Let's discuss suit cuts... - YouLookFab Forum

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Outfits Ensembles Trends Advice

Let's discuss suit cuts...

catgirl

Veteran

What is the most current but non-trendy likely to be worth the money silhouette for pants and trousers? I'm thinking of a navy suit, since I have so much black.

Jacket style - longer, shorter, number of buttons, lapel?
Pants - trouser? leg style?

Here's what I'm eying:

http://www.jcrew.com/womens_ca...../60020.jsp

http://www.jcrew.com/browse/si.....8053992080

But are these going to hold out over time? Does anyone have better and somewhat affordable suggestions? Anna's Rag & Bone look was stunning, but a bit out of price range....

Shopping

21 replies

Latest reply was from Kate

Travelgal Nicole

Veteran

I think you've picked a classic suit. I have heard so many good things about the super 120s. Its all about the way you wear it and if the fit is correct. These are classic pieces.

MsMary

Veteran

Looks great and classic. Not that I am all that enamored of classic suits these days. But if you feel like you need one, that one is a beauty!

P.S. You probably know this, but http://www.corporette.com has a suit featured every week, and they also have this handy guide to women's suits.

Kristine

Veteran

Looks classic to me also I have the jacket in grey and I'm very happy with it. I've tried a few of their other jacket cuts and they weren't nearly as flattering on my rectangle shape. I have the factory pants and I'm not as happy, they're thin and wrinkle quite a bit.

Be forewarned that the factory jacket might not match the trousers in the regular line. In fact, my first order was in the same line (120s, non-factory) and they didn't even match!

catgirl

Veteran

Well, I am hoping for a specific look. There was a j. crew catalog featuring that insanely gorgeous Ethiopian model Liya Kebede wearing suits the way I'd like to - sleeves rolled, untucked buttondown underneath, oxfords worn sockless... That's what I'm going for, rather than real corporate. Suit, deconstructed. Allsaints is just frustrating me, so I'm going to go a different route!

http://kissmyblackads.blogspot.....-deal.html

http://jcrewaholics.com/catalo.....-entirety/ (there's a photo in the catalog of a suit with a white v-neck tee shirt that is perfectly rumpled)...

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I love the look of the suit in the second link. Am the worst person to ask if something looks dated or will date, but can totally see you in this kind of look. Didn't find the exact picture of the model in the suit, but agree she is gorgeous. Waiting to enjoy vicarious suit joy.

Jonesy

Veteran

I prefer a longer jacket than the J. Crew one shown, especially with pants. I like 1-2 buttons, rather than 3, on the jacket, and I would think you'd want a medium stance vs. a really short one or a really long one (if you were going for something that will last a while).

These are just my musings...hopefully Angie will chime in with her wisdom and experience :). I remember when she helped out Malina, when her BF was picking out his custom suit.

Kate

Veteran

I like the suit, I don't love it. If I needed a suit, I'd put one together out of beautiful separates, like this (both from Cabbages and Roses, and both on deep sale):

navy wool trousers (also available in a gorgeous plaid)

http://www.cabbagesandroses.co.....e-trousers

navy plaid riding jacket

http://www.cabbagesandroses.co.....ing-jacket

catgirl

Veteran

Kate, those are TDF. That company doesn't ship to the US, do they?

Kate

Veteran

Oh yes they do, Una. Watch out. Serious enabling ahead!

You just have to call them. The phone number is 011 44 207 352 2444 and they are really nice to deal with. I got a midi coat from C&R for Christmas that I ADORE. I've worn it everywhere and feel like a million bucks when I put it on. I'd wear it to bed if I could.

I also recently ordered a midi skirt in dark navy wool that I am anxiously awaiting. The fabrics C&R uses and their cuts are exquisite.

If you decide to order, Una, let me know. I might pull the trigger on a pair of pants. That way we can combine an order and save on shipping, which is pricey.

FYI, whatever your US size is , go up 2 sizes to get the right UK size. Since I'm a size 8, I order UK size 12.

Felicity is most likely the person who will take your order if you ring them. She's the customer service rep, and is lovely to deal with. She can also help advise on sizes.

Good luck.

catgirl

Veteran

OMG, Kate. That is some serious enabling! What are their return policies, do you know?

Thanks! I think.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I LOVE SUITS!!!

I second Jonesy on opting for a longer jacket and medium stance.

Una, you basically have to decide whether you want to go modern classic or high fashion here. I really don't see an in-between.

MsMary

Veteran

Holy cow, Una! You MUST get that C&R ensemble! It's got your name all over it!!

catgirl

Veteran

Angie, can you give me an example of each? Or suggestions? Am I confusing them? I'm guessing j. crew is classic and R&B is high fashion. Honestly, I'm not sure I care which it is as long as it fits me well, which has always been my struggle with suits. What's your recommendation?

I'll show you a pricey one I found on the Nordie's site that fits exactly as I'd like:

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/la.....ltback=125

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

You are spot on in your thinking, Una.

The Nordies link is 100% Modern Classic. If that's what you have in your head, you are not after a high fashion shrunken suit with cropped trousers - at least not now.

catgirl

Veteran

Okay, that makes sense. On the other hand, I also don't want to look stuffy. Could this kind of modern classic be brought into my closet?

I wish I had saved the j. crew catalog with the pictures I loved - it was from April 2009 apparently!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Of course. Modern Classics are the most versatile items on earth. They can become anything you want them to be. Denise just re-proved that with her recent LA haul!

catgirl

Veteran

Yes, we've been seeing that wise lesson a lot here! I think fit is really the key for me - I can always edge it up, as long as it's a perfect looking item.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

EXACTLY!

Now, can I clone you?

Kate

Veteran

Una, I don't know what C&R's return policies are, but I imagine they are on the website (www.cabbagesandroses.com). As an overseas customer, I imagine they'd really try to work with you. The company is small and has really good customer service.

catgirl

Veteran

Kate, their stuff is so gorgeous! WIth as much trying on as I'm going to have to for a suit, I'm not sure I should ship back and forth - but I may order something else. That blue velvet jacket is ON SALE now. What have you gotten from them? Have you posted pics? I'd love to see!

Kate

Veteran

I know, Una, I know! The last thing I need is a blue velvet jacket, but I'd love to have it. The thing I could really use would be pants. And the C&R wool trousers are the first that I have seen in a very long time that I like enough to buy. The rise, the fitted shape, the slender leg, it's everything I like in a pair of classic trousers. I'm really kicking myself now that I didn't buy that riding jacket I linked to earlier when I bought the skirt and they still had the jacket in my size. @#$%!

I have never posted pics. I'm a real wienie about that. I'm trying to get up the nerve. I wore the C&R midi coat--and the Bailey 44 purple striped dress!--to the Kennedy Center last weekend and even took pics when I got home, but the photos were too dark to really make out any details.

I'll see if I can screw up my nerve, model the coat tomorrow, try to get a decent shot of it and post.

The girls at C&R are good about advising on size if you give them your measurements. You and I both have broad shoulders, and that's what always ends up being the spanner in the works for me, but the shoulders of my C&R coat fit perfectly. I'm also confident of the size skirt I ordered (it hasn't arrived but I expect it any day now), but pants are a whole other beast. I'd have to get their advice on that.