Outfit Elementals: Suits

Normally I like to share what I’m wearing on a given day to offer specific ideas on specific outfits, but this week, with spring cleaning not too far away, I’m focusing on wardrobe essentials. Sometimes we have separate garments in our closets instead of outfit elements; sometimes we think everyday pieces are just there to serve a purpose. So let’s get back to basics and see what should be in our closets today!

Suits in general . . .

For anyone who owns separates but no suits, or who owns a suit but doesn’t particularly love it, or who is just overwhelmed by the options out there and doesn’t know where to begin looking, I’m here to tell you there is hope! Now, no matter what suit you’re looking for, there are a few pointers to keep in mind when considering the options. Your jacket should have a tailored look, with darting and princess seaming to adhere to the feminine silhouette. It’s also good to look for a lining that features a pattern or different color, so that if you decide to cuff your sleeves, you’ve got some additional visual interest going on. At least one of your suits should have a matching vest for the ultra-sleek, ultra-professional three-piece look. And at least one should have a subtle pattern, either in the fabric, like tweed, or in a print like narrow pinstripes. Suits should be investment pieces, too, so it’s best to save up for that super chic one that you love more than chocolate, rather than settle for a couple of different suits that leave you cold.

Three Suits Every Professional Woman Should Own:

· The Modern Power Suit: A structured cut (strong shoulders and angles in the jacket, a pencil skirt or straight-leg pants) traditionally conveys that strong businesswoman image, as does a solid gray or red color, or pinstripes. But the most important factor to consider here is whatever it is that makes you feel empowered. My power suit will always be a skirt suit, because stating my femininity, rather than hiding it, always makes me feel empowered.

· The Black Suit:This should be a distinctly different suit from your power suit, although the cut can be the same. It should be understated, chic but not chichi (this is one place embellishments aren’t necessary, although a subtle pinstripe would be fine). As with any of your suits, if you go with a pantsuit, it helps to find pants that have pocket or faux pocket detailing on the rear (this cut usually combats SBS: Saggy Butt Syndrome). Since you’re dealing not only with monochrome here, but dark, potentially gloomy monochrome, try to find pants or a skirt with belt loops: whether or not the suit comes with its own belt, you can swap out belt after belt after belt to keep the look fresh and break up the monotony. Finally, a ¾-length sleeve works nicely on a black suit, as does a skirt that doesn’t reach below the knee—one who’s clad in a sheet of black from head to toe has a tendency to look a little…Reaperish.

· The Skirt Suit: Regardless of whether skirts are incorporated in the other two suits, a skirt suit is a must to highlight your modernity as a woman in the workplace. This should be more feminine than the power suit, and there should be something different about it, in the cut or pattern, for instance. It should be more colorful (or at least a brighter neutral) than the black suit. Try reds or blues (or in neutrals, tan or white). Shorter or fuller skirts really show off the silhouette, and a cropped or belted jacket, preferably with ruching or contrasting lapels, can add a unique twist.

For the Minimalist:

If you can’t have all of these pieces right now, start with the black suit, but make it a pinstriped suit– it’s the most versatile, and the pattern will give it something special. Try to make it a skirt suit, and try to find subtle ways to make it unique (a single ruffle in the skirt, a shawl lapel or asymmetrical hem on the jacket, etc.)

Voila! There you have it: great fashion (and great shopping) fast. And you, gorgeous lady, are ready to take on the world, Fastionista Style!