Women Suits Can Look Feminine and Chic
A suit can look feminine and chic when styled right. Whether you’re looking for something casual for the office or to dress up for an event, there are many options available.
French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized the public by wearing what she called her ‘boys’ clothes in the late 1800s, blurring gender roles and setting a precedent for women’s suits. Other notable pioneers of this era were Coco Chanel and Marcel Rochas.
History
The female suit is steeped in history that reflects the fight for women’s rights and equality. From the suffragette suits of 1910 to the pinstripe power suits of the 1980s, the evolution of the women’s suit mirrors the progression of feminism.
The first iterations of the female suit emerged in the 19th century, when it became socially acceptable to wear a tailored jacket with long skirts. European ladies customised these suits, called costumes, for activities such as riding, archery and walking and they quickly became fashionable as everyday clothing by 1905. But it was the suffragette suits of 1910 that marked a significant milestone in women’s emancipation, as they were worn for rallies, marches and protests. The suffragette suit was a sharp counterpoint to mainstream fashion that was so restrictive it caused women to ‘hobble’ around.
After the war, the women’s suit enjoyed a brief lull as women opted for housewife looks and conservative dress codes. But in the 1960’s, as a new wave of women entered the workforce, designers like Dior’s ‘New Look’ and Andre Courreges reintroduced the suit into elegant day and evening-wear.
The 1980’s were a defining decade for the woman’s suit as sales soared, thanks to a shift in perception of femininity. Giorgio Armani gave the feminine suit a boxier, more masculine feel, making it a powerful outfit that was worn by serious career women.
Styles
Women suits have a rich history, not too long ago it was a political statement to wear one and in some cases, illegal. The female suit experienced a Women Suits lull after World War II when women sought to return to domestic roles but by the 1960s, it was back in full force as many watershed moments for equality took place with women entering the workforce in unprecedented numbers and designers like Dior’s “New Look” and Andre Courreges re-introduced suits into elegant day and evening-wear.
Today, the trouser suit is not just a work wear staple but is worn to show off your fashion savvy and style sense for casual events, galas and ceremonies. Depending on the fabrics, colors and styling of your suit, you can achieve a variety of looks.
A classic suit is tailored with clean lines and may have little to no embellishment. A fashion/trendy suit embraces more modern styles with added details and is usually available in bolder colors. A formal/dressy suit has additional embellishments and is typically made from fancier fabrics.
Macy’s offers a large selection of suits including two and three piece suits in a variety of neutral colors as well as black, brown and pink. The store also has a wide range of suiting separates for those looking to create their own suit and a section called “Everyday” suits that feature more casual silhouettes like pleats and gathers and fit and flare styles. Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom carry a range of higher-end suits from designer brands such as Oscar de la Renta, Dolce & Gabbana and Giambattista Valli.
Fabrics
A woman’s suit can be made from any number of fabrics. Wool, silk, cotton, linen, and polyester are the most common. The fabrics may be woven or knit and can range from diaphanous to very heavy. The fabrics can be textured or smooth and come in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
The fabric used in a suit can make a big difference in its look and feel. Generally speaking, a thinner fabric is best for warmer weather while thicker fabrics are more suitable for cooler weather.
Choosing a fabric that has good drape can also add a lot to the overall appearance of the suit. It can take the suit from stiff and boxy to Women Suits soft and flowing. The fabric should also be breathable to prevent sweating and humidity.
Another important factor to consider is the fineness of the fabric. The higher the fineness, the more delicate and refined the cloth will be. This fineness can be determined by looking at the count of the yarn and comparing it to other fabrics. The lower the count, the less refined the fabric will be.
Women’s suit fabrics come in a wide variety of weights and weaves, and are available for all seasons. For example, a windowpane plaid can be made with polyester/viscose blend, which gives the suit durability and wrinkle resistance, while the viscose provides a nice drape and silky hand-feel.
Occasions
While women’s suits have a history of being associated with power dressing, they can be worn for any occasion. For example, you could wear a suit for a wedding and look highly fashionable without having to worry about a wardrobe malfunction. A plus size three piece pantsuit from R&M Richards is a classy option and will help you stay comfortable throughout the special event.
According to Daily Worth, the women’s suit experienced its first resurgence in popularity after World War II. This decade saw the rise of women joining the workforce in large numbers. While women’s suits remained popular during this time, it was the 1970s that marked the pinnacle moment for them. It was the time when Bianca Jagger’s wide trousers and tailored jackets brought them to mainstream fame. It also marked the beginning of a new style for women’s suits that were less formal and more casual.
If you’re looking to buy a suit for everyday wear, Macy’s has great options that are a bit more affordable. Their “Everyday Value” or EDV lines include AK Anne Klein, Calvin Klein and Tahari by ASL suits that are all good choices. For a more high-end suit, consider Nordstrom and Saks, where you’ll find the likes of Theory, Hugo Boss and Reiss. You can also find excellent deals on men’s suits at stores like Chadwicks and the clearance section of Nordstrom.