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Personal Stylist

Jackets with patterns and embellishment are eye-catching and easier to incorporate into your wardrobe than you might think

London-based media icon Jefferson Hack attends a party after the British Fashion Awards in December.

Top: Barena Venezia wool-blend blazer, $670 through matchesfashion.com; Middle: Slim Italian wool blazer, $430 at Banana Republic (bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca); Bottom: Garincj jacquard dinner jacket, $955 at Ted Baker London (tedbaker.com).

Upon spying publishing pioneer Jefferson Hack at a party in London recently, I couldn't take my eyes off his ensemble. A tomato red shirt peeked from under a black blazer. While the jacket's colour was standard, its tiny cross-shaped pattern upped the cool factor significantly. A bolo tie topped it all off. While that particular accessory isn't for the sartorial faint of heart, an eye-catching jacket is easy enough to incorporate into your wardrobe.

Start with the familiar, and look for pieces that are classics with a twist. Barena Venezia's wool blazer at first glance may appear to be your typical jacket, but the peaked lapel pocket and two-tone check lend a bit of dandy dazzle. Wear with navy or charcoal grey trousers and anchor with a crisp white shirt and pocket square to make the patterning really pop.

Tone-on-tone patterning is also an easy way to up the ante of your tailored attire. Banana Republic offers a slick take on camouflage with a slim fitting, Italian wool blazer. Also, Ted Baker's dark blue jacquard resembles a map outline – intriguing but oh so subtle. With monochromatic pieces such as these, you can either proceed with caution and pair with solid-hued shirting and trousers that co-ordinate, or you can be a little riskier. For example, why not take a cue from the bold lining of the Ted Baker jacket and wear a wildly printed shirt beneath? Perhaps just a nattier pocket square in a paisley? Experimenting with combinations will open your eyes to the possibilities, but there are also plenty of ways to keep the look classic. And skip the tie, bow or otherwise. Look to more minimal accessories such as cufflinks and pocket squares to add polish instead.

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