How to Design Your Own Women Suits

Women Suits are a staple in many women’s wardrobes. Whether worn as a full suit or mixed with separates, they can work for any occasion.

Women’s suits have a rich, boundary pushing history dating back to Sarah Bernhardt scandalizing Parisian society in her men’s clothing and Georgio Armani championing androgynous shoulder pads. The modern women’s pantsuit emerged in the 1980s.

History

Women suits have had a long and varied history. Coco Chanel may evoke images of cool femininity and pink perfume bottle elegance but she was also one of the first to take menswear designs and make them more suitable for women. Her tweed women’s suits from the 1920s were designed to allow women to breathe, a welcome departure from restrictive corsets. Her effort was echoed in Katherine Hepburn’s tom-boy look of the 1930s that made it possible for women to work outside the home in pants or skirt suits with wider shoulders and more masculine fit designs.

Giorgio Armani introduced tailored trouser suits for women in the 1980s that helped reintroduce the suit to the workplace. Often referred to as “pantsuits” but officially known as skirt or pant and blazer suits, these new styles took the gender out of fashion and ushered in a era of career-minded women clad in power suits. The suit went through a brief lull in the 1960s as many women sought more traditional domestic roles following World War II. But by the 80s with the share of females in the workforce growing and Georgio Armani championing androgynous shoulder pads, the suit was back with a bang.

Styles

Women’s suits have a rich, boundary-pushing history. At one time, wearing men’s clothing was scandalous and illegal, but actress Sarah Bernhardt wore her “boy’s clothes” with conviction in Hamlet, and her style set the precedent for modern women. Today, a suit is considered chic and effortlessly cool. Anthony Vaccarello’s re-invention of the suit at Saint Laurent proves it is still a relevant style choice.

It wasn’t until the 1980s that suits became commonplace in the workplace for women. At the urging of designer Giorgio Armani, tailored trouser and skirt suits pushed back against the sexy dress culture that Women Suits had defined women’s fashion in the 1970s and ushered in a new, more serious era for career girls.

Pantsuits have also become a common women’s workwear staple, as exemplified by Hillary Clinton’s rotating wardrobe of power suits. To build a suit for yourself, start by finding your perfect blazer at Sandro Paris, Maje, Nordstrom, Pinko or the Outnet and then shop Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Sezane or Yoox for the trousers that match. For a more fashion-forward look, choose a blouse in the same color family as your suit for a monochrome effect and add gold jewelry to elevate the style.

Tailoring

After determining the purpose and basic style of your suit, consider what messages you want to convey. Choose 3-5 messages and jot them down. These will guide the design process.

In 1925, Coco Chanel was the first to introduce casual chic to women’s tailoring, ditching the corset in favour of a flatter bust and more streamlined silhouette. She also introduced trousers to women’s suits, a major breakthrough that allowed them to move freely and comfortably in the workplace.

For a sleek and sophisticated look, tailored velvets, satins and metallics bring a seductive edge to after-dark parties. Embellishments such as diamante trims and feather embellishments add a touch of drama to the mix.

A good tip for making the most of your tailored suit is to have a friend take pictures of you from the front, side and back. This will allow you to easily spot fit issues or proportion problems. It’s a great way to identify the best accessories and hairstyles, too!

Fabrics

When it comes to designing your own suit, the right fabric is key. Choose a material that is breathable, soft, and reflects your style. This will help you create a tailored look that will leave a lasting impression on others.

Wool is a popular choice for suits because it’s both warm and breathable. It also resists wrinkles and is soft against the skin. Wool is available in a variety of weights and weaves, including flannel, worsted, merino, and tweed. These fabrics are typically reserved for colder weather, but they can be worn year-round if you want to look stylish during the fall and spring seasons.

Another great option for a suit is linen. This material is breathable and can withstand high temperatures. It can be a good choice for women who live in areas with hot summers and want to wear a comfortable outfit.

Accessories

Women’s suits aren’t just a formal wear, they can be reimagined for casual outfits too. A sleek designer suit can Women Suits look chic and sophisticated with jeans or a casual top when accessorized with the right accessories. The classic black suit will always be in style, but this season colour is key. From high-waisted trouser suits in burgundy, navy or olive to cropped suits and matching blazers that are great for office wear.

For a contemporary take on the suit, style it with a simple white tee neatly tucked into your trousers. This keeps your neckline high and professional but with a stylishly edgy twist. Exact match accessories like a sharp handbag and heels look incredibly polished and well-thought-out, giving you that extra professional edge.

If you’re after a cheaper option, Macy’s has a selection of suits that are made for the brand by designers. This includes AK Anne Klein, Calvin Klein and Tahari by ASL among others. They also have a line called ‘Everyday Value’ that features designers at a more affordable price. Alternatively, you can find suiting separates and sets at designer stores like Nordstrom.