YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Formal work suit combos

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: Formal work suit combos https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:34:10 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363614 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 21:21:28 +0000 Sal 2363614@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Carol, I actually took no offence at the statement that for these events suits were "the norm" - I actually appreciate the guidance.  I didn't take it that I had to wear a suit but the level of formality expected. I do have an issue if (as in the past) women were expected to wear skirts and hosiery and heels. One of my favourite thing in clothing and style is planning my outfits for different varying occasions and the occasional meeting where I want to convey an impression.  In this case I want to appear successful, confident and approachable.   Thanks Angie, I do have my black knit top with a pussy bow, that works as a back up if I decide against the green.  I hope the green shoes work - on a very quick try on they fit well, I just need to ensure they don't aggravate my navicular bone as I am having issues with my left foot at the moment!  Grrrr. Notsaf - just bought some - in bright green!  Considered black but decided on a colour.... Bella - good ideas!  I have worn the suit with a white tee and sneakers in a more casual setting.  I have a day off tomorrow and plan to do some try ons with different tops and photograph some for the forum.  Stripes are good.  In the medium term I think a chalky/off white blouse with a navy spot or stripe or geometrical pattern would be a good piece to have for me. Carol on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363588 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 15:23:29 +0000 Carol 2363588@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Female v. male work attire! Such a can of worms that I probably shouldn't even open. I always had issues with dress expectations being different for men and women in the workplace. Then again, dressing the right way does invite success in an environment that may be more or less friendly to women. I remember when I learned about job interviews when I went to NYU, in a very forward thinking city, women were told to wear a "low heel." That was the only footwear option for women. What if she wants to wear flats? I thought. (Or power stilettos?) When becoming a teacher, I read an article where she recommended a woman wearing color to an interview, because otherwise you seem unimaginative. This did not apply to men. These clothes are lovely, but say something. If you have a lot of power and know these men well, these are great. Otherwise, I would consider adding color. That turtleneck would be sexy on its own at an after-work event, but at work, it makes you look like the queen bee. Which you may or may not want.  But if you throw on a chunky, bright necklace, or a patterned floral blazer, all of a sudden it's fun and  friendly. Angie on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363574 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:22:45 +0000 Angie 2363574@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, not sure it's been mentioned, but since the black blouse does not work under the navy suit - you'll need a fitted black knit top of sorts. Or a mesh top. Good wardrobe essential and handy! If not for this meeting - for others. Punchy and professional under the navy suit!  LOVE the green stash! LOVE the ivory bag! You can send those to me too... *happy dance* :) notsaf on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363563 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:38:48 +0000 notsaf 2363563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Have you thought about a pointed-toe flat? bella on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363559 Wed, 26 Jun 2024 12:27:23 +0000 bella 2363559@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Navy suit is right up my alley! I got a 3-piece suit this fall, and wore it many times in different ways.  I like white and light blue as conventional choices with a navy blue suit. If you want something a bit more unexpected, I would go with a satin navy shirt (so same color but a different texture), and lavender. A white and blue striped knit top is also unexpected but still formal.  I think a coordinating vest also comes in very handy.  Suz on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363506 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:08:49 +0000 Suz 2363506@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oooh - the green shoes are fantastic! I love the green because it is very cross seasonal and, as you point out, mixes well with your other pieces. Great choice!  I also think the bag is beautiful. I hope it works out. Can't wait to see your trial run.  Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363502 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 19:39:28 +0000 Sal 2363502@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks April! I hope so too. Kkards - I could try the blouse under - I think of it as casual but it might work! And I don’t mind some matchy matchy… Firecracker - I will do a trial fit once I get it all. Firecracker (Sharan) on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363479 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 15:21:39 +0000 Firecracker (Sharan) 2363479@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ You've gotten a lot of good ideas here. I'm excited for that green top and shoe combo with the suit. I didn't comment earlier, because I didn't know what to suggest. kkards on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363461 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 11:24:40 +0000 kkards 2363461@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love all of the ideas given so far…seriously IMo anything you wear with a navy suit will read business. <div>Looking at your finds, there was a blue/tan blouse from Karen Walker that I would love to see with the cognac bag and boots love the idea of red shoes and a subtle blouse/shirt.  I’d add a red belt, but then again I’m a matchy matchy person and that’s what makes me happy, YMMV </div> April on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363459 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:57:18 +0000 April 2363459@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Ooh the green complements! That will distinguish you from the dudes without being unbusinesslike. I like Angie's black and navy idea too. Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363456 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:35:31 +0000 Sal 2363456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Haha Jenni - it was aimed for men I think. But it gave me an idea of the dress level to aim for. I would be fine wearing blazer and trousers or a smart work dress - but since I have a suit I am going to wear it. Hope the shoes fit as I think they have potential for lots of outfits for me! Thanks Star! Will do a try on. I have had a fairly big shopping year with one almost definite mistake…. Lots of successes though! Star (Lise) on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363455 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:28:06 +0000 Star (Lise) 2363455@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oooh, I knew the navy would look fab with the right green.  Love that bag, I see it being a workhorse too.   Jenni NZ on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363452 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 09:38:35 +0000 Jenni NZ 2363452@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Wow the green shoes! Those will amp up any outfit. I do wonder what sort of person it was who said “suits were preferred”? To be honest I would be seething at that… I hate being told what I have to wear unless a special event like a wedding or dress-up. Hints are good but that instruction is too specific for my liking! When I met an earlier Prime Minister of ours (Bill English) at a facility I was Chair of I did not wear a suit. Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363446 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 05:20:20 +0000 Sal 2363446@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I did a small (not so small) bit of shopping in the weekend and by tomorrow will have the three pieces below. I already have the sweater and bag.  The green sweater is perfect with my new/second hand palazzo pants, and great with the navy suit.  It's good with jeans and the coffee slip skirt as well. The shoes will work with all these pieces as well as my green striped linen shirt in spring.  I hope the greens are a close enough match and that the shoes are comfortable. I have been thinking of an off white bag for a while and decided to try this one.  I think it is a keeper. Whilst bold in colour I think this combination could work for my meeting.  I think it is dressy enough and because I like it a lot I am okay with standing out. (I tried the black silk shirt and whilst it's a lovely shirt, I actually don't like it with the suit).  It's better (on me) as a stand alone shirt with jeans or pants. Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363251 Sat, 22 Jun 2024 22:52:28 +0000 Sal 2363251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks Suz! I like the top 2 especially. Mostly for indoor occasions temperature is not a major issue here. And I swear by thin merino vests or singlets that you can wear under blouses or tops for that extra layer. Suz on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363248 Sat, 22 Jun 2024 22:42:42 +0000 Suz 2363248@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Oh, I think the green with the navy could be fantastic. You will have to see how the necklines work together (jacket and top).  I collected a few blouses -- none of which would work, exactly, for different reasons (price!, colour, sleeveless maybe better for a different time of year -- not to mention, availability) but I was just trying to think how you could feminize/ glam up/ maintain the formality. And one I collected did include that green!  None of these had the kind of colours/ pattern I was envisioning but they offer different ideas of how to "springify" a navy suit.  Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363245 Sat, 22 Jun 2024 21:52:42 +0000 Sal 2363245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks - I agree Star, Angie, Suz for the next meeting I will probably lean to the black silk shirt and I do have a black belt, with either the boots or the pumps.   I have worn the suit with white sneakers and tee, I loved it, but not for this particular meeting where it will be more formal. Suz - the right patterned blouse could be really useful.  It could take a while but I am going to be patient.  And yes patent is a really good idea for shoes, the shine adds something.   Suntiger - yes red can be powerful and potentially too much so.  I have a hankering for some red shoes but maybe a white or ivory blouse with a red pattern might be better? Brooklyn - I agree that a blouse or shirt can be a bit predictable - in this setting I think it will work though.  The turtleneck I wore last time with the suit for the similar meeting and this felt good - that turtleneck is from Seed!  Love those looks you have posted, especially the trousers.  Very elegant.   Cat2 - going to keep a look out!  I rarely wear pale blues but with the navy it could work.   I actually purchased this yesterday - which is another option.  Maybe with black bag and shoes?   Suz on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363162 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:57:24 +0000 Suz 2363162@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Your blue suit is beautiful and elegant, Sal. For the next event, I'd go with the black silk top, unless you find your new option in time for that, or unless it won't be warm enough under the jacket. I like the suggestion of a belt as well -- it finishes the look.  I love the options Brooklyn provided as potential additions! And I like tomato red as an option for you, also.  I'm also thinking that looking for a blouse or a scarf in a pattern that includes your warm spring blues and the camel tones of your fabulous topcoat might be a great idea. The pattern could be subtle (if you plan to wear without the jacket in formal work situations) or more lively (if you don't plan to take the jacket off). It would look amazing with the coat overtop in the winter months, and the right pattern (right mix of colours) might also work with your coffee skirt. I know a pattern might seem less elegant (on the face of it) than a solid and possibly less formal, but I think the right pattern, worn with the jacket and pants, can offer a really finished look.  