Women’s suits may not date as far back as their male counterparts, but they have inspired fashion over the decades. In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt accidentally wore trousers to an official event as she didn’t have time to change out of her riding gear. It was scandalous, to say the least, but the First Lady smiled for the cameras and embraced her look. Then there was Marlene Dietrich who championed white suits, the iconic ‘Le Smoking’ tuxedo and Bianca Jagger’s famous YSL wedding suit, Diane Keaton’s Annie Hall, and the ’80s power suit which catapulted the shoulder pad to cult status.
tailored blazer, R15 500,
mrslimfit.co.za
breasted pinstripe
wool Turlington jacket,
R61 000, Dolce&Gabbana
Over time, suits have evolved from boardroom basics to versatile wardrobe staples that are far more fluid and comfortable to wear. Demi Moore recently wore a blazer with shorts and gladiator-style sandals at Dior, while style queen Beyoncé gave her Retrofêtes look a seductive edge by wearing nothing underneath her plunging lapel’s neckline.
At Paris Fashion Week in September, suits were once again hailed as the strong style statements at Dior and Vetements. Most notably at Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello mirrored founder Yves Saint Laurent’s personal style in a quintessential tribute that was both nostalgic and modern. Key items were oversized blazers, trench coats and bomber jackets paired with shirts (sleeves pushed up), and high-waisted trousers with a tie tucked into them. And then there were the spectacles – oh how wonderfully Yves it was.
Pinstripe pants suit pants, R43 500, and collarless jacket, R65 600, louisvuitton.com
Looking back – to go forward – the new Met Gala theme was announced as Superfine: Tailoring Black Style and is a homage to the style legacy of black men throughout history, spotlighting dandyism as one of its main inspirations. But as we patiently wait for 5 May 2025, don your suit attire with classic loafers or sneakers for style that’ll carry you from day to night.
