Suits are big news for summer and nothing to be fazed by. We show you how to style them in a modern way for a cool tailored look
Fashion: Lucy Reber
Suits: get it right first time
From the minute Alessandro Michele showcased exquisitely cut floral suits in his debut Gucci a/w 2015 collection, two-pieces became ‘a thing’. Now they are officially everywhere. This is your need-to-know guide to rocking the look
- The perfectly fitted boyfriend blazer is the holy grail of modern tailoring. Selfridges’ personal shopper, Kitty Cooper, advises, “[It] should fit on the shoulders and sleeves, but hang at the front. Slim cut is good, as long as the length is there to give that androgynous look.”
- Proportion is key. Kathryn Sargent, master tailor from Savile Row, says, “I work with a woman’s figure. If you’re long in the body, wear your trousers higher in the waist with a shorter jacket. But if your body is shorter, I’d choose a standard-length jacket and opt for a trouser that sits lower on the waist.”
- Finding the perfect trouser style for your shape can result in a lot of trial and error. If you want a ‘go-to’ Cooper suggests, “A slim, full-length trouser tends to suit all – lengthening the leg and the figure.”
- Many shops will do simple alterations for you on purchase. These include Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Topshop and Eileen Fisher. And for a small fee, Zara, Jaeger, Paul Smith, Massimo Dutti, Reiss, J Crew, Tommy Hilfiger and Hobbs will make changes.
Photography: Pixeleyes
Two step
Blazer, £225; shirt, £95; and trousers, £135; all Topshop Unique (topshop.com)
Denim works
Turn tradition on its head with a slim-cut suit in the ultimate casual fabric. Add a silk neck tie for a modern twist, and turn trousers up to crop at the ankle – the perfect length for spring.
Blazer, £125, and trousers, £59.95, both Massimo Dutti (massimodutti.com); top, £25, John Lewis (johnlewis.com); scarf, £12, Topshop (topshop.com); bag, £50, Aldo (aldoshoes.com); sunglasses, £255, Prism (shop.prismlondon.com); shoes, £70, Dune (dunelondon.com)
In bloom
A floral-print suit will revolutionise your summer wedding wardrobe. Keep the cut long and loose for the perfect languid look, and wear with a silk cami and modern metallic flats.
Blazer, £59.99, and trousers, £39.99, both Zara (zara.com); top, £62, Intimissimi (uk.intimissimi.com); earrings, £194, Lulu Frost (lulufrost.com); clutch, £147, Sophie Hulme (theoutnet.com); shoes, £69.50, Boden (boden.co.uk)
Cut short
Don’t shy away from this modern silhouette – a fluid silk tunic is perfect for its loosely tailored form. Keep shorts long-line and wear with chunky mules for the most flattering lineation.
Blazer, £125, and shorts, £79, both Cos (cosstores.com); blouse, £139, Jigsaw (jigsaw-online.com); bag, £530, Alexander Wang at Very Exclusive (veryexclusive.co.uk); watch, £169, Storm (stormwatches.com); bangle, £223, Eddie Borgo (eddieborgo.com); shoes, £200, Senso (senso.com.au)
Make it sleeveless
Removing the sleeves instantly updates the archetypal pinstripe suit, mirror this by wearing it with a sleeveless rib knit. For more formal work days, layer with a crisp white shirt instead.
Jacket, £48, and trousers, £42, both Oasis (oasis-stores.com); top, £14, Simply Be (simplybe.co.uk); sunglasses, £79, Max & Co (gb.maxandco.com); necklace, £24.99, Pilgrim (pilgrim.dk); watch, £395, Links of London (linksoflondon.com); bag, £245, Karl Lagerfeld (karl.com); shoes, £165, LK Bennett (lkbennett.com)
Into the fray
Frayed edges are everywhere for spring and are a great way to switch up your tailored look. This suit is the ultimate for daytime dressing when paired with bold flat sandals.
Blazer, £50, and shorts, £30, both Asos (asos.com); T-shirt, £9.90, Uniqlo
(uniqlo.com); earrings, £88, J Crew (jcrew.com); clutch, £35, Weekend by
John Lewis (johnlewis.com); sunglasses, £8, Monki (monki.com); sandals,
£89.50, Russell & Bromley (russellandbromley.co.uk)
Texture clash
Pair a slimline skirt suit with a flared peplum hem blouse – the combination of textured cotton and tactile lace adds an extra stylistic dimension. Wear with brogues to update for the office.
Blazer, £315, and skirt, £165, both Claudie Pierlot (uk.claudiepierlot.com); top, £220, Self-Portrait (self-portrait-studio.com); glasses, £199, Prada (davidclulow.com); watch, £225, Larsson & Jennings, (larssonandjennings.com); boots, £75, Office (office.co.uk)
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