Product of the week: The elegant suit

What is it:

Spring/Summer 2023 suits came in structured shapes and tailored silhouettes, with a focus on tailoring. While some cuts and fits were tailored to the models, others were heavily altered and transformed into oversize models, albeit still with elegant tailoring elements. Distinctive embellishments were also important in this two-piece trend, as fashion houses opted for quirky details like oversized paper airplanes or sweeping beads. This applied to both men’s and women’s fashion, where similar techniques were used in the collections, blurring the boundaries between the two areas.

Why you should order it:

Suits are an integral part of both men’s and women’s wardrobes. This season they are also cross-category, from formal wear to casual wear. The trend is partly due to post-pandemic changes in office attire and working from home. This evolution has led to many people opting for a less formal wardrobe and sticking with it even when offices reopened. This meant that casual suit shapes prevailed, which have now become a trend. This is reflected in the subtle cuts and relaxed fits that set the tone on the SS23 runways, reflecting the new attitude towards formal wear.

Where we saw him:

Suits graced the S/S23 runways in both men’s and women’s fashion, in a variety of cuts, colors and trimmings. Both categories had one element in common: pastel colors. Light hues have been used by brands like Jil Sander, Canali and Paul Smith, each favoring different pastel colors for similarly form-fitting silhouettes. In menswear, Celine Homme and Prada offered slim-fit trousers, while brands like Peter Do and Louis Vuitton showcased bold silhouettes and bold embellishments. In women’s fashion, Ermanno Scervino, Lanvin and Stella McCartney experimented with relaxed cuts and oversized silhouettes.

how to style it

Tailoring suits are designed to fit together as a set. Most brands offer matching blazers and trousers or skirts that coordinate seamlessly. The trick is to combine the two pieces with other garments, the possibilities for which are unlimited. Collared blouses and shirts are typical choices when looking for a matching piece of clothing for a suit. They can be counteracted by choosing looser materials such as satin or knitwear. Combine them with sleeveless V-neck sweaters or a contrasting vest. Complete the look with boots or sneakers, depending on how formal the occasion is.

Smart suiting took center stage in the SS23 collections, as houses experimented and played with silhouettes, cuts and details. This has been translated by the brands into elegant two-piece looks that offer people both a casual and a formal option for almost any occasion.

This article was previously similarly published on FashionUnited.uk.