Boyfriend jeans, straight legs, cigarette pants, and slouchy trousers have ruled my style for what feels like forever. All the while, my bootcuts have been waiting ever so patiently. Well, now they’re getting some action. I woke up recently and desperately wanted to wear wider hems. I needed a change, and feel grateful that I can shop my closet to refresh my trouser style.
I’m in the minority in loving a good suit. The simplicity and strictness of the style, the angular lines, dressy factor, structure, androgynous integrity, and decidedly less-than-whimsical attributes of a trouser suit appeal to me. I don’t feel frumpy, conservative, uncomfortable or unapproachable in a beautifully made modern classic suit at all. I feel powerful and modern. That’s why I choose to wear a suit even when it isn’t a requirement.
I’ve had this charcoal pinstripe, all-season wool suit by Theory for years, and fall more in love with it every time I wear it. Its fluidity, luster of the fabrication, movement of the trousers, and overall high quality make it a joy to wear. Pop on a top, scrunch the sleeves, add the finishing touches and you’re good to go.
At the moment I’m into pairing my strict suit with soft pieces that drape, like this short sleeved citron mesh pullover that I bought at Club Monaco at the beginning of the year. The welt allows me to faux tuck the top over a belt which adds a relaxed vibe to the suit. Although I used to pair classic shirts and silky blouses with my suit, wearing roomy knitwear or a graphic T-shirt feels fresh and more fashionable.
Grey is not my colour because it looks blah against my complexion. But as soon as I wear it with “my flattering colours”, I’ve injected life into the grey. That’s why it’s important to see colours in relation to each other and not as isolated variables.
I often choose citron and white to liven up grey. White is a bright that works well for my style, and here a white belt and low heeled pointy toe pumps (also seen here) add a trendy touch to the outfit.
The new blue clutch was a birthday gift from a friend and it became a workhorse this season. The paper bag closure is fun and the colour launches me into orbit. The mid-tone, almost pastel hue feels on trend matched with grey, citron and white. The clutch shape injects newness into a classic suit ensemble. I finished off the outfit with retro specs, silver watch and wedding ring.
The beauty of a suit is that you can remix the trousers and jacket with other separates. I’ve created less formal outfits by swapping out the grey blazer with a citron blazer (also seen here) and a mixed media denim jacket (also seen here). The yellow blazer is tonal against the citron pullover, a little preppy, and less strict than the suit jacket. The denim jacket adds a slightly tough edge, a playful element, and dresses down the formal bottoms. And so begins another wardrobe capsule.
I wore the denim jacket rendition out to casual supper with friends last night, while I’d wear the other two renditions while working with clients, at fashion week, or to a dressier restaurant or event. I wear my bootcut hems as long as they can go, skimming the surface of the ground. I love that elegant length and will not wear bootcuts any shorter. So I need dry weather for this outfit to avoid soggy hems. A sunny September has been forecast and if the weather plays along, these bootcuts will be seeing a lot of action.
