S is for Suit!

Suits are back, and they’re making no apologies! Furthermore, they are more modern and creative than ever!
Even if your workplace doesn’t require it, donning a suit gives you an instant power boost. Just as wearing a killer pair of heels changes your gait, imbuing your swagger with sex appeal, wearing a coordinated combo communicates authority and confidence.
A gal can’t help but feel self-assured when sporting a sassy tweed pencil skirt and fitted jacket (a la Thakoon, above left), right darlings?

SWEET AND LOVELY

The suit, softened, at Valentino

Runway photos via nymag.com unless otherwise credited.
Asprey
fabulous florals
FUR SURE!

Giambattista Valli fur-trimmed mint

Check out the "fingerless glove" effect of these sleeves!


Isaac Mizrahi

Fur creates a "bell" sleeve for this chic collarless jacket!
Blumarine

Tweed pairs fabulously with fur, leather and animal prints!





J. Mendel,
via style.com
MAD FOR PLAID

D&G,
via style.com

Of course, these pieces will stand even better on their own!
Ralph Lauren

Note the sassy hemline and pairing of different size checks!!





SHINY STYLE

Donna Karan gets glittery
Milly has sheen too!
MINIS ARE THE MOST!

Etro goes skater-skirt chic;
via style.com
Zac Posen
BLUE BLAZES


Jens Laugesen
makes us miss the 80s!
Todd Lynn
Just a hint of royal at YSL,
via style.com
Loewe Resort 2009 – chic, minimalist, and seasonless!

Note that the pencil skirt is paired with a sleek shirt and tie rather than a jacket!
6267

A gorgeous military-inspired (yet oh-so-feminine) full-skirted suit in winter white
GREAT LENGTHS

Michael Kors

Classic in camel, but with a longer skirt and a short sleeve, double-breasted jacket for a modern twist!
Jaeger London
PANTS SUITS!

Salvatore Ferragamo with winter white
The post-modern pantsuit at Junya Watanabe;
this photo and next two via style.com
Max Mara menswear-inspired double-breasted pantsuit
Fun with florals at Dries van Noten
Abbreviated pants in raspberry silk at Gai Mattiolo

Photo courtesy Vogue Paris
THE TRUMPET SKIRT GETS SOME FANFARE!
Richard Chai
Verrier

What a lovely outsize houndstooth print!
KNEE-GRAZING SKIRTS

Marc Jacobs

Note that pairing a conservative suit with knee-high boots makes it feel a tad edgier and more modern!





Tuleh

(by the by: how amazing is that purple fedora??)
Lanvin shiny slate,
via style.com

Note the plunging neckline! Be bold and lose your shirt!
Prada shirt dress and pumps

Photo courtesy wwd.com.
In the shops:
Sexy tweeds at Bebe







Above:
Dior's curvaceous crimson, at Neiman Marcus

At right:
Donna Karan antique beaded tweed jacket and sarong skirt, at Saks Fifth Avenue
(Note that brown opaque tights are a lovely alternative to the ubiquitous black.)
There are numerous affordable suiting options at Victoria’s Secret!
How classic and chic is this look at right?

Visit victoriassecret.com.
D&G chocolate delight,
at Neiman Marcus


If you’re suit-averse, channel the trend one of the following ways:
1) Mix it up!
No need to be matchy-matchy!
Check out the youthful suiting look below from Karen Zambos; mustard plaid cropped jacket and tweed high waist mini, available at chickdowntown.com
2) Wear a dress and jacket instead; makes for an easier day-to-night transition, too!

Carolina Herrera floral jacquard jacket and sheath, at Bergdorf Goodman
3) Try a flirty coat dress,
like this green Smythe les Vestes’
from shoplanguage.com
4) Opt for a monochrome look that hints at a suit but is a tad more casual, like this purple combo put together at ravinstyle.com: Hunter Dixon Tess blouse and Denim of Virtue tapered jean
5) Fake it with matching separates!
CC loves this Chloe Wanderlust asymmetric floral skirt and blouse combo,
available at net-a-porter.com.

Note that it’s paired with patterned tights!
The suit look need not be conservative, darlings! Have fun and make it your own!