Suit up! That’s not a quote, that’s a demand. Pantsuits are taking over the fashion world this season.
At the Mercedes-Benz Fall/Winter 2013 Fashion Week, designers from Ralph Lauren to Oscar de la Renta were dressing their models in matching pantsuits, making suits a must-have for this season. A matching suit is a suit in which the blazer and pants (and vest if it’s a three-piece) are identical. This means that the suit is made with the same color or pattern and material. But maybe you’re a little hesitant to try this trend, because you’re thinking about your mother’s oversized suit from the ‘80s with the shoulder pads. Well, it’s 2012, and you’d better believe designers have created better tailored and attractive suits for ladies.
Even before designers officially endorsed this trend, it was already making headlines. Blazers have been gaining huge popularity over the summer months. Nearly every retailer now carries business jackets in a variety of colors and cuts. We also saw early celebrity adopters. Blake Lively wore a red matching pantsuit in June to a taping of “Good Morning, America.”
The reason why suits are so big right now is that they can easily apply to another trend. If you’ve been following your fashion news (including this column), then you’ll know all about gothic revival, the most prominent fall/winter 2012 trend. A royal blue, eggplant or chocolate-brown pantsuit would instantly add fashion credibility to your wardrobe. Another trend, printed pantsuits, would be high fashion and should be worn only when you’re feeling extra adventurous.
Did I mention the pantsuit is also popular because it makes a woman’s figure look stunning? Again, suits made today are well-tailored and slim-cut. Most blazers today are cinched in at the waist, the thinnest part of your torso. Pants are crafted to be high-waisted and slim-fitted, covering any problem areas, such as the stomach, hips, butt and thighs, while also showcasing your legs.
And there is no height requirement to this look! Petite ladies, a matching jacket and pant suit will make your body appear longer and leaner. Wearing darker colors will help further slim you down and heels will add more height. It may take some shopping around to find the exact cut and design you like, but a pantsuit should always hide your problem areas while highlighting your best features.
Pantsuits can look very masculine, like Ralph Lauren’s collection, or very feminine, like Oscar de la Renta’s collection. For a more masculine look, try a three-piece suit that is tailored to the body overall. Add a tie or a hat, argyle socks and oxford shoes. If you want a more feminine look, get a pantsuit that is tailored at the waist and flares at the hips. A pendulum jacket is another way to achieve a more feminine-looking suit. Complete the look with minimal jewelry and bright lips.
Another bonus to this trend is that it can be played up or down. For the office or an important event, a matching dark-colored pantsuit with simple make-up and pulled-back hair give an air of authority and confidence. For date night, the brightly-colored suit with blow-out hair, dramatic make-up and stilettos creates an NYC fashionista look. For everyday wear, a lighter or neutral-toned suit with simple hairstyles, minimal make-up and flats gives off a chill vibe often associated with the young and beautiful from Southern California.