The Frankie Shop Bea blazer review

In a new series, we recount tales of the wardrobe heroes that we couldn't live without – from our most-worn pieces and our best-ever buys to the clothing that holds emotional significance. Whether those are styles that have changed the way we dress or pieces that we plan our entire outfits around, in My Wardrobe Hero, we detail the stories behind our most beloved clothes.

Here, digital fashion editor Amy de Klerk describes how The Frankie Shop's Bea blazer became her go-to outerwear.

About two years ago – when oversized tailoring was first having a moment – on a whim, I ordered The Frankie Shop’s beige Bea blazer. The brand was making a real splash after anyone who’s anyone was pictured wearing its military-inspired boiler suit during Fashion Week, and I – like much of Instagram – was intrigued by their collections.

As much as I’ve wanted to, I have actually never really been one for tailoring; I struggle with length and proportions (I am five foot three and fairly petite, but I do also have curves) and have never had a job where I've needed to dress smart, so suiting is something that I am yet to master. But for some reason, I was drawn to this blazer.

The first time I tried it on, I wasn’t sure I could pull it off – it was almost comically oversized on my shorter-than-most frame. I will also admit that, over the years, I've had more than a few comments from friends and family members who don’t understand why I am wearing something that could easily fit two of me in. They might not get it, but the Bea quickly became the most-worn piece I own. In fact, it wasn’t long before I’d invested in one in black, too.

Bea blazer in black

Bea blazer in beige

Bea blazer in light grey

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Bea blazer in dark grey

The blazer quite literally works with everything in my wardrobe and I rely on it time and time again. Often, I throw it on to dress up something casual – like when I pair it with leggings and trainers after a barre class. I’ll use it to smarten up jeans and a tee when I’m wanting a low-key day in the office; it looks polished but the loose fit means you don’t feel at all restricted.

This loose fit also means you're able to layer it over chunky knits in the winter, but because it's lightweight, it still fits under a coat. I style it over floaty dresses in the summer months because it's the ideal fabric to give me just the right amount of warmth and, of course, it also looks great with tailored trousers.

It is perfect to drape over something revealing to give you a little bit of armour and, I also turn to it constantly when I just really don’t feel like showing off my body. It can give you complete coverage but, unlike a baggy tee or sweatshirt, the tailored fit keeps you looking smart and pulled-together – nobody knows that you’re trying to hide, and you still look like you’ve made an effort.

I have worn it to weddings and to the Fashion Awards, but I also wear it to the airport, the gym, the office, out for dressy dinners and to low-key outings at the pub. The Bea blazer has without a doubt become the most-worn piece in my wardrobe and, although some might argue that oversized tailoring may not prove to be the most timeless trend of all time, I refuse to picture the day when it won’t be the default item I reach for in the morning.

In many ways, my obsession with this particular 'wardrobe hero' represents a real change in how I want to approach fashion. Working in the industry over the past decade, during what has been a period of seismic change regarding sustainability, has certainly made me reflect on the pieces I want to invest my money in, and I'm starting to figure out what is right for me.

While it can be tempting to give in to anything and everything shiny and new (particularly when confronted with it on a daily basis), finding those pieces that truly work with my life and style is so much more rewarding, and of course far less guilt-inducing, than buying something I won't wear more than a handful of times.

Finding a 'wardrobe hero' that has become a true essential to me always feels like a very successful purchase, and a great move towards more mindful spending.

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