4 ways to adopt the power suit for women

We’re not teaching you anything new: the women’s suit is here to stay, but 2019 brings a wind of novelty to this timeless essential. Since Chanel created the first female suit in 1914, and working women in the 80s adopted it as an empowering sartorial tool, the suit has taken all sorts of forms and shapes and removed itself from a men’s-only staple. There’s many ways to dress it up or down depending on the occasion, and swapping the classic trousers for a skirt or shorts will definitely get you in the summer mood. Here we take a look at four ways to wear the suit in style.

Oversized suits

Since Lady Gaga wore a grey oversized Marc Jacobs suit at the Women in Hollywood event last October, the Big Suit Energy has invaded celebrities’ galas and started a trend that is not just about sartorial elegance but also women empowerment. To attend a cocktail party, swap the couture gown for slouchy trousers and a wide shoulder blazer. You will definitely stand out. However make sure to town it down with a neutral colour from a classic black to a dark olive, and the most adventurous of us will try a full checked outfit that will make them feel even more powerful. For a summer office look, match the oversize jacket with formal knee-length shorts such as this ROKH ensemble that gives a laid back twist to the classic suit.

Wide leg/tight waist

If the oversized suit doesn’t always flatter the body, highlighting the waist with a tailored blazer gives the right contrast to wide leg trousers and elongates the silhouette. Just look at Jacquemus and its immaculate white suit sporting high waisted flowy trousers and enough décolleté to obtain the sexy-but-chic look. Zara offers the high street equivalent in soft linen, perfect for a hot summer day. For a more laid back style, try a corduroy two piece featuring comfy trousers in warm rust. It also looks great with a belt tied on the waist to give more structure to the silhouette. And if you’re out for an occasion, the full patterned suit is definitely a must when it comes to impressing your friends. Gucci’s signature floral brocades on flared trousers, for example, has a unique 70s appeal.

80s classic silhouette

Just as the little black dress, the black suit is a statement staple that works (always). To wear the classic tuxedo without being boring, choose a blazer with padded shoulders and cigarette trousers to achieve that 80s look from the Celine runway show. Get inspired by a masculine and edgy style, while staying feminine with accessories and high heels that will turn you into a femme fatale à la Grace Jones. For an important meeting or interview, turn to a narrow waist and polka dots that makes for a preppy retro look while still showing a lot of character.

Colour block

For SS19, we’ve seen bright colours invading the catwalk as never before, and to jump on the suit trend, the best is to go for a full look in your shade of choice. For an evening outfit, opt for a deep blue in satin fabric that will take you from a sophisticated dinner to the dancefloor in one fell and stylish swoop. During the day, you can pull off a pastel hue from lilac to peach or baby pink, but make sure the cut is modern and fitted, and when in doubt, wear the bold blazer with white trousers. If you want to break the codes a little, try the skirt suit, which is the new 2019 combination. For a nineties revival, wear a minimalist mini skirt with ankle boots or look up to the sixties for midi skirts that work well in the office.