There’s nothing classier than a suit. Whether you’re heading to a business dinner or off (pretending) to fly first class, a suit stands for everything elegant. Designers seem to agree, as they send models down the runway in a variety of supple suits. From silk and velvet leisure suits to your classic wool suiting, designers are breaking down barriers and rebuilding them with the suit in mind. Let’s take a look at the top suit styles this season, and how to take them from the runway to ready-to-wear.
The Business Suit
Designers are all business this season, with the classic business suit on full blast. Alejandra Alonso Rojas pairs a business suit with a matching crop top, while Brooks Brothers fashions a lovely brown suit that’s anything but basic. Ermanno Scervino’s simple plaid ensemble is paired with a lacy lining, and Givenchy’s green suit pops among the usual black and brown suits. Marissa Webb’s slouchy suit is perfect for work on a chilly fall day, while Rebecca Taylor’s sleek grey suit features a beautiful ruffle along the lapels, a touch of feminity for this androgynous suit.
The business suit tends to be quite strict, so a wool suiting is usually best. For warmer weather, tropical suiting is an excellent alternative, as well as cotton suiting. From pinstripes to solids, stick with basic patterns for a professional and poignant style.
The Leisure Suit
Who doesn’t love to lounge? This year, designers were busy bringing us the ultimate in leisure suits. Altuzarra’s maroon leather leisure suit is hippie meets high end, while Christopher John Rodgers went with a stunning satin suit, the envy of any experienced lady of leisure. Duru Olowu shows off any absolutely stunning crushed velour suit in hot pink that I am desperate to get my hands on, and Karen Walker creates her version of the Canadian Tuxedo, that is to say, a denim suit. Kate Spade’s corduroy suit is Canadian-Tuxedo adjacent, a North American-Tuxedo, while Sara Battaglia’s orange suit and fur coat are the perfect pair for heading to the premiere of the next Muppet movie.
Leisure suits are ideal for, well, leisure! So, pick a fabric that can keep up with your do-nothing days. Silk fabrics like charmeuse are delicate and stunning, although a polyester charmeuse will be stronger while maintaining that shine. Velvet is another excellent option, with a soft hand and gentle pile that is sure to leave you feeling luxurious.
The Loose Suit
Oversized silhouettes have dominated the runway this season, so it should come as no surprise that even the suit has been let loose. Carmen March’s oversized blazer features a popping print, and Luisa Beccaria shows off a more simple style in plaid. Maliparmi channels some intense eighties vibes, while Margaret Howell goes all the way back to the Victorian Era with a suit that makes the chimney-sweep look chic. Preen by Thornton Bregazzi utilizes a loud and lovely print in sherbert, and Vivetta’s velvet suit in sapphire is paired with an amazing sun hat that features visibility holes lined with pearls.
Loose suits have very little structure to them, which means they can handle heavier, more relaxed fabrics. Suede and faux suede are excellent options for this style, as well as thick tweeds or slinky polyester satins.
The Statement Suit
Suits that stand out really stood out on the runway this season, as designers put their most striking suits on display. A. TEODORO’s puffed sleeves accent the simple black suit with grace, while Alexis Mabille goes big with golden pleather wide leg trousers and a matching cropped blazer. Christian Siriano’s basketweave faux leather really popped on the simple silhouette, and Christopher John Rodgers’ fuschia suit was a true shining star from the Fall 2019 season. Erdem utilized an absolutely gorgeous print on a mint backdrop, the perfect suit for brunch by the beach, and Maliparmi’s art deco print popped on wide leg trousers and a fitted blazer.
You can tackle a statement suit a couple of ways, using a conversational print, severe silhouette, or striking fabric. The Mood Exclusive Avenable Collection features some stunning prints, from abstract to bright florals, and come in cotton sateen, the perfect alternative suiting fabric! Check out chainmail for a truly striking style, or neoprene for creating structured silhouettes!
The Subtle Statement Suit
The subtle art of making a statement is hard to master, but these designers know what they’re doing. Guy Laroche’s black suit is broken up by some well-placed lightning bolts that end up looking like marble, while Hillier Bartley features a detachable blazer, going from full to cropped in seconds. Jonathan Simkhai’s pastel pink suit and maroon scarf are my business-wardrobe goals, while Josie Natori’s slit sleeves are a simple statement that the fashion-forward will always notice. Michael Kors’ dizzying chevron is the perfect fine print for this cropped trouser and blazer set, and Mulberry’s tiny floral print pops on a lovely maroon base.
Quiet prints and bold colors are ideal for creating subtle statement suits! Small polka dots or tiny flowers are perfect for leisure suits, while a bold pink or blue can be business with the right accessories.
Which suit is your style? I am all about making a statement, but there’s nothing wrong with being subtle about it. Let me know what you think in the comments!
