Product of the week: The suit with a skirt

What is it:

If there was one suit style that stood out for the SS24 season, it was the skirted suit. The designers showed numerous creations and their designs either referenced past eras or modernized the look. The two-piece suit has long been worn by women as a sign of power in the workplace. The style has now become softer, but references to its history can still be found in the design details such as the pointed shoulders or the rounded silhouette. Today, however, the requirements for the office look are less strict and as a result there is a greater variety of styles that appeal to a wider audience.

Why you should order it:

The many variations of the style make the suit particularly attractive to customers at the moment. From maxi skirts to short blazers to contrasting materials – brands and designers have started experimenting with the look in an attempt to break away from a fixed target group. This means that the suit with skirt can no longer be assigned to a fixed category. Classic styles still fall into the formal wear category, but others can easily be worn as evening wear or casual wear. This wide selection allows retailers to find the perfect two-piece suit that fits their own brand identity.

Where we saw him:

In their SS24 collections, numerous designers showed contrasting variations of the suit with skirt. One style that was seen particularly often was the combination of blazers with matching maxi skirts in flowing shapes, which made the two-piece look almost like a dress, as seen at Erdem. Details from the 80s were also incorporated into many designs. Rounded silhouettes were seen at Versace and Jason Wu, while Vivienne Westwood and Luar showed exaggerated shoulders, reminiscent of the typical ‘power suit’. At Chanel, the two-piece suit was seen in the fashion house’s signature tweed. The combinations were rounded off with lace trim and subtle accessories.

How to style it:

Even though the components of the two-piece suit can be worn individually, it is the combination of skirt and blazer that really makes a statement. Layering plays an important role here and helps define when the look can be worn. With a turtleneck under the blazer, the outfit can be worn both during the day and in the evening. A fitted blouse in a contrasting shade makes the look more formal. For a formal occasion, you can spice up the combination with pointed pumps, while sneakers and pulled-up socks give the look a certain casualness.

The suit with skirt has become a classic in women’s wardrobe, staying true to its feminist roots while keeping up with the modern world.

This translated post previously appeared on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Pia Schulz