I had a little time to shop on our recent trip to Japan. If space and budget were no object, I could have brought back suitcases full of gorgeous goodies because the one item was more fabulous than the next. The shopping in Japan is that good. But with lots of shopping discipline I came home with one suit and a pair of shoes. 

Although suits are one of my current fashion obsessions, I wasn’t planning on bringing one home at all. This is the season of pattern and colour, so why on earth would I bring back a black suit? Well. It just worked out that way because after fitting it on, it had to be mine.

It’s tuxedo integrity, fabric sheen, inset panels, ruffles, and intricate ruching detail make for an interesting masculine and feminine juxtaposition. Also, the fact that the cropped trousers were at the perfect length was a big sign that this suit should come home to Seattle. The great fit and excellent quality were the clinchers.

I have been living to wear this suit since we got back from Japan – after all, I bat for Team Wear. But it wasn’t until a recent business trip that I had the right occasion for its debut. These photos were taken just before our meeting in sunny and breezy San Francisco last week. The crease-resistant fabric made my outfit feel crisp all day. Perfect for travel. 

There are countless ways to wear this suit, but for it’s debut I opted to wear it with a tucked, masculine, French blue button down shirt complete white cuffs and collar. It’s similar to the light blue and white striped shirt I sported a few weeks ago — I’m loving my button downs more than ever this year.

I wore the shirt tuxedo-style for our meeting: buttoned up, but creating a butterfly by wearing the collar up at the back. For the rest of the day I wore it open collared.

A black patent belt with sculptured bow and off white satchel finish off the look. No jewelry other than an oversized pair of specs, silver watch and wedding ring. True to this leg of my style journey, this outfit is soft and a little masculine.

And then there are the shoes. I almost cried when I saw them in Japan and popped them on to my fussy feet. They are low heeled, soft and so very comfortable. Their dainty straps and slender wedge heel are refined and ladylike. I had already worn these a few times before the debut of the suit, but felt just as special for this trip.

I am extremely pleased with my versatile new black suit. I can dress it up or down, wear the items as separates, throw on boots or flats, and mix it up with sparkle, pattern or denim. No item of clothing can substitute for real confidence, but the quality and design of this suit definitely doesn’t hurt.

You are on Team Fitted Summer Top if you prefer to wear tailored tops that define the waistline during the Summer months. You are on Team Loose Summer Top if you prefer to wear baggier tops that surrender the waistline. Empire cuts that are roomy on the torso are loose Summer tops. 

I wear both fitted and voluminous tops in the warmer months, although most of my fitted tops aren’t all that fitted, many of them only hinting at my waistline. I sometimes tuck in my voluminous tops to give them more structure. Or I layer over a tailored blazer for extra polish. 

I wear loose shirts and blouses more frequently in the Spring and Summer months, so I’m on Team Loose Summer Top. I love that easy slouchy vibe of soft, boxy tops with scrunched sleeves and a popped collar. My silhouettes are more waist defining in the Autumn and Winter, so I’ll be switching teams at the end of September. 

Over to you. Are you Team Fitted or Team Loose Summer Top? Tell us why, and no batting for both teams.

Here’s an easy way to wear a casual dress on a warm Summer’s day. All you need is a breezy frock in a lightweight woven cotton or jersey knit, and a relaxed support act of footwear and accessories. 

I’ve chosen black dresses, knee-length and midi, because you can wear casual black dresses in the summertime. They look especially summery when they expose a bit of skin on the neck and arms. Keep the fabrication casual and you are good to go. 

You have all sorts of footwear options. Try a trendy, patterned ankle strap high heeled sandal. A flat sandal bootie, or super casual patterned espadrilles. Or a good old faithful wedge sandal with comfortable broad straps. 

Add in a casual bag, a straw hat and eyewear. Throw on a denim vest or crochet cardigan if you need an extra layer. Add jewelry as desired. 

As with all the formulas, I only sow the seeds of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items that reflect YOUR style. I kept the vibe earthy and neutral, but you could go colourful, graphic and bold. Substitute the solid dress for something patterned. Wear ballet flats instead of sandals. Add in a linen scarf. Wear a slouchy hobo instead of a structured crossbody bag. The possibilities are endless. 

These heeled sandals have been winners with my clients over the last few weeks. They are all neutrally toned and their comfort levels will vary. Remember to check out all the colour options. 

• Vince Camuto Hannah Sandal: The heel is high but the leather is soft. It encloses beautifully around the ankle. Modern and refined. 
• Cole Haan Air Tali Sandal: A classic two inch wedged sandal that works for a broader foot. The snakeskin is divine and the footbed spongey. 
• Aerosoles Zentry Level Sandal: A Grecian heeled strappy gladiator that’s pretty on the foot. Very comfortable and with a manageable heel height. The gold gets my top vote. 
• Aerosoles Argintina Sandal: These are my best and look much better on the foot than in the photo. Like the Vince Camutos, they are modern and refined. Despite the online information, I’m pretty sure that the heel height is less than three inches because my feet could stand the arch. They enclose a daintier ankle just so and are extremely comfortable. I don’t wear sandals, but these could change my mind. The taupe gets my top vote.

These styles look great with trousers, cropped pants, skirts, shorts and dresses. Versatile and good for several seasons.