Suiting was ubiquitous at the autumn/winter 2024 show season.
From rich 70s-inspired hues at Alberta Ferretti to layered over fluffy fur at Alexander McQueen, cut from high shine leather at Ami to covered in party-ready sequins at Badgley Mischka, in its signature tweed at Chanel to oversized at Balenciaga, tailoring came down the runway in every colour combo, material and fit.
So, what can we attribute to the ongoing obsession with all things suits? Two pieces have a way of projecting power. With women so underrepresented in leadership, this sartorial decision taps into the 'women in male fields' TikTok trend but instead of highlighting men’s toxic behaviours, it turns the masculine to feminine, seizing a Canary Wharf stalwart and running with it, mind on boardroom domination. Dress for the job you want, after all.
Tailoring is synonymous with a sort of sophisticated style that has endured since designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel took a ‘borrowed from the boys’ approach and constructed one of the most iconic styles in fashion history. The tweed suit from her namesake label went on to become not just an endlessly coveted silhouette but also a symbol of female liberation, freeing women from ankle-grazing skirts and organ-crushing corsets that defined the sartorial agenda of the pre-war period.
Yves Saint Laurent was also accredited for bringing change, openness and flexibility to the previously restrictive regulations of women’s fashion in 1966. The designer found acclaim for the androgynous Le Smoking tuxedo, a precursor for the modern pantsuit that has endured in popularity to this very day. The designer famously declared “It is about style, not fashion. Fashions come and go, but style is forever”. A sleek suit is perennially chic.
But while filling your wardrobe with impeccable tailoring may be part of your manifestation of the corner office, there is a far simpler suggestion that more accurately reflects my love of the suit, as a lazy person by nature. Throw on a blazer and any look will be instantly elevated – pair with the matching trousers and it takes it to the next level. These are the words I live by and that is why I’m rarely spotted without my signature blazer.
Take a leaf out of Hailey Bieber’s book, for instance. The model is often spotted with a full tracksuit and yet the simple styling choice of a suit jacket thrown over brings an element of sophistication so rarely attributed to the leisurewear look.
Suits have a timeless feel and should form a staple part of your capsule wardrobe, particularly if your office skews towards the smart end of the smart-casual scale. This is work dressing at its absolute best - and the ironic part is just how minimal effort it takes to achieve the look. You can layer over a t-shirt and trainers and still retain the work-appropriate edge.
If you’re anything like us, 9 to 5 outfitting is a daily struggle that preoccupies far more time in the morning than we care to admit. To maximise your sleep, create an army of sharp silhouettes in perennially chic pinstripes or vibrant hues that will stand out among the monochromatic sartorial sea. When it comes to navigating the tricky politics of the workplace wardrobe self-assurance is key and a suit will make you feel confident in what you are wearing.
But it’s not just the office where you can don this dressed-up attire. Come wedding season, it’s cocktail hour ready or if you’re the bride, a white option is classic and elegant. To put it simply, any occasion can call for a suit to ooze sophistication from head to toe.
Shop the best suits for the 2024 autumn/winter season below
Aligne Daphne Scoop Neck Waisted Blazer
While forgoing the collar, Aligne’s Daphne blazer still cuts a formal look while flashing some cleavage. The bestselling style has been redesigned with a more dramatic scoop neckline but provides a cinched appearance with the hourglass silhouette. Pair with any trousers - from blue jeans to high-waisted black tailored ones.
Buy now £175.00, Aligne
SHUSHU/TONG grain de poudre jacket and mini skirt
For an ultra-feminine take on tailoring, SHUSHU/TONG is pairing a short-short mini skirt that taps into many of the season’s top trends with a cropped jacket complete with oversized buttons and a rounded collar.
Shop the jacket here (£507).
Buy now £286.00, Net-A-Porter
The Frankie Shop Gelso oversized Tencel-blend blazer
If money was no object, this particular writer would wear just one brand for the rest of her working life. The Frankie Shop nailed the quiet luxury agenda before it was even a thing with timeless staples that go beyond the definition of a trend.
