Gone are the days when suits were just male clothing staple. These days women wear tailored blazers and trousers to office and formal occasions and even casually on a day out with friends or while catching up with cousins for lunch.

Suits have been one of the most popular trends in the fashion industry for the last couple of seasons. With various designers and fashion houses coming up with different styles, you get a variety of suits in different silhouettes, colors, and sizes.

The Week’s Anweiti Upadhyay sought the help of fashion designer Kabita Pokharel, from Toonaz Fashion and Design Mart, to list out some handy pointers for women to keep in mind while shopping for suits. The ideas presented here can applied to both readymade and tailored suits.

Colour scheme

Colours play a significant role in what your silhouette will look like. While darker colours shorten your appearance, lighter colours make you look more tall. Colours like red, yellow, white and any bright colour in general add a couple of inches to your appearance and colors like black, navy blue, grey and brown cut off a couple inches from your appearance. Play with the colors according to your height and how you want to appear. 

Avoid heavy fabric

“Opt for lighter and thinner fabrics for your suits. Thick fabrics like wool and corduroy make your figure look disproportionate, wide and stouty,” says Pokharel. Chiffon, satin and batiste (or cambric) are the best fabric options to make suits that fit your body properly and flatter your figure as well. Additionally, they also provide mobility and flexibility and are easier to layer over or under.

For a formal setting

Well fitted, sleek, and simple suits should be worn to formal settings like workplace or meetings. Go for the traditional idea of suits – neutral colours, simple designs, and crisp fits. “Don’t go overboard with patterns or flashy colors if you are dressing for a formal setting. Avoid loud distractions like frills and embellishments and stick to neutral colours and neat styles which make you appear more professional and put together,” she says. 

For casual wear

There are so many fun ways you can wear suits casually. Choose an interesting pattern, an eye catching color or have frills, embroidery, studs, and embellishments. Mix different colors or patterns like wear a white gingham blazer paired with a blue floral skirt. Choose an unusual fabric (for suits) like denim, chambray or flannel and a refreshing style like a cropped blazer and culottes or shorts for your bottom. Just steer away from the orthodox idea of suits. “The idea is to have fun and experiment and create your own unique style. Everything works for casual suiting as long as you are comfortable with it,” says Pokharel. 

Styling suits

So you did get a blazer and a skirt or a pair of trousers. What do you wear under it or with it? So many things, according to Pokharel. “You could go the classic route with a button down shirt and a pair of heels. For a more modern and experimental look, pair your suits with camisoles, casual t-shirts or bralettes and ankle boots or sneakers,” she says. You can accessorise suits with a clutch or a chic handbag for a professional look or a backpack or crossbody bag for a more relaxed and casual look.

 
• suiting
 
• women