A suit is not a wardrobe essential but in many instances it’s a useful item to have at your disposal. The following suit-friendly situations spring to mind:

• Formal interviews and presentations
• Reserved business settings
• Cocktail parties (a suit can look alluring if matched with the right pieces)
• Desk to dinner occasions
• Fancy nights out
• Theater and auctions
• Funerals

Think further than the traditional, black wool crepe pants suit paired with a white button down shirt and black pointy-toed pumps (unless that is precisely what the setting calls for). You have several alternatives, including skirt suits, interesting fabric textures, attractive style detailing and a colour that isn’t black.

If you don’t need to conform to a conservative dress code, take your suit look to the next level by dressing it up in cheeky ways:

• Wear it on its own with a pretty camisole or shimmery top
• Add a skinny belt to the natural waist for an eclectic vibe
• Throw in fishnets or textured hose for a bit of edge
• Go to town with funky accessories, shoes and handbags
• Create a fun androgynous look and watch those heads turn

Nowadays, suits are seldom a look or wardrobe item of choice. And if you’re required to wear one frequently (e.g. for work), you’ll probably gravitate towards a completely different look for other occasions. But I’m defending the suit. It can be a practical, easy and flop-proof option if you think outside the box with the ensemble. Especially as you get older, because it is such an elegant option. A woman in a fabulous suit looks killer.

The pictures below illustrate the point that suits can look far from boring and severe. The belts, the texture of the fabrics, the addition of feminine layering and the boldness of the accessories and shoes creates a completely different suit mood. I have a baby pinstripe black pants suit that I love. It comes out from time to time with a ruffle top, belt, tomato red pumps and zebra print clutch. I’d love to add an interesting skirt suit to my wardrobe as well. Maybe I’ll score one on sale in the next couple of weeks.

(1) A modern, minimalist monochromatic Calvin Klein-esque skirt suit belted to perfection with patent that adds just enough texture to the black-on-black ensemble. (2) A belted cream boucle skirt suit with hose and peep-toe pumps. (3) A romantically styled textured skirt suit with lacy camisole, stockings and of the moment booties. (4) A classic black skirt suit made of an unexpected black crinkle sateen, matched with over the top ankle strapped pumps. (5) A classic one-button pants suit in a bold grey gangster pinstripe matched with an alluring shawl collar top. (6) A traditional black pants suit comes to life with a bright shiny blouse, belt and chunky eye-catching necklace.

I tend to prefer fine gauge knitwear because it is universally flattering and has the following advantages when incorporated into an ensemble:

• It creates a streamlined visual effect
• It is easy to layer
• It is very versatile (can be dressed up or down)

Chunky knitwear can look nice and is potentially warmer, but it’s also a little harder to wear. In my view chunky knitwear has the following disadvantages:

• It creates a bulky appearance (you tend to look bigger than you are)
• It is hard to layer
• It offers a predominantly casual look

Do you stick to fine gauge knitwear to keep your look sleek and smart? Or do you prefer chunky knitwear? If so, please come to its defense!

Examples of chunky knitwear.

I was not excited by the shape of this cardigan until I tried it on. I’ve subsequently fitted it onto other people with equally good results. There is something about its drapy integrity, dipped back, and curved hem that’s flattering and forgiving for both curvy and straighter body types. And it’s wide neck welt adds extra vertical interest which is somehow streamlining.

Wear the curved hem tunic cardigan loose for a breezy casual look, or belted for added waist definition. It works well over pants and skirts, and layered over button down shirts or fine gauge form fitting knits. If you are going to wear this look unbelted, remember to keep the bottom half of your outfit sleek. I prefer this style of cardigan with streamlined sleeves because the volume in the torso is sufficient. Too much volume in one garment is tricky to wear and a nuisance to fit under a coat.

This style is a nice alternative if you couldn’t get the boyfriend style to work. I say give it bash if you love cardigans and are after a newer and more arty look.

I bought the grey style on the right in a moss green last week. It’s not the best quality, but the silhouette looks great belted over a tailored black button down. Unfortunately it’s not available online anymore, but you’ll find it (or similar styles) in stores.

Fishnet stockings aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. I understand the resistance. They can look awful if the holes of “the net” are large and the net itself is loosely woven and lumpy. Those are the versions to bypass.

What you’re after is micro fishnets. The holes are small and tightly woven, and the nylon is fine and pretty. You can barely see that you’re wearing fishnets and the overall effect on your legs is more of a textured sheen. The look is sophisticated and a little unexpected. I’ll go so far as to say that a classy pair of fishnets works with everything and on anyone. Totally flop proof.

Fishnets tend to be a smarter look, but they can be dressed down pretty effectively. They are ideal with a denim skirt, flat casual knee-high boots and basic knitwear. I also like to pair them with my 20 eyelet Docs. Don’t think that you need to stick to black either. Brown, grey and nude fishnets are just as great.

My favourite brand of micro fishnets are by Oroblu. They’re expensive at $19 a pair, but they last and they look sensational. DKNY has just brought out a great micro fishnet option this season. Packaged in a flat gold box (the luxury collection), you’ll find them in most department stores. They cost $17 and offer the same Oroblu effect. If you live in the UK and have a Marks & Spencer close by, be sure to head for their hosiery department. They sell fabulous plain micro fishnets and versions with polka dots. So fun!

Give them a try. They kick all sorts of outfits up a notch and make an affordable and stylish little Christmas present.

I haven’t tried these Wolfords, but they look like a great pair of micro fishnets. At $40 they are quite pricey.