Suit Life: How To Wear the Pantsuit

Pantsuits_YSL_LeSmoking_Fashion_Style

Anja Rubik in Saint Laurent

New trends are churned out every season, yet some creations remain iconic even after long lapses of time. When Coco Chanel introduced pants for women and Yves Saint Laurent devised the iconic Le Smoking suit, perhaps even they did not know that it was the advent of something powerful and phenomenal.

Though Yves Saint Laurent is regarded as the pioneer of the ensemble—made famous by Helmut Newton’s photographs for French Vogue in 1975—every major designer, from Tom Ford to Stella McCartney, has delved into pantsuit territory to create their own versions. Be it DKNY’s take on it with variations in panels, the intricately patterned attire with cropped trousers from the house of McQueen in S/S 13 showcase, Tom Ford’s subtle versions, or the recent 70’s inspired leisure suits at Gucci, the pantsuit has come a long way from the days of Marlene Dietrich and Bianca Jagger.

 

Following the designers, high street brands like Marks & Spencer and Zara now devote more rack space to affordable jackets and modish trousers that you can pair like a pro! It also helps to have a bevy of modern celebrities endorsing the pantsuit for photo ops, public appearances, and cutting-edge editorials.

American presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has been wearing pantsuits for as long as we can remember, making it a favourite among women in Washington’s political circles. Theresa May, British PM, also offers valuable lessons in suit style. More recently, Amal Clooney’s chic styling and Kerry Washington’s commanding presence in Scandal, has brought the pantsuit back in the spotlight. Closer home, trust Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor to ensure the outfit—spruced with detailing like never before—stays in vogue. We are not complaining!

What To Wear

Shop: Alexander McQueen Shawl Lapel Blazer; Anthony Vaccarello Classic Blazer; Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Tartan Jacket; Balmain Striped Blazer; Saint Laurent Floral Blazer; Haider Ackermann Jacquard Blazer

How To Wear

As the trend abounds at fashion weeks, favoured by street style stars, celebrities on the red carpet, and best-dressed lists, one thing is clear: it’s not only the boardroom where the pantsuit triumphs. A pantsuit can be effortlessly styled for a smart evening attire. Ditch the traditional shirt for a fun crop top or a satin bralette underneath your blazer, and you are ready for a glamorous soiree. Athleisure mode on? Accessorize with classic white sneakers underneath. Better still, go for wide leg trousers and quirky prints to break the monotony and steal the show. Explore more from StyleWe fashion store online.

 

When it comes to an ensemble as versatile as the pantsuit, ideas are plentiful for you to choose from. And choose you must because one thing is certain—the pantsuit has attained a ‘must-have’ status in a modern woman’s wardrobe and from what can be seen, it here to stay.

Featured image: YSL by Helmut Newton (French Vogue, 1775). Images courtesy Alena & Alexandra; Beauty & Fashion Freaks; CosmopolitanLe Fashion; Lux Worldwide; Pinterest; Style Caster; Vogue

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