I know you don't wear scarves much any more but sometimes it can be easier (and cheaper) to find a scarf with the right tones quickly and use it to fill in the neckline of something simple and solid.  For new, more formal footwear -- what about black patent, something with shine? It's awfully hard to find blue footwear that is formal enough, alas, but the shine adds a bit of zing to black and makes it very wearable with navy. (I like navy and black together anyway -- but worn as an entire outfit it can be a bit heavy for "spring" or "summer".)  Star (Lise) on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363155 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:30:23 +0000 Star (Lise) 2363155@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Like Angie I was going to suggest the black silk top with the navy suit for the next event. Angie on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363154 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 14:04:04 +0000 Angie 2363154@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Sal, glad your navy suit came in handy :) Do you have a belt you can wear - or do you not tuck your tops in? My suggestion for the next event: the navy suit with the black silk blouse, black boots, a black belt, and a maybe a small scarf - adds a bit of playful softness!  Or a white tee with white sneakers - if that's appropriate.  I like the idea of adding chalk and tomato to the tans and browns you wear so well! Brooklyn on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363142 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 11:58:15 +0000 Brooklyn 2363142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I would go for a column of blue: blue jacket, blue pants, blue turtleneck top. Black ankle boots. Tan bag. The sleeveless tops look too cool for this time of year. And I tend to think shirt or blouse with suit and heels can look predictable (unless you switch out the heels for sneakers). But it is probably the more formal look, and formal is what you are after, so take that with a grain. I like the idea of chalky white for you. It would play well with your navy pieces for mix and match. Seed has some really good looking pieces in a warm winter white they call “oat”. I could see this knit dress working with your camel boots. And I think the pants/coat combination here is divine. Pity, but they don’t seem to have a jacket that goes with the pants. Suntiger on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363132 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 10:38:45 +0000 Suntiger 2363132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ That blush top definitely looks less conservative formal to me- both cause the color and the fact it's a print. Neutrals are always safe, though a pop of color in a bag or accessory could work. I do like the idea of tomato red for you! I'm not in a male dominated field but I tend to go with sheath or wrap dresses for work dressy events, unless it's bitter cold. Star (Lise) on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363127 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:01:30 +0000 Star (Lise) 2363127@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I think chalky white is a good idea.  I like the idea of red if you need to be more 'in charge' at any particular meeting.  You obviously know red is quite an aggressive colour or an extrovert colour, especially in the work place.  Going forward, what about some green?  There are some greens that look fabulous with navy.  I think it is called Emerald Green or Kelly Green (not sure).  Even pistachio green.  Maybe mustard or golden yellow with navy?  Maroon with navy?  These are good contrasting colours but not overly feminine (like pastels).  Maybe navy with a subtle white pattern?  Something like Suz would wear. cat2 on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363102 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 23:25:27 +0000 cat2 2363102@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I like tops in the colors you find in men’s shirting: white, cream, light blue, French blue, etc. Definitely don’t buy boring shirts in these colors, look for something more interesting. Sal on "Formal work suit combos" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/formal-work-suit-combos#post-2363101 Thu, 20 Jun 2024 22:49:10 +0000 Sal 2363101@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Hi All Scenario: I am attending work meetings/events about once a month where I have been told suits are preferred.  It is male dominated.  I wore my navy suit to the first one with the navy turtleneck, brown suede boots and my tan handbag.  This felt appropriate and formal enough.  Men were wearing a mix of suits, blazer and trousers, or some dress shirts and trouser combinations.  Other women were wearing dresses or blazer and pants. I plan to mostly wear my suit but potentially will add a new dress to the mix as well in due course. NZ is not as formal as the UK in terms of dress expectations, but I think more formal than much of the USA (based on my experience).   My other combinations at the moment are <ul> <li>Black top (shirt or knit top) with black heels or black boots with my black bag.  I don't love these boots with the trousers but depending on my foot/ the amount of walking etc  the heels may not work.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>Blush top and blush laceups or tan heels with the tan handbag.</li> </ul> I also wear the blazer and pants as seperates or with sneaker and a tee for more casual occasions. I have a meeting next month where there will be a VIP there so I want to feel at my best.  I would like to add a new pair of work dressy flats, a new top and potentially a new bag at some stage, although not necessarily before this meeting. Questions: 1) Which combination of the existing pieces would you wear to a conservative male dominated work event with a VIP? 2) Moving forward, what ideas do you have for new colours that will work with this suit in these types of settings.  I expect these pieces to also work in with the rest of my work pieces (black wide leg trousers, a coffee colour slip skirt etc) I am drawn towards either a tomato red or a chalky soft white.  Whether I can find this is another story - it might take a while. Thanks in advance.