Every time I want to look polished and put together, I reach for one of my favourite women’s trouser suits.
Whether I’m sitting in the frow at London Fashion Week or bottomless brunching with pals, there’s something about pairing a power player blazer with matching trousers that takes your outfit – and mood – to a whole other level. Empowering doesn’t come close. I am a fully paid up member of the fashion fan club (hey, it’s my job) but trouser suits honestly have this alchemical ability to make any outfit look smart, yet casual. Strong, but also playful. Want in? I’ve curated an edit of brilliant options for you to consider adding to your own outfit arsenal this season – and to wear way beyond.
I think trouser suits are at their best when worn with trainers and a white t-shirt as relaxed workwear, or at weekends. At the moment Adidas Sambas are a good call. It’s the mix of smart and sporty that does it for me. Although, if you prefer your women’s trouser suit with a side of statement heels and nothing underneath for a night out, then that’s your call.
Where can I buy a women’s trouser suit?
I can pin some of my most memorable moments to the women trouser suits I have worn, and plenty of excellent options can be found on the high street. & Other Stories always have great tailoring options (I have a navy corduroy trouser suit with bootcut trousers and a double breasted long sleeve blazer, as well as a longline pumpkin orange trouser co-ord from Stories.)
For a perfectly spring-like option right now, & Other Stories have a sky blue womens trouser suit with a cut-away blazer and pleated crease trousers that are new in. Elsewhere, Marks & Spencer’s linen-mix relaxed blazer and wide leg trousers have a slouchy silhouette while ASOS is a gold mine for two-pieces that will go the distance on a budget. The green checked blazer and matching trousers are a serious find that would work as relaxed office-wear or dressed up as wedding guest attire.
Looking to spend a designer-sized budget? I recommend heading straight to Net-a-porter.com. Ganni’s oversized trouser suit – made from recycled elements – has the perfect Y2k mood of the moment yet ticks the wear-forever box too. I’m sold.
If you still need convincing (and I know trouser suits often come with a bigger price tag than a dress) remember that you get three ways to wear them. As a suit, obvs, then both the blazer and trousers can be worn separately. According to my maths, that works out as far more versatile than even your most hard-working dress. Honestly, there is a trouser suit to, er, suit, every style and every occasion.
Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton.