Clockwise Upper Right, French Connection Blazer ($196) // Ivanka Trump Single-Button Blazer ($129) // H&M Crepe Flyaway Blazer ($25) // Topshop Double Collar Blazer ($95) // Rebecca Taylor Boucle Blazer ($395)

Whether you wear them with denim at a casual office or with suit separates in a professional environment, blazers are a work essential.  A few blazers can make quite a few outfits if you pick the right ones.  To build a professional wardrobe from scratch, these are the five blazers I would choose.

The Tweed Blazer. This Rebecca Taylor jacket is a wonderful piece.  If you want the same look for less, this similar-looking RT jacket is available in most sizes for $149.

Searching for more affordable options?  This Dex open-front jacket is a nice option.  For a bit of color, I like this orange Anne Klein jacket.

How to wear it. I love tweed blazers with a tie-neck blouse and a pencil skirt.  It’s a great alternative to a suit.  For casual days, try a pair of straight leg jeans and a v-neck tee.  I also add a long pendant.

The White Blazer. I wear this blazer in all seasons.  White just has a classic crispness to it that I love.  And this Topshop jacket has a chic modern style to it.

For a looser boyfriend cut, this blazer from Nasty Gal is the perfect pick.  If you’re looking for a traditional-cut blazer, this Ralph Lauren blazer is a good place to start.  And for an affordable, chic option, I like this $74 Mural blazer from Nordstrom.  Plus-size?  This blazer from Eloquii is sleek and well-priced.

How to wear it.  I love to wear my white blazer over sleeveless sheath dresses.  I also like it with a pencil skirt over a white lace top (as seen here).

A Colored Blazer. You need a little color in your life.  A woman cannot live by neutrals alone.  This plum-colored blazer is nice.  I also like the soft hue of a blush blazer or the bold impact of cobalt.

Plus-size?  This Marseilles textured cobalt jacket is nice.  Petite? Talbot’s has a pretty shell pink blazer.

How to wear it. Try this blazer with a pair of skinny black jeans on casual Friday.  I also like the look of a blush jacket with a pleated ivory skirt or grey trouser.

The Navy Blazer. A total work classic, I believe the navy blazer is a must-have for any woman.  You can use it to build the simplest look in the world or throw it over something more interesting to tone it down for the office.

This Ivanka blazer is a classic shape.  I also like this shawl collar option from Cloak & Dagger.  This Wyatt collarless blazer is also worth a look.  Plus-size?  Try this Pendleton seasonless wool jacket.

How to wear it. I love a navy jacket with a crisp white dress, like this cowl-neck number from Milly.  It also looks great with a Breton striped tee and a pair of distressed jeans.

Peplum Blazer. The last must-have choice for my office wardrobe is a peplum jacket.  I love the look; it’s a bit vintage, a bit modern.  This French Connection jacket is lovely.  This white peplum jacket is very dramatic (I kind of adore it).  If you want something subtle, this Laundry jacket has a slight kick-out.

Plus-size? Try this Shabby Apple jacket.  Petite?  This Ellen Tracy jacket is a must-have.

How to wear it.  The volume of the peplum needs to be balanced with snug-fitting bottoms.  A pair of skinny trousers like these pencil pants from LOFT.  For the blouse, try a scoop neck silk tank.