Since making its appearance on runways in Paris this past March, the Balenciaga piped blazer has been called the must-have statement piece for winter among the fashion elite (props to designer Nicolas Ghesquière). But with mile-long waiting lists and a pretty price of £1,300 (2,660.71 USD), you'd be hard-pressed to get your gloved hands on the real deal.
Fortunately, it's the funky-preppy styling that truly sets this look apart—an androgynous get-up marked by military, equestrian and ethnic references—and it can be effortlessly achieved with a few carefully selected items.
Here's how to do it:
Two words: Go thrifting. Scour your favorite secondhand shops for vintage blazers, ethnic print scarves and antique buttons.
Check your closet. Chances are you already own a blazer that you can dress up with the right scarf or update by sewing on those new buttons you scored at the thrift store.
Consider investing in a new blazer. This timeworn piece will take you far into the fashion future with ease, thus bringing down the eventual cost-per-wear.
If you opt to shop for a new blazer, here are four budget-friendlier homages to the original:
[1] Mango Tercio Jacket, $89
[2] J. Crew Double-faced wool Lexington jacket in gray, $250
[3] J. Crew Lexington jacket in ivory, $250
[4] Lux Exeter blazer, $68
