Fashion
Suit up: How to wear suits and matching separates
Ann Taylor
Fashion
Suit up: How to wear suits and matching separates
Since 1920, when Coco Chanel debuted the Chanel suit—a skirt and collarless jacket inspired by menswear—women have taken the suit and made it their own. In the 1960s, it was cropped and boxy; the 1970s brought wide legs and wider lapels into the mix; and the power suits of the ’80s were embraced by working women everywhere.
Women now wear the suit in many ways—deconstructed, slim-fitted, paired with sneakers and to black-tie events—and have even embraced the matching set (a top and bottom in the same fabric, print or colour) for easy and polished dressing. Versatile, practical and oh-so chic, the sartorial strength of a good suit is hard to deny. We spoke to Amanda Kraemer, style director at Loft, about the power of a good suit and how to wear the wardrobe staple this fall.
Why suit up?
“I love the versatility of a woman in a suit,” says Kraemer. We have to agree. A suit can be the foundation of a great outfit for any occasion—whether it’s work, brunch, a date or red-carpet event—and everyone from Ellen Page ( recently at the Toronto Film Festival) to Tatiana Maslany (at the 2015 Emmys) has embraced this classic look. The best part? Mixing and matching separates with your existing wardrobe gives you bang for your buck.
Tatiana Maslany at the 2015 Emmys; Photo by Getty Images
Classic takes and modern matches
You can’t go wrong with a slim-fitting black suit, but the rigidity of the classic pantsuit isn’t for everyone, warns Kraemer. “If you love movement and fluidity, opt for a skirt suit,” says Kraemer. Basic black isn’t for everyone, either. This season, try embracing a different colour or even a pattern. Feeling even more adventurous? Give your suit a ’70s spin by choosing trousers with a wider leg. “A wide-leg suit has so much allure and can easily be the most dramatic ensemble in the room,” says Kraemer.
The matching set
The matching set might have first gained traction at summer hot spots such as Coachella, but don’t rule out this getup just yet. “Matching sets are your best friend on the mornings you ‘don’t have anything to wear,’ ” says Kramer. “You can look polished in no time.” Opt for details such as rich colours and simple patterns in classic cuts and minimalist silhouettes.
Dressing your set up or down
If you’re dressing down, try layering a light denim jacket, a chambray shirt or a textured sweater under your blazer, and pair the outfit with sneakers for a laid-back look. Scrunch your sleeves for an added casual touch.
When dressing up, start with a good fabric. “You can’t dress up cheap fabric,” says Kraemer. Then, add a statement item—a bold lip, your favourite chandelier earrings or a killer cocktail ring—and finish with an elongating pair of heels.
Read more:
The art of layering for fall
How to wear a turtleneck three different ways
Comments