and the hand-stitching on the lapel make this look infinitely pricier than it is.

if your closet is missing this classic, it’s an investment that’s absolutely worth making…but at under $200, it’s also virtually painless. i think it’s worth noting that the entire canvas website is deeply, deeply discounted right now, but this blazer is just about the only piece that’s still full price. that’s the true sign of a classic, dear readers. they have a winner, and they know it.