Fashion loves to deal in opposites. On the one hand, we’ve got a resurgence of the naked dress. On the other hand, there’s, arguably, the opposite of the aforementioned look: suiting. In 2021, suits for women are on the rise. But there’s a particular twist to it that we’ve not seen for a while, and that’s the oversized fit. It’s less ’80s shoulder pad and more Diane Keaton in the mid-’90s. Matching isn’t a prerequisite, but the looser the silhouette, the better.
Diane Keaton wearing a suit in 1996. Runway collections have been littered with this suit style. By Malene Birger’s grey three-piece suit is exactly what you’d want to wear to the office (if you’re returning) but you can also imagine wearing unbuttoned with a camisole underneath for a night out. Christopher John Rogers’s bold sunset-orange suit is a less formal look but remains a looser fit.
By Malene Birger A/W 21 collection. Of course, this isn’t a surprise to those of us who see trends coming and going. For some time now, there’s been a love of suiting on my Instagram feed. From pretty purple versions to muted browns and greens, this trend is everywhere I look when I’m scrolling through my favourite influencers’ feeds. Not to mention the fact that The Row’s loose-fit pleated trousers have been one of the hottest items of the past year—arguably a precursor to the full suit becoming popular.
Haim wearing The Row at the 2021 BRIT awards. With that all in mind, I’ve selected my favorite suiting outfits from Instagram and the most recent fashion week street style pictures. Not only will you see how to wear it, but you’ll also spot just how versatile it can be. Once you’ve done that, you can keep scrolling to shop my favorite suits right now. You might be surprised to learn that you can get them from some of the coolest designers as well as the high street.
Style Notes: A loose-fit suit is ideal for pairing with a tee and sneakers—the perfect combination of smart and casual.
Style Notes: If you love colour in your wardrobe, go for a bold hue. Pair with bright colours for the ultimate 2022 way to wear your suit.
Style Notes: Chic ways to wear a suit? Opt for a classic brown and layer a white shirt underneath.
Style Notes: If you want a cool, French way to wear a suit, look to Franny Fyne for style tips. Add a graphic tee underneath and a chic pair of mules to finish it off with some sophistication.
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Style Notes: You don’t have to go for bold hues; pastels look just as good. Wear with basics underneath to keep this feeling fresh.
Style Notes: Not into wearing a matching suit but love oversized jackets? Opt for an oversized jacket-dress, as seen here.
Style Notes: If you want to turn your suit into a viable going-out option, just add a cool crop top underneath.
Style Notes: You can’t really go wrong with a classic white suit. Just add loafers.
Style Notes: I’m very into the leather suiting trend too. Oh so cool.
Style Notes: Keep trousers slightly cropped so you can wear small heels or flats with your suit.
Style Notes: For a full monochrome look, match your accessories to your suit.
Style Notes: Emili Sindlev is the queen of clashing prints and colors. This is a masterclass in doing the suiting trend if you love bold hues.
Style Notes: If in doubt, take inspiration from the ’70s with flared-style suiting, as seen here.
