Victoria's Secret jacket

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School-Days-Inspired
Dressier and slimmer than a workaday blazer but just as comfortable, these nine pieces smartly solve the "what to wear" dilemma.

Punch up a turtleneck and jeans with a jacket made of plush sweatshirt fabric.
 
Victoria's Secret PINK, $58; VSPink.com
Nicole Miller jacket

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High buttons and curved seams make this golden option a good choice for larger chests.
 
Nicole by Nicole Miller, $82; JCP.com
Priorities jacket

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A classic, double-breasted wool blend veers away from the old-boys' club, thanks to a funky asymmetrical cut. 

Priorities, $154, Max & Gino's, Hewlett, New York; 516-295-6895
Kate Hill jacket

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Soft but structured burnt orange flannel delivers a solid hit of autumn's hottest color.
 
Kate Hill, $178, Lord & Taylor; 800-223-7440
Tommy Hilfiger jacket

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This cropped blazer with necktie trim chicly transforms jeans or khakis.
 
Tommy Hilfiger, $190, select Macy's stores; 800-622-9748
Club Monaco jacket

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The clean lines of this black and ivory wool make for an elegant alternative to the basic cardigan.
 
Club Monaco, $249; ClubMonaco.com
Cacharel jacket

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Rounded lapels and pockets give this striped number French schoolgirl flair.
 
Cacharel, $535, Jane Boutique, NYC; 212-772-7710
Rare Donna jacket

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Subdue this rock-star-worthy purple velvet jacket, with its silk lapels, painted buttons, and striped trim, by pairing it with skinny black pants.
 
Rare Donna, $685, Sebastian's Closet, Dallas; 972-387-0888
Moschino jacket

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Mismatched buttons, an extra pocket, and teal trim add interest to lightweight herringbone.

Moschino Cheap and Chic, $1,375, select Saks Fifth Avenue stores; 877-612-7257

— Brooke Kosofsky Glassberg