Choosing the Perfect Suit: Tips for Today’s Modern Woman

Posted on September 5th, 2023

The power of a well-fitted suit is undeniable. Not just reserved for the boardroom, a suit symbolises strength, elegance, and a keen sense of style. For today’s modern woman, who juggles various roles and responsibilities, a suit serves as sartorial armour, giving her the confidence to conquer any challenge.

Suit Styles Galore

There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to suits. From single-breasted blazers to wide-legged pants, the options are endless. While classic cuts never go out of style, contemporary twists can add a refreshing touch to your ensemble. Consider experimenting with unique lapels, asymmetrical designs, or vibrant colours to elevate your look.

Finding the Perfect Fit

It's crucial to remember that a suit should enhance your body's natural silhouette. While oversized, boyfriend-style blazers have gained popularity, they should still align with your shoulder's edge. Similarly, the length of your trousers plays a pivotal role. Whether you prefer ankle grazers or full-length pants, ensure they flatter your height and shoe choice.

Material Matters

The fabric of your suit can make a world of difference. Light materials like linen are perfect for summer, while wool and tweed suits are winter staples. Moreover, investing in a suit with a hint of elastane can ensure comfort, especially during long hours.

Accessorising Your Suit

A suit is like a canvas, and the accessories you choose are the brushstrokes that complete the masterpiece. However, it's vital to strike a balance to ensure your adornments complement rather than overshadow your outfit.

Jewellery Junction

Minimalism is key when accessorising a suit. A statement necklace can transform a simple suit into an evening-ready outfit, while delicate bracelets or rings can add a touch of elegance for everyday wear. Remember to match metals—if you're wearing a silver watch, stick to silver jewellery.

The Right Foot Forward

Shoes can make or break your suit ensemble. Pencil skirts pair beautifully with stilettos, while wide-legged pants demand block heels or platforms. For a casual twist, don't shy away from teaming up your suit with pristine white sneakers.

Bagging Compliments

The bag you carry with your suit should marry form and function. Tote bags are perfect for daytime, offering space without compromising on style. For evenings, switch to a chic clutch or a crossbody bag that accentuates your suit's colour palette.

Suit Colours and What They Convey

Colours evoke emotions and can silently communicate even before you speak. Selecting the right hue for your suit can set the tone for any occasion.

Powerful in Black

Black is timeless, versatile, and screams authority. Ideal for formal occasions or important business meetings, a black suit exudes confidence and sophistication.

Elegance in Neutrals

Neutral shades like beige, taupe, and grey are perfect for everyday wear. They convey approachability and offer a fantastic base for playing with colourful accessories.

Bold in Brights

For women looking to make a statement, bright-coloured suits are the way to go. Whether it's a deep royal blue or a passionate red, these suits radiate energy, creativity, and a fearless attitude.

Styling for Different Occasions

A suit is not confined to the office. With the right tweaks, you can wear it to virtually any event.

Business Ready

For business meetings or conferences, stick to classic cuts and neutral colors. Pair your suit with a crisp blouse or shirt, ensuring your jewellery is minimal and your shoes are formal.

Cocktail Chic

Transform your suit for an evening out by switching to a lacy camisole or a silk blouse. Add statement earrings and swap your work bag for a sequin clutch to complete the look.

Casual Cool

For a laid-back look, team your blazer with a graphic tee and roll up your trouser hems. Finish off with ankle boots or sneakers, and you're ready for a day out in the city.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure your suit remains in impeccable condition, regular maintenance is essential.

Dry Clean Only

Always opt for dry cleaning. This method not only cleans but also preserves the fabric, structure, and colour of your suit.

Storage Solutions

Use padded hangers for your blazers to retain their shape. For trousers, clip hangers are ideal, as they grip your pants from the waist, preventing any unsightly creases.

Spot Clean

In the case of minor spills or stains, spot cleaning can be a lifesaver. Use a clean cloth and a mild solution, dabbing gently to lift off the stain.

The Evolution of the Women's Suit

While men's suits have been a staple for centuries, women's suits have a unique and empowering history. Let’s delve into this fashionable journey.

The Roaring Twenties

The 1920s saw a seismic shift in women's fashion. With flapper dresses and bobbed hair, women started to break free from constrictive norms. This decade introduced women to trousers and gave birth to the idea of suits for women, albeit at a very nascent stage.

Power Dressing in the 80s

The 1980s were the era of power dressing. Women, entering the workforce in larger numbers, donned suits to claim their space in corporate settings. These suits, characterised by their padded shoulders, were all about making a bold statement.

Modern-Day fluidity

Today, women's suits are about versatility, fluidity, and personal expression. With gender norms becoming more fluid, women's suits can be feminine, masculine, or anywhere in between, reflecting the wearer's personality.

Mix and Match: Making the Most of Your Suit

One of the joys of investing in a suit is the variety of ways you can wear it. Dismantling a set and pairing it with other pieces can instantly multiply your outfit options.

Blazers Beyond Suits

The blazer is arguably the most versatile part of a suit. Pair it with jeans for a casual Friday look, or throw it over a dress for a brunch date. Mixing textures, like a silk blouse under a tweed blazer, can create a rich, layered look.

Suit Trousers: From Formal to Fun

Your suit trousers don’t always need their matching blazer. Teaming them with a casual tee or a chunky sweater can effortlessly take them from office-appropriate to weekend-ready.

The Art of Personalisation

Personal touches can turn a suit from a store-bought item into a reflection of your individuality.

Custom Tailoring

While off-the-rack suits can fit well, nothing beats the precision of custom tailoring. Adjusting the hem, nipping the waist, or even adding a personalised lining can make your suit truly yours.

Monograms and Embroidery

Adding a discreet monogram or subtle embroidery can be a delightful personal touch. Whether it’s your initials on the blazer's cuff or a tiny embroidered motif inside the lapel, these details add a layer of uniqueness.

Adapting Suits to Seasons

A suit is not just for all occasions, but for all seasons. However, making it work throughout the year requires some style adaptability.

Summer Sophistication

Lighter materials and colours are your allies for summer. Think linen suits in pastel shades. Also, opting for short-sleeved blazers and cropped pants can keep you cool without compromising on style.

Winter Elegance

For the colder months, layering is key. Wool suits in deeper shades like burgundy, forest green, or classic navy are perfect. Underneath, consider turtlenecks or silky scarves to stay warm.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Suit

Suits have transformed from symbols of corporate conformity to powerful representations of a woman’s choice and individuality. With each stitch and seam, they narrate tales of progress, empowerment, and style evolution. No wardrobe is complete without this iconic ensemble, which seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary fashion.

At Elbella Ltd., we understand the nuances of the modern woman’s fashion needs. Whether you're in Hastings, Eastbourne, Brighton, Rye, or Battle, our doors are always open, inviting you to discover the magic of the perfect suit. Let us guide you in curating a suit ensemble that resonates with your spirit and style. Drop us an email at [email protected] and embark on a sartorial journey like no other.