Dear Mattie: Are suits still in fashion?
— Seeking new styles in Delbrook
Dear Delbrook: There is a great variety of suits in fashion this season. The trend is mixing pieces to create a stylish suit. There is also a monochrome version of the business suit, with flair and mood enhanced by the colour choice.
The look of the suit is modern and functional.The modern appearance comes from mixing the pieces and the colour choice. The colour palette of the suit is grey and navy. You can soften this look with pastels or add drama with scarlet, fuchsia and cobalt. Choose the colours that exemplify your business attitude. A smooth silhouette enhances the functional form.
Suits should be properly fitted to enhance a shape that is not boxy, yet comfortable to work in. The look is mostly a relaxed fit with a touch of flare. Suits can be monochrome or layered with colour creating a colour block look. There is a lot of room to make a personal or professional statement with your colour choices.
A suit creates a broader shoulder with a nipped waist. This silhouette is not extreme; it is noticeable. Traditional fabrics are still the go-to classics. Pinstripes and tweeds never go out of fashion. They are updated with colour in the thread of the fabric, breathing in new fashion life. Your suit can be as traditional or as modern as you like.
Most skirts fall to the mid-calf. They have a comfortable swing, but it is not a hippy look. Even the slimmer, shorter skirts have a bit of flare as they approach the knee.
Trousers are making a comeback. They are wider, straighter and have pleats. They create a professional look.
Blazers finish off the suit nicely or can be worn as outerwear. They are fitted, yet they still hang off your body. Blazers are not plain; they should have a texture such as tweed or herringbone. The lapels are slightly larger and the body is longer. A longer blazer paired with a belt is an option if you like the layered look. Blazers look great with pencil skirts, flowing skirts and wide trousers.
The most modern look in the business world is coming from the dress. Texture is becoming trendy. Prints are textured. The fabric looks luxurious. Belted knit dresses are very popular. Consider a grey wool crepe dress embossed with the black outline of roses. Or a silky wrap dress with a unique print with bold colours. The dress silhouette is professional.
For those of you who work in a more casual environment, there is still a suit for you. This suit is not comprised of traditional pieces, but is a trendy ensemble. Your colour choices can be fun and the layered look is very chic. Instead of trousers, try cords in cognac to cranberry, from skinny to flared, or cropped pants with a funky graphic print. Skirts can be gauzy, creating a relaxed flow. Denim shirts come in every colour. Lightweight knits are a nice way to bring modern texture trends to your outfit. Also, leather is a great piece of outerwear.
Variety is the spice of life. Enjoy your options.
Adieu,
Mattie
Mattie is a freelance writer and fashion expert. Reach her on her Facebook page or follow her on Pinterest at Mattie a la Mode.
