- / Fashion
How to Wear a Suit: 6 New Ways to Style a Suit This Season
- by Adrienne Faurote
- Last Updated: Apr 08, 2021
Suits are an eternally elegant option for dressing, but the question on how to wear a suit as a woman remains? Here, we break down the key suiting looks for this season and how to style them!
- by Adrienne Faurote
- Last Updated: Apr 08, 2021
As a form of escapism, fashion makes us feel good. Whether it’s the comfort of slipping into your go-to pair of denim jeans or feeling nostalgic when putting on a certain pair of heels, there’s something about getting dressed that provokes emotion and self-reassurance. Perhaps one of the most powerful wardrobe pieces is the suit. There is an unspoken, innate confidence in wearing a suit—the second it’s put on, feelings of empowerment overcome feelings of self doubt and you truly feel unstoppable. And with the new season approaching, it’s time to lean into the feelings of summer suiting.
This season, the runways were teeming with new suit silhouettes to wear in the warmer weather. From a more relaxed look from designer-favorites such as Proenza and Jacquemus to fresh takes on tailored classics from Milan fashion houses like Gucci and Prada, there’s no lack of inspiration when it comes to how to wear a suit. Take a few styling cues from influencer, Camille Charrière and embrace the revival of the 70’s by opting for flared trousers, a wide-collar blazer, and a block heel loafer, or give the short-suit a try like Tiffany Hsu and style the oversized look with pointed-toe boots and the infamous Bottega padded bag. The beauty about this season’s suiting is the versatility. Ahead, discover summer’s best suits and how to wear them.
Masculine/Long Line Short Suits
While the spring/summer runway was flooded with variations of the short suit, the menswear-inspired, long line short suit silhouette proves to be the most sophisticated iteration. Designers with a keen eye in tailoring, including Chloe, Burberry, Altuzarra, Givenchy and Max Mara, perfected the loose fit, while also maintaining a luxe, polished look. Wearing the trend flawlessly, Tiffany Hsu pairs the short suit with the season’s most coveted accessories: the knee-high croc boot and soft, voluminous Bottega Veneta bag.
Head-to-Toe Stripes
When it comes to classic suiting, stripes are a design staple. However, this season expanded beyond the predictable pinstripe into fresh takes on full head-to-toe stripes. From McQueen, Dior, and Stella McCartney experimenting with stripe width and texture to NY-based designers, Marc Jacobs and Michael Kors keeping it classic, yet modern, stripes this season are anything but basic. Style your striped suiting like fashion stylist, Tine Andrea, and pair it with a white t-shirt and sneaker for an effortlessly cool look.
Three-Piece Suit
Introducing the newest suit trend of the season: the menswear-inspired three-piece suit. Seen on the runways of Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Celine, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry, this trend takes a moment to appreciate the art of tailoring. Opt for an elevated look, like style icon Loulou De Saison, and go for a monochrome three-piece set styled with bold black accessories. Expert styling tip: when temperatures start to get warmer, drape the jacket over your shoulders and just wear the vest and trouser.
Exaggerated Suiting
The past few seasons have favored an oversized silhouette, but this season’s take on the exaggerated shape feels a bit sexier, while still adhering to the comfort and ease of an oversized suit. Designers like Proenza Schouler, The Row, Jacquemus, Tory Burch, Hermès showcased this elevated style by keeping it rather minimal. Pair this look with a bra-top and strappy sandal for the ultimate relaxed, yet on-trend look.
The Skirt Set
A more feminine take on suiting, designers like Prada, Miu Miu, Victoria Beckham, Burberry, and Gucci introduced new, elongated skirt suit silhouettes this season. These designers have it down to a science: the skirt hits just right below the knee and is complimented with a structured blazer to create the perfect proportion. Minimalist style icon, Sylvie Mus, styles the look with a low-heel, pointed-toe boot, simple gold hoops, and fitted white tee, proving that less is indeed more.
'70s-Inspired Suiting
There was an undeniable infusion of the 1970s this season. From experimenting with the ’70s color palette and patterns like Gucci and Prada to wide, sharp collars from Victoria Beckham, Paco Rabanne, and Louis Vuitton, ’70s-inspired suits got a modern refresh this summer. Opt for a flared trouser and fitted knit button-down and pair with a wide collar blazer and a subtle cat eye sunglasses to achieve ultimate ’70s style.
