The traditional business suit has been overhauled, leaving behind sleek silhouettes, funky patterns, and hundreds of unconventional suit styles for you to try. Whether you’re heading to a work party or off to a bachelorette brunch, there’s no occasion that doesn’t call for a suit, even pajama parties! From silk and sateen to sequins and beyond, let’s take a look at the suit’s very own glow up, and what styles are trending this season.
The Bar Suit
Sixties’ fashion has made a comeback, as “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” climbs the television charts for best dressed. The bar suit is the skirt suit’s more feminine silhouette, a blazer paired with a full skirt that exudes a classic elegance. Duru Olowu takes that classic elegance and turns it into a stunning array of modernism, bold prints popping in bold colors. Gucci’s simple bar suit is beautiful in white, while Hiraeth’s shortened blazer and button up skirt looks like something out of a princess’ wardrobe. Marco de Vincenzo’s bar suit it paired with a matching blouse and trousers, and No. 6 takes on a safari style with a cheetah print. Tory Burch takes it up a notch with a stunning quilted bar suit, paired with a ruffled shirt and some tiled booties.
This elegant style would look lovely in a typical wool suiting, of course, but would also be phenomenal in a tweed. For a summery style, try a cotton sateen, or even a felt fabric would work for a structured silhouette!
The Blazer Dress
There’s nothing like a blazer dress to make you feel sexy and sophisticated. From after dinner drinks to brunch in the city, Alessandra Rich’s gorgeous blazer dress in tweed has got you covered. Chocheng’s blazer dress takes on an unusual silhouette, flared where most stay taut to the body, while Fendi features a boxier style. Rebecca de Ravenel’s longline blazer dress is absolutely striking, and Saint Laurent’s sequined style gives off a twenties vibe. Versace’s blazer dress shows some skin with lace sections throughout, perfect for a night on the town.
For a structured silhouette, cotton twill is ideal. The Mood St. Tropez line features a variety of stunning cotton sateens that would work well for a blazer dress or utilized a lace for a couture style.
The Cropped Blazer
Cropped styles are cropping up all over the runway. Short and sweet, the Hillier Bartley is a stunning example of this niche style. Michael Kors’ created a lovely plaid suit with a cropped blazer for Fall and utilized the cropped blazer in a warm-weather shorts suit for Spring. Monse’s puffed up blazer is the perfect top layer, and Off-White’s short suit looks rave-ready. Veronica Beard manages to fashion a cropped peplum blazer, an absolutely gorgeous garment paired with matching pants and a gamboge turtleneck, a stunning array of fall fashions.
Create a crisp look with linen, perfect for a summer blazer, or go for a sleek style with wool twill. Taffeta will give a stiff, strong look, while sequins are perfect for making a statement!
The Jumper Suit
The Jumper Suit is relatively new on the scene, a gorgeous combination of a jumper and, well, a suit. Gucci’s style is totally “office-wear for punks,” or what I like to call, clean cut. Kimora Lee Simmons channels the leisure suit with a velvet jumper suit, while Michael Kors is all business. Peter Pilotto’s jumper makes me think of a business-themed slumber party, and Rebecca Taylor is all class with a sophisticated silhouette.
This funky style would look phenomenal in jacquard, and bright and bold in a Ponte knit (especially one with a foil design). Use velour for a sophisticated look, or a neoprene for something structured.
The Skirt Suit
The Skirt Suit comes in many forms, typically with a pencil skirt and fitted blazer. This is not the case for Francoise, who fashioned a half circle skirt and paired it with a cropped blazer. LaQuan Smith’s gorgeous suit features a simple plaid that pairs brilliantly with the cheetah turtleneck, and Marco de Vincenzo has perfectly channeled the “glam grandma” style, fashioning a beautiful, yet cozy, skirt suit that people of any age can admire. Nanette Lepore’s lovely skirt suit is fitted and paired beautifully with a floral pussy bow blouse, while Nicole Miller’s skirt suit features fur trim that takes this back-to-school style up a notch. Sid Neigum strays from the typical skirt suit with a stunning maxi skirt, ideal for chaperoning the local prom or for a dinner date in early spring.
Utilize a silk satin for slinky style, or check out all satins for a variety of silhouettes. Both jacquards and brocades are perfect for statement styles that no one will forget, and Mikado fabrics feature a stunning structure ideal for the skirt suit.
I am total sucker for the blazer dress, but those cropped blazers are super cute! Which suit style is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!
