THE SUIT I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED
Hi! It’s been a minute, and I didn’t want you to think I’ve fallen off the face of the earth. So much is going on between driving Miss Daisy (my mom) to some of her appointments, work, and something new that I have going on that I can’t wait to tell you all about; it’s been non-stop. I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying cooler temperatures (sorry to those in LA dealing with “Texas-like” heat…you know we understand!).
I know I’m usually in some sort of “jean” look, but I wanted to show you a great-looking pantsuit for those of you who work from home, have meetings, travel for work, or simply want something a little more classic in your closet. And I have to admit, I didn’t think I really needed a suit, but then I saw this one at Aritzia. And…here we are!
A Suit Doesn’t Have to Mean “I’m Going to a Board Meeting”
What I love about this suit is that it feels polished without feeling stuffy. The blazer is beautifully tailored, giving a “snatched” waist, and the pants have a wide-leg silhouette that makes the whole thing feel current rather than like a traditional “suit suit.” I chose the brown/charcoal plaid because I think it’s such a great neutral for fall. It’s one of those patterns that looks interesting without being loud, and you can mix it with so many things already in your closet.
For the first look, I went all in with the matching blazer (it comes in tons of colors, