Oversized
From boyfriend hoodies to mom jeans, the oversized look has been making a comeback for a while now, and this year’s suit styles are no exception.
This look is the perfect combination of relaxed, yet put-together. However, there’s a fine line between coming off as chic and sophisticated versus looking like you stole your dad’s suit for the day! The key to making the oversized suit work is proportions. You want the suit jacket to drape down from your shoulders over some high-waisted, straight-legged pants. The shape may be a little boxy, so you want to not go too big at the shoulders and work with your body to find the best way to style the suit.
Make sure you wear a fitted item along with the oversized suit. The easiest way to do that is to wear a closely-fitted shirt or crop top, or add a fitted belt to draw attention to your waist. Something that flatters your body, while at the same time giving your outfit some dimension.
Flared
Straight-legged suits are a classic, traditional look, but if you want to find something a little snazzier, then flared suits are the way to go.
These flared pants are generally high waisted. They fit closely at the hips and the thighs, and start to “flare” out beginning at your knees. This trend was huge in the ‘70s, but today we’re seeing it more in our suit styles than in our jeans.
You can pair these with another ‘70s staple — the platform shoe. Heels, pumps, boots, or low wedges, these all work well hidden under all that extra fabric to make your legs look longer. Of course, depending on your personal style, any shoe will work just as long as the total silhouette looks balanced and appealing to you.
Bright Neon
While the sleek black or navy-blue suit styles make a great impression in the boardroom, when you’re out on the town, you’re going to want something bold and lively. That’s right — the bright color trend from last winter is back for the summer, and we’re going bigger and brighter than ever!
Neon-colored suits make a statement. You’ll walk into a room and immediately draw all eyes to you. They let the world know you’ve arrived and you’re ready to party!
Now, I’m not just talking about a neon suit jacket or blazer — I mean, the entire suit. Neon pinks, yellows, blues, or greens from top to bottom! You can add in a black or white fitted shirt or accessories to give your ensemble some extra dimension, but the primary focus should be on the suit itself. With colors that bright, you won’t need anything else!
Patterned
One of the best things about patterned suits is how incredibly versatile they are! A good pattern can dress it up, make it playful, or give that serious-but-with-dimension look. When you find one you love, you can wear it to any occasion. A night on the town with your girlfriends? Of course! Your best friend’s wedding? Absolutely! Brunch with your significant other’s parents for the first time? Yes, yes, and yes!
This look is dynamic and sophisticated, but it also gives you a chance to express yourself and show off your sparkling personality, while looking like an absolute queen. You can find a wide variety of different patterns from funky swirls or mini designs to animal print, striped, or plaid. I saw one black suit with a red mini lipstick pattern that was to die for!
A good quality, patterned suit can get pretty pricey, but if you invest in the right one, it can quickly become a staple piece.
Alternatively, if you’re someone who typically has to wear suits for work, a patterned suit is just the addition you need to your wardrobe that will allow you to sprinkle some fun into the standard day-to-day.
Florals
A subtype of the printed suit, floral patterns are especially huge this year and just in time for summer!
These suits are the ultimate daytime look (although, when worn without a shirt they can be worn at night as well). This style is feminine, elegant, and full of bright colors. Most suits use white, black, or ecru (unbleached light tan) as a base color, but some take it a step further with a delicate shade of pastel pink, purple, or blue.
Flowers are a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings, so — while great for any occasion — wearing a floral suit to a wedding or a baby shower will bring good vibes all around!
Belted waist
If your suit isn’t specifically tailored to you, and you want a more fitted look to show off your waistline, you can always add a charming belt cinched at the waist. This trick is typically used with dresses or oversized, flowy blouses to accentuate your body’s natural curves, but it works well with suits, too!
Some suit jackets are made to be tied at the waist, and they come with the belt already attached. But if it doesn’t, don’t worry! You can easily add your own to any suit style. You’ll want to secure the belt at the narrowest point of your waist to create an hourglass figure. If you have a bigger bust, make sure it’s at least two inches below your bustline.
You can find a belt that matches the color of your suit or use this accessory as an opportunity to throw in a contrasting color to your ensemble. Start collecting beautiful statement belts to add to your wardrobe!
Shorts
Okay, I know this style doesn’t sound like it would work, but try to keep an open mind. After all, summer is here, and it’s set to be a scorcher! Do you really want to spend some of those blazing days in the sun wearing pants if you don’t have to?
The short suits are actually a resurgence of an old ‘80s trend! The suit jackets are either fitted and maybe cropped at the waist, or more oversized and hang down almost to the bottom of the shorts. You can wear a tight crop top or a simple fitted tank top with this look so you look just as snazzy when you take the jacket off this hot summer!
This style is laid-back and cool, while being as light and breezy as you need. It’s the perfect outfit to wear to an outdoor event or family gathering to look stylish from head to toe under the hot sun! You can pair it with some strappy sandals or some fresh new kicks for a clean-cut, casual look.
Skirts
If you can’t bring yourself to try the short suits (or you love the shorts idea, but want to take it up a notch), then skirt suits offer a classy, more polished alternative that will still help you to beat the summer heat.
The elegant pencil skirt and blazer look has been a traditional go-to for eons. The skirt length can vary from a short mini-skirt stopping mid-thigh to a long skirt stretching all the way down to your calf — or even floor length for extra-formal events.
Typically, the skirts are tailored close to your legs with a small slit in the back (a kick pleat); however, some flare out slightly at the bottom to resemble more of a bell-shape. There are lots of skirt styles and shapes to try.
These suits add a feminine flair to an otherwise masculine style, and if you’re having trouble finding a suit that makes you look and feel great, make sure you’re looking for a good fit — it’s easier to find skirts that fit than pants!
Just a bralette
If you’re looking for a simple night-on-the-town outfit that looks phenomenal, then a suit paired with a lacy bralette is the style for you. This look is the epitome of appearing like you spent hours getting ready, when really you threw the outfit together in five minutes.
It’s sexy, powerful, and even — dare I say it — comfortable! This combo is the perfect blend of masculine and feminine elements, working to accentuate all your body’s best qualities and making you feel like both a boss and a babe.
We like using bold, contrasting colors with this look. Take your bright hot pink suit out for a spin with a navy-blue bralette. Or, you can try it reversed! Pair a neon-colored bralette with your sleek black suit for a neat, polished ensemble with just the right amount of color to really make it pop. But there’s always something to be said for that elegant monochrome look. You can also try a rich, creamy deep maroon suit with a luscious maroon lace bralette — all one color, but totally different fabrics (say, wool and lace) for close-up appeal.
Paired with a graphic tee
Pairing your favorite suit with a classic graphic t-shirt is the quintessential “Casual Friday” look!
This style is laid-back, yet professional. The “I can take care of business without the teeniest bit of stress” look. The ideal marriage of business and casual. It’s perfect for that final day in the office before the weekend (or any day of your workweek if you’re trying to harness those weekend vibes). But it’s also a great outfit combination for a shopping spree with your friends or traversing the town during the day!
Graphic tees tend to be slouchy, so you’re going to want to tuck it in, tie it up, or belt it to give the look some structure and show off your waistline. If you’re not happy with the skin tight shirt under an oversized suit look, graphic tees also work really well with those, too. So, if you’re looking to try a few different styles off this list, this is a great way to kill two birds with one stone!
This look pairs well with some simple sneakers or ballet flats for the ultimate casual vibe, but you can always dress it up with heels, if you prefer. Whatever makes you feel the most comfortable. Check us out here for some great graphic tees!
