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 dressing blazer with matching wide leg 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.
A trouser suit will also become the most versatile two-piece you’ll ever own. Ideal for workwear, obvs, the best women’s trouser suits work for wedding guest outfits, too (particularly in pastel shades) and after dark. Choose a tuxedo suit or sequin style if you’re heading Out Out.
I think trouser suits look coolest 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 tailoring with a side of statement heels and a cami underneath for a night out, then that’s your call and of course a trouser suit + loafers and a jumper is Autumn outfit gold for the office.
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 both from Stories that are my go-tos for special occasions.) This season their pink suit would work for workwear – and special occasion dressing, like weddings.
But if you’re looking to invest in your first trouser suit, a neutral shade would be a very solid starting point. It doesn’t have to be black (although Arket’s linen trouser suit with oversized jacket is a dream) but think about colours that will fit with the rest of your wardrobe and be a useful base shade. Ganni’s grey suit or Marks & Spencer’s wool blend pinstripe suit would be ideal.
Looking to spend a designer-sized budget? Toteme’s herringbone woven suit will be an investment buy you’ll love forever but there are great styles to be found on the high street, too. Our edit has rounded up the best women’s trouser suits from ASOS, Mango and Topshop below.
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 of course, 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.