You can’t always wear summer dresses to the office, and often, you don’t want to spend extra time planning outfits. To reduce the time it takes to get ready, try this season’s answer to one-step dressing: the trouser suit.
And this season’s suiting options ensures that getting dressed in the morning is more contemporary than cliché. The key lesson to achieving the optimal tailored look is focusing on fit and colour. Here are some tips to choose a flattering, versatile trouser suit:
The key to a perfect blazer: When it comes to deciding which style to go for, a trial and error mindset is recommended. Some prefer the adrogynous structure of a double breasted blazer and its sharp silhouette, belted or not, whilst others prefer a single buttoned jacket for ease and simplicity. Regardless of if you side with the former or latter, fit is paramount. Trying on a variety of sizes and even resorting to the skill of a tailor will guarantee a flattering silhouette, no matter the style opted for.
Be bold with color: If you’re accustomed to wearing a neutral-colored suit day in, day out, or have not ventured into suiting before, perhaps color is exactly what needs to be embraced. You can try pink hues or perhaps a beautiful iteration in a bold color like neon pink is a great way to avoid the sombre-suiting rut, and a particularly welcome option if the weather is dreary outside.
For the less daring, a Prince of Wales check is a more subdued option than a block color. Alternatively, you can opt for traditional black and white or a multi combination check for a look imbued with interest. And if a neutral color palette is obligatory for your wardrobe, choose deeper shades of grey or navy to encourage a more polished tone to your overall look. If you can’t make a statement with color, pay extra attention to cut and fit, as these can be just as impactful.
The bottom half is all about balance: Whether you purchase your blazer’s matching bottom half or go rogue and choose a complementary tone instead, the correct fit should balance the shape of your blazer perfectly – while the wrong one could have the polar opposite effect and drown your frame in too much material.
If your blazer is of the boxy variety or is somewhat oversized, your bottom half should be streamlined to balance it out – belted straight or tapered trousers are perfect.
If you opt for a more fitted silhouette on top, you have two options: either follow suit with fitted trousers, or experiment with a wider cut leg which can also be worn with a knit for more casual office days or at the weekend.
Add a simple top: Once you’ve found your perfect suit, choosing the right top to layer under your jacket will set it off perfectly. Not only does your base layer peep through your choice of blazer, but once the workwear staple is whipped off, your former understudy piece is now the main star. For those in favor of a preppy aesthetic, a fitted poplin shirt in bright white is a classic option, whilst a fitted merino wool jumper will be a savior come autumn.
