Here´s one of my favorite styles. Remember that you once suggested a coat collection? I collect suits and add another one each season. They are just perfect for me. I wear them for work. I can dress up a graphic T I´d never wear on its own. I can wear the suit for work and don´t have to change when there´s an evening event the same day: just add a few pearls, pumps, scarf, whatever – there you go.
The perfect party suit for me: men´s black tie!!!

Smashing! Realistic, and oh so practical-forgiving. Could use a cream or winter white version for the YLF store

Bryan would die of happiness if I wore a suit to a holiday party. I don’t think I have any parties this year, otherwise I’d start shopping for one today. Once I’m at my goal weight, I plan on finding a perfect suit. Angie, you’ve definitely convinced me that I need one.

I remember someone commented on yesterday’s post asking if you could write a party formula involving pants! You had it all planned out.

I am much more comfortable in pants than dresses, yet I would have never considered wearing a suit to a party! It looks very chic and smart. I remember when I was suit shopping my mom said that I could wear my suit to parties as well, not just job interviews, but I didn’t believe her. Now I do.

love the tie with the pearls! who else but you could come up with that!?!?

I will preface this by saying I am not a suit fan and hope to avoid wearing one for the remainder of my days.

That said, I really like this look on you Angie.

…THAT said, there is no way a suit will ever hold a candle to a pretty dress, no matter how festive, in my eyes. But for those who feel more comfortable and confident in pants, it’s a good option to have. I dunno, for me it’s still very suit-y. I could totally see this outfit on a corporate art director who needs to wear a suit but look fun and creative doing it. In that context, I LOVE this look. But for a party? I guess I just have a hard time seeing it that way, since it is actually something someone might wear to work in my field. I do not doubt your wisdom Angie; my eyes have just been tainted.

Perfect timing on this post! We are going on a caribbean cruise this winter break and I was mulling over how I was going to dress for dinner for 7 straight nights. This would be great…plus I can break up the suit as options for several of the nights! I already have a good suit hanging in my closet so just have to get sorted with the shoe situation.

Way a great way to remix a suit! I love your holiday party take.

I would love a beautiful tailored suit, and would wear it as per your formula. I think it is the initial outlay which has always deterred me. With suiting I believe the quality is everything.

Is it possible to find a quality suit on a budget? Or would you save the pennies for better fabrication?

This is so exciting to see. I have wanted to wear this look for awhile. Thank you so much for posting this Angie. I LOVE it! I think a suit is flattering for most people and I hope to one of those wearing this look soon!

Thank you again Angie for a wonderful post.

I don’t need any convincing at all here! I am *all* over this look. I’m planning on getting a fantastic suit next year and I’ll be wearing it as much as possible (from sporty to party looks, I’m going to try it all).

Sigh, I love suits!-) (I’m saving these tips and hope I’ll get to use them soon)
And you look stunning again Angie! And those red pumps make me smile!

I feel so “Marlene Dietrich” and Tilda Swinton in my suit

Phoebe, Marlene, Julie, MBZ and Diana, I’m thrilled to hear that you like the idea of a suit.

Marianna, Inge, Debbie and Sarah, I can totally see a killer suit working into your style. In fact I’m so excited about the prospect of your suit purchase I can’t stand it!

Julie, you’re right. A suit looks it’s best when the quality is impeccable. I shan’t beat around the bush – the charcoal grey baby pinstripe suit that I’m wearing was expensive and the fit, drape and overall quality is superb. I have had this suit for years and will have it for several more which has whittled down the cost-per-wear to nothing. However, I’m seeing great mainstream brands make fabulous suits, like Ann Taylor, J. Crew, Esprit and Banana Republic to name a few. The Semantics brand at Nordstrom makes a beautiful reasonably priced suit too. The trick is to purchase a suit on sale at the end of the season for the best price advantage. You might not use it immediately, but it will there when you need it. Easy.

Maya, I hear you. Thanks for your open mind and the compliment. I completely agree that a trouser suit doesn’t hold a candle to a pretty dress. (You know how much I LOVE frocks). For several reasons, I think that suits are an especially appealing idea for older lasses. Perhaps you’ll change your mind in 20 years!

I am still on the hunt for the perfect skirt suit. That way I can showcase a pair of fabulous hose.

I am such a fan of menswear gone girlie…the tie and pearls…killing me…. sooo fab:)

The tie inside the open collar…….I LOVE how you did this !!!

You look beautiful. I love this look and the way you have put it together. I would love to have a simply beautiful suit like you have that can be a bases for so many looks.
Have you left the skirt and vest out of the mix altogether, or are they waiting in your closet to come out at another time?
Do you change the pants leg line when styles go from bootcut, bell bottom, to straight leg? Or is what you are wearing, which looks like a wide bootcut, a timeless cut?
Thanks

I adore this look! I could never think of the ways to wear a suit in a non-business way, and the pictures are very helpful. Thank you for the great ideas, Angie! I will definitely try to look for a suit this winter – I feel like this look would work better for me than a dress with my lack of curves.

That’s exactly right. I tend to shy away from wearing suits for semi-formal and cocktail affairs. But, I like how you brought the femininity back with just adding the ruffled blouse and that eye-catching scarf.

I like the camisole idea, but I would have to use a bunch of pearls gradually getting longer to give a scarf effect. I’m a chicken!

Very nice on you, and yes, this is a great option for those with the right body type(s). I don’t think it would work well for this bombshell hourglass petite…I think for this to fly you need great drape, and that is a tough one chez moi.

What a great post! I love suits, which is good b/c I often have to wear them for work. Which means I have a lot of them. I also get cold easily, so having a winter party look that covers legs and arms, AND layers easily is perfect for me! I have a gorgeous silver-grey sharkskin suit that I’ve worn for Christmas parties before, especially Xmas parties that I go to directly from work. I usually wear something fitted in a red or green color underneath the jacket, but next time I will try something more formal or sparkly or girly like your teal top!

That is so amazing, I can’t believe I never thought of it before!

You look great, Angie. I must admit that I still feel like I’m going to work when I wear a suit. I won’t be doing that for a party look.

i love the pearl + tie combo! brilliant.

I love the punch of red shoes! I was in New Zealand recently and there were so many women wearing red shoes (their Spring) – mainly with black, grey and khaki.

Angie, Thanks for the post on wearing a lbs (little black suit)…I love your suggestions….Am looking for a very special one that will last for years…I had been before your post but you have my inspiration going strong again…
If you find one that looks like it will meet the test of years, will you post it in your YLF store…that, too, is a great idea…
THANKS!

The key is in the accessories. Love love those red shoes.

-meream

LOVE!! While I don’t own a suit myself (maybe I should…?), I adore the look and you look so so chic. Loving the tie – nothing masculine about it on you. So fab.

Catching up again…you really know how to make the most of a suit! I’ve always liked having a great suit that can be made to work in any situation. It’s time to start looking for one again.

I love, love this formula Angie! You look amazing in all the photos and I specially like the outfit with the teal blouse. A pretty pinstripe suit definitely goes on my wish list after reading this.

Hey! I didn’t notice until now that you were wearing a tie! I love it with the pearls and I plan to copy the look.