Suits on women are having a bit of a moment.
Perhaps we can thank Hilary Clinton and her infamous pantsuits. Perhaps its the current zeitgeist of women really having to push to be treated equally (still, and again) and the feeling of power and strength a suit can give you.
Whatever the reason I’m all in.
As you know, in fashion, trends come in and go out every few few years. Which is why I make such an effort to try and buy clothing and accessories that are stylish rather than fashionable. Pieces that will transcend the seasons and always look good. I’ve spoken before about clearing out a lot of my wardrobe and aiming towards a capsule way of dressing. You can read about that here.
One big change for me over the last seven years is that my clothing for day is not that different from what I’d put on if I was going out in the evening. I think this is the case for many women in their mid thirties. My personal style is so much more practical now. And that’s not a bad thing.
I saw this suit on the Boden Instagram feed months ago, and fell for it hard.
For me this is the new dressing up.
A Power suit instead of a dress. It’s a new way to dress up that isn’t new. In fact it’s very old. As far back as the 1870’s there were women wearing trouser suits, turning heads for dressing controversially; bravo!
I feel amazing wearing it. As glamorous and beautiful as I feel in a dress, but edgier and just way more able to do stuff. I don’t know what that “stuff” is btw, but I feel safer, less vulnerable. More powerful.
One of my favourite photographs of all time is this 1975 shot by Helmut Newton. It is of Yves Saint Laurent’s Le Smoking, a tailored women’s tuxedo. Between YSL’s versions of the pantsuit, and Marlene Dietrich’s suits of the 1930s, I grew up loving women looked in suits.
Here’s me in a tux from 2012, heavily influenced by that Helmut Newton shot!
I’m very proud to say that my eight year old daughter took these recent shots of me! This suit is definitely a heirloom piece that I’ve no doubt my girls will be fighting over in the future.
I love the versatility of a two piece. Both the jacket and trousers can be worn individually, and look especially good with denim. Would you, or do you wear a suit? How does it make you feel?
Outfit details-
- Emila velvet blazer and velvet trousers both gifted to me by Boden (I’m wearing a 14 Long)
- Beret and scarf, both things I’ve had for ages
- Patterned socks- Happysocks
- Brogues by DrMartens
That’s a great look on you! Guys or girls – co-ords just work!
Oliver x
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Preach it! Thanks for stopping by Oliver x
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Sue I’m with you all the way on this one love your choice too !
Ashley x
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Oh thanks so much, enjoy the rest of your week x
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Yes! Love a tailored suit and this flower power one is so you, Sus. Also, that stunning b&w shot of you in a tuxedo – woweeee 🙂
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Suits are ace right?! Thanks lovely lady! We need coffee soon!
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Susie! I’m pretty sure this suit was made for you!!!!!!! Looks sooooo good!!!!
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Aw you sweet think Kirsty!! Thanks so much!
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I think that suits look great – regardless of gender. They are such a classic look.
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Yes you are right! Thanks!
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Suit of dreams! This looks amazing in you and the second pic down should definitely be a profile picture somewhere as it is soooo good! Man I wish I could fit into pretty clothes right now! X
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Aw thanks lovely! Yeah I feel like a bio pic update is needed- thanks
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Love this on you Sus!
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Ah thanks so much Kat!
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Wow ! what a suit . Love it on you. Back in the day I was always a black tux kind of girl x
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They are such a classic look arent they!
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Yaaaaaassss girl, love this suit on you and I’m a huge fan of tailoring.
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Aw you babe! Thanks so much!
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Wow, that B&W shot of you in the tux is fantastic! I love a good suit too although I have to say I don’t own one…yet! You must be so proud that your daughter took these photos! They are brilliant considering she’s so young!
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Ah thanks Stacey! Totally invest in a suit!
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Looking stylish. Love the black and white shot
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Looks fab on you. And I love that pic of you in your tux, that was a great night and the first time we met
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It was!! Seems ages ago now!
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I LOVE this look on you! Super stylish and such a fun and beautiful print too x
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Ah thank you ever so much
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