Women’s tailoring has gone through a major evolution in recent years.
Once the staple of straight-laced office workers, suits have gone well and truly mainstream. Everything from relaxed tailored looks and chic skirt suits to bold blazers has been embraced by fashion-forward teens and red-carpet celebrities.
Way beyond a flash-in-the-pan trend, suits are here to stay. It’s easy to find the perfect fit for you, whether you’re looking for understated daytime separates or jazzy party pieces.
Fashion experts run down their top tailoring tips for women…
1. Play to your strengths
The beauty of tailoring is everyone can find the right cut, colour and style to show off their best assets.
“If you have great legs, showcase them with a closely tailored pair of trousers,” says designer Heather Griffiths-Benhrima, founder of Kasbah Clothing.
“Alternatively, if you don’t love your legs, a wide leg trouser creates a chic silhouette and draws focus away from the leg shape.”
When choosing a jacket, she says: “Those with a bigger bust look great in a V-neck – it draws the eye down and creates a more elegant shape. If you carry weight in your mid-region, an A-line cut will skim the figure.”
2. Consider your silhouette
Oversized blazers are a major trend at the moment, but if loose cuts aren’t appealing, opt for a more sleek silhouette.
“Careful placement of the waistline is incredibly important,” says Jet Shenkman, creative director of Eponine London. “A waistline that sits too low can kill an outfit, as it cuts someone in half – rather than elongating the body.”
Griffiths-Benhrima agrees: “Use well-cut pieces to accentuate your figure and create a stylish silhouette. If you want to accentuate or create a waist, for example, use a belt or a tailored jacket to really focus in on that feature.”