Nine ways to style a trouser suit
Plus: Lisa solves your fashion dilemmas below
Trouser suits are everywhere, from the catwalk to the Princess of Wales. From the punchy fuchsia Etro three-piece Phoebe Waller-Bridge wore recently to her brother Jasper’s wedding to Michelle Dockery, to Victoria Beckham’s sharp tuxedos.
Brigitte Macron is a one-woman trouser-suit compendium, be it for a visit to the Taj Mahal (she chose a long-line beige one) to a brush with Donald Trump in Brussels (she wore a black-edged ivory blazer with slim black trousers and court shoes – one of her best looks, imo).
If it’s cut properly, a tailored trouser suit is flattering whatever your body shape. On the high street, seek out brands offering petite as well as regular sizing – such as Boden and M&S. And it doesn’t have to be close fitting; Jigsaw has a perennial longer-line, loose jacket suit that it trots out in different weights – winter and summer.
Before you buy, think how you will leverage your suit’s versatility. If you want something you could wear to a wedding as well as a drinks party, avoid black or cream. Bright colours are hugely popular – The Fold can’t keep its lime-green tailoring in stock, and witness Akshata Murthy in its coral suit.
But for longevity, look at more muted shades: teal instead of turquoise; russet instead of bright orange. And if you’re planning to wear it at night, with nothing underneath, make sure it fastens high enough up the breast bone.
Lisa wears: Wool blazer, ￡190 and trousers, ￡135, Boden; Knitted vest, ￡59.95, Massimo Dutti; Leather shoes, ￡299, LK Bennett; Gilded earrings, ￡180, Polène; Gold vermeil bracelet, ￡325, Otiumberg
To make the most of your suit opportunities, here are some ideas:
1. If you’re planning to wear it at night, with nothing underneath, make sure it fastens high enough up the breast bone.
2. If that feels too naked, how about a lace body or blouse? Add a gold pendant or lariat. Très Saint Laurent.
Cotton lace top, ￡240, Self Portrait + Gold plated vermeil necklace, ￡115, Missoma
3. Jumpers under blazers can feel bulky but there’s now a plethora of sleeveless knits available that make everything more streamlined. OMHU is a great independent label using British and Icelandic non-mulsed wools and Yorkshire spinners. This turtleneck bib-vest (also in navy or black) could be the most useful thing you buy this winter. Wear them without a blazer to extend the life of your summer shirts.
Lambswool vest, ￡80, OMHU + Fine brushed linen shirt, ￡125, With Nothing Underneath)
4. As it gets colder, layer your blazer over a denim shirt and t-shirt, add a cropped quilted hoodie over the top and you’ve got yourself a modern streetwear look.
Organic denim shirt, ￡115, Baukjen + Ultra light down vest, ￡39.90, Uniqlo
5. If your trouser suit comes with the option of a waistcoat, take it. On balmier days and for evenings, a waistcoat, the right bra and pleated trousers is one of the most sophisticated, feminine looks around. Alternatively, find a toning (Frankie Shop has plenty) or statement embroidered waistcoat (vintage is the best way to go here, or Etro.)
Waistcoat, ￡49.99, Mango
6. A longer tunic, asymmetric hem under a jacket can provide a dressy, feminine touch that’s striking but still minimalist. Palmer Harding are the asymmetric specialists. This one’s on sale.
Ruffled satin top, ￡119, Palmer//Harding
7. Split your trouser suit up. You don’t always have to wear it as a matching suit. Add chunky jumpers and a 60s ankle boot. But always dry clean the jacket and trousers together to ensure the colours match up.
Mock neck recycled wool jumper, ￡105, Asket + Suede boots, ￡425, ME+EM + Leather bag, ￡139, All Saints
8. Or more delicate heels and a pussy-bow blouse to transform the mood.
Bluzat Chiffon blouse, ￡180, Wolf & Badger + Slingbacks with chain, ￡45.99, Zara
9. Or tuck a round necked cardigan into your trousers’ waistband for modern prim.
Cashmere cardigan, ￡89, Marks & Spencer + Leather belt, ￡95, The Fold + Suede shoes, ￡245, Russell & Bromley
Lisa solves your style dilemmas
Each week, Telegraph Head of Fashion Lisa Armstrong responds to your queries, lending her expertise to help you shop smart. Have a question for her? Submit it below.
Dear Lisa,
My son is getting married this autumn. I really don’t know what to wear. A lot of smart wear at this time of year looks very ‘back to work’ and I am not too keen on the matchy matchy Mother of the Groom look available at bridal shops. I like tailored clothes – Maxmara is a favourite. But since retiring, I wear clothes that best suit gardening, dog walking or yoga more than anything smart. Help.
– Lynne
Hi Lynne,
I hear this refrain so often these days from mothers at weddings it could become a meme. If you’re spending most of your time in functional off-duty clothes, launching into something dramatically different might feel uncomfortable, however good it looks in theory. The last thing you want is to feel self conscious.
So how about – stay with me – a deluxe jumpsuit? They’re back in a big way and there are some beautiful semi-tailored ones that could look very chic and modern at an Autumn wedding. Probably the best high street selection is at Reiss – the Rose jumpsuit in oyster crepe, ￡228 would look very elegant with some strappy heels. It’s sleeveless, so you could slip a blazer over it for the service and remove it later if there’s dancing.
Alternatively, Ridley London will make one in silk or velvet for you. They produce in small batches and if you send your measurements, you’ll get the perfect length and fit. You can choose from a range of colours, patterns and linings (for jackets) so you’ll be wearing something unique. It’s extremely good value at ￡549 and you’d wear it endlessly to parties and dinners after.
Ridley London also has velvet opera coats, trouser suits and flowy silk dresses they can customise for you. It’s a best-kept secret for special occasions.
Good luck,
– Lisa
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