What Do We Think of Chanel-esque Skirt Suits?

Ingunn

I like the idea of a Chanel inspired suit. ETA I now have in my possession a vintage bouclé suit, probably from the fifties, and it is quite special but I need to conquer the "old ladies look"*. Imagine a quite fitted jacket with a collar and a midi skirt in a boucle fabric, dark color.

How would you style something like that to avoid looking dated, dowdy, stuffy? I'm thinking about both the suit as a whole, and the separates styled with other pieces. Is it at all possible to wear this - as a suit - anymore, without looking like one is trapped in a time warp?

I'm sure you creative and wise ladies have great advice and suggestions. Bring it on!

*I've been thrifting again, but I'm not cutting any tags until I know what I'm doing.

12 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Ingunn

unfrumped

Veteran

Ha. I'm the last to know, so will attempt to list some ideas I've tried to keep in mind sometimes(not very successfully, so far) when I'm putting together outfits that have too many conservative or classic pieces.
1) Footwear! modern or unexpected. The YLF cure-all.
2) A top that plays against type--graphic T or bright T, pattern mixing, or shirttail out or something
3) Color--unexpected or non-neutral
4) Material--this is harder, since it takes certain materials to get the "style", so ? who would make the Chanel suit in non-Chanel fabrication--mixed media, quilting, something.
5) Jewelry that is edgier--not strands of pearls. Metal, leather

Look forward to better ideas in hopes that some translate to other outfit situations as well.

12 years ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Ooh! I like Unfrumped's suggestions and think she's spot on.

Mixing it up is easy -- wear either piece with denim or chambray.

12 years ago

Ruby Redlocks

Active Member

Agreed with Unfrump's ideas, and Suz's suggestion of pairing with denim or chambray.

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Unfrumped, how can you say you're not good at this? I'm thinking this is the way to do it, too! I particularly like the idea of modern footwear and a casual top with a suit like this. Thanks a lot!

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

Yes, agreed. pairing the pieces with casual fabrics would update the look. I would love to wear them together, too, but that is a lot harder to pull off.

12 years ago

Amy

(website)

Veteran

Would you consider having it tailored? The older Chanel suits typically had longer skirts. Having the hem put at the exact spot that makes you feel sassy in a skirt would be best. Also, is this jacket on the long side and boxy? Perhaps it would be possible to have a little subtle shaping added with darts and/or the length adjusted to suit. If there are huge shoulder pads you can switch them out for something less...poofy.

12 years ago

Anonymous

Could you wear the pieces together with on trend footwear or boots? For a top under the jacket, would your Breton stripe knit work? How about a sparkly or sequined shell?
Would your new leopard print pullover work with the skirt? The jacket work with your purple or another dress? I'd definitely wear the jacket with jeans or a denim skirt.

12 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

I love the ideas here. Lets see that suit! I have this *idea* in my head that I want a Chanel style jacket but I think i struggle with the same styling concerns you stated. If anyone can make this classic sassy it is you, Ingunn.

12 years ago

Day Vies

Veteran

A visual would be nice, I could give better ideas. I'm thinking the jacket would look lovely with an a-line skirt or wide-leg/straight leg trousers (balancing the fittedness of the jacket with volume on the bottom). The skirt I've had several like that and they never stayed in my closet long -- I think it's my high waist that throws off the proportion. I'm thinking, a sweater with a little volume in a chunky knit, with a button-down shirt underneath with ankle boots (you'll have to play around with heel height & thickness -- proportion will depend on the skirt hem). I also like the idea of a striped tee with 3/4 length sleeves and a floral scarf. Can you post a picture of the suit itself even if you're not wearing it?

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I'll take pics tomorrow, tonight is too dark. I am grateful for all suggestions here. Not showing the photos yet opens for more suggestive images in your minds, which leads to even more interesting suggestions than if you had seen it already

12 years ago

Elizabeth P

Veteran

Why don't you take pics of just the suit, without you in it, polyvore style, and we can offer suggestions based on that?

12 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

I will post pictures tomorrow. Tonight it is way too dark for any meaningful pictures. Sorry to keep you waiting!

12 years ago

Category