The workwear-ready blazer and trouser combination keeps things classic and minimal with a boxy oversized fit for the jacket and pleats stitched at the front of the leg to create a laid-back aesthetic.
Shop the coordinating trousers here (£175).
Buy now £350.00, Net-A-Porter
Arket Single-Breasted Blazer
Effortless styling is the Arket M.O. and naturally its suiting is no different. You can expect relaxed fits with timeless designs as shown by the two-piece pictured. From the pinstripe to the navy colourway, it’s every bit a classic combination and the epitome of power dressing.
Shop the pleat trousers (£119) here.
Buy now £179.00, Arket
Veronica Beard's 'Long and Lean' blazer
As its name suggests, Veronica Beard’s 'Long and Lean' blazer has an almost miraculous lengthening effect on the figure. It’s impeccably cut yet feels relaxed and playful - no doubt in part due to the striking crimson shade. Surprisingly wearable, the expert stylists at Net-A-Porter suggest pairing the suit with rich jewel-tone accessories.
Shop the straight-leg pants here (£478).
Buy now, Net-A-Porter
M&S Wool Blend Tailored Double Breasted Blazer
The M&S fashion offering has had a major overhaul recently and each time we grab lunch, it’s an exercise in restraint not to snap it all up. The tailoring is particularly where the retailer shines and its own brand collection has some seriously stylish suiting gems at impressively affordable price tags.
This two-piece consists of the Wool Blend Tailored Wide Leg Trousers to mix and match as part of a capsule wardrobe.
Shop the trousers (£59) here.
Buy now, M&S
Joseph Jackie cady blazer
No wardrobe is complete without a black blazer. Its importance cannot be understated. You can throw it over a matching tracksuit and still manage to look sophisticated and refined. But the right cut is essential and that is what Joseph excels in.
The Jackie will be a workhorse in your wardrobe for years to come, whether you choose to coordinate with the pleated stretch-wool twill bottom half or not.
Shop the matching straight-leg pants (£395) here.
Buy now £645.00, Net-A-Porter
Mint Velvet Grey Single Breasted Blazer
This classic grey three-piece from Mint Velvet is what you’ll be reaching for when sartorial indecision strikes. Instantly put together, the trio of the blazer, tailored trousers (£119) and waistcoat (£99) are boardroom-ready together but provide endless style opportunities when you opt for just one or two together. The charcoal colourway is classic and perennially chic.
Buy now £159.00, Mint Velvet
Reiss Evelyn Chocolate Wool Blend Double Breasted Suit Blazer
Chocolate is one of the most popular colours of the season and brings something slightly different to the table - while still adhering to a pared-back palette. Laid-back but elegant, the Evelyn silhouette is cut to a slightly oversized silhouette without sacrificing refinement.
Shop the wide-leg trousers (£168) here.
Buy now £268.00, Reiss
Cos Silk-Blend Velvet Blazer
Taking suiting to sultry places, Cos has opted for plush, sumptuous velvet for this two-piece in a rich blue colourway. Made for the party season, you can style it with a shirt of the same style or lean into the seductive feel with a corset or mesh underlay.
Shop the trousers (£115) here.
Buy now £135.00, Cos
Reformation Liliana Knit Two Piece
Forgoing the classic blazer in line with the ubiquitous waistcoat trend, Reformation has brought its signature LA cool-girl aesthetic to the world of tailoring. But this isn’t an ordinary waistcoat, in fact, the silhouette has been given a 180 spin with the v-neck at the trim, flashing the belly button and is complete with a high neck.
Sure, it may not be the most work-appropriate top but it is paired with straight-leg trousers that you can mix and match or simply throw over a blazer and you’re ready for the 9 to 5 and beyond.
Buy now £148.50, Reformation
