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A woman in a suit exudes a certain power. Just consider the cultural impact of Gwyneth Paltrow wearing that red velvet Gucci suit by Tom Ford to the 1996 VMAs; the best suits for women exude a similar elegance. So, this summer, why not ditch the dresses for social events and opt for impeccably-tailored separates instead.
While suits are inherently polished, they’re also just plain easy. Designed to match, you don’t have to bother styling the blazer with the right pair of trousers. That said, it would be prudent to invest in suits that include elements that stand alone – suits are no longer pigeonholed as workwear, so the blazer can be paired with a dress for a formal touch, or trousers can be dressed down with your favourite jumper. This makes the suit an ideal piece for a capsule wardrobe.
What makes a suit great depends on a number of factors: fabric, cut, construction, silhouette, details – and, because of the nuance involved, investing in a suit from a brand known for tailoring is a wise choice. There’s also a number of suit styles to pick from – a classic style is perfect for the office, while a statement set will work wonders at a wedding or garden party. We’ve curated an edit of the best suits for women that’ll make getting dressed a breeze this season.
Classic Suits
Nothing beats the classics, and a traditional blazer-trouser pairing works well for every occasion. An easy one-and-done option, a classic suit also lends itself to being styled separately. For immaculate tailoring, look to The Row – its minimal and timeless aesthetic is embodied in the boxy black wool-blend Schoolgirl blazer and the Igor pleated straight-leg trousers.
Elsewhere, Burberry’s wool blazer is crafted with a full-canvas construction and cut for a slim fit. It'll pair well with the matching trousers or blue jeans, and we'd suggest wearing with a clutch of gold jewellery.
Three-piece suits
Channel your inner Diane Keaton in Annie Hall with a gorgeous three-piece suit. Forgo pussy-bow blouses and fussy shirts and replace with a chic waistcoat under your tailored blazer. And, as trend cycles would have it, the waistcoat will work brilliantly with some jeans or a maxi skirt for a stylish Gen Z look.
ME+EM’s beige pinstriped waistcoat is fitted with darts and a back buckle, and pairs beautifully with wide-leg trousers and a structured blazer with padded shoulders. We'd wear with loafers and a slicked-back bun to polish it off. Also don't skimp on The Frankie Shop for a classic black Tencel and wool blend three-piece suit.
Colourful suits
While classic suits are usually associated with versatile neutrals, vibrant renditions can make brilliant statement pieces, or add a pop of much-needed colour to an outfit when worn separately. Veronica Beard’s multi-hued khaki suit is crafted from lightweight linen, which makes it a great option for summer weddings. Style with trainers for a casual take.
Zimmermann’s unique design aesthetic, however, offers a more feminine option. Crafted from a lilac wool and silk-blend, this tailored blazer and flared trousers combination drapes around the body beautifully. Wear with towering stilettos to cut a sexy silhouette.
Statement suits
If you’re not one to keep it simple with a maxi dress, statement suits are a great option. Give fun florals a chance with Kipper's vibrant blue suit emblazoned with Liberty London's Mitsi print. Or, take a break from the pleated trousers with Balmain’s bouclé suit, featuring a double-breasted green blazer embellished with gold-toned buttons and matching frayed shorts. Wear with kitten heels to make a statement.
Skirt suits
Sure, suits for women take their cues from its male counterparts, making them slightly androgynous. But if your style is more feminine, why not opt for a skirt suit? Ganni offers a great pink puff-sleeved option that’ll work wonders with the right pair of ballet flats. For a more contemporary look, try Self-Portrait’s white skirt suit – it includes a cropped satin-trimmed bouclé-tweed blazer paired with a belted thigh-slit white skirt. Detailed with gold thread and crystal-embellished buttons, this one is also a great pick for brides.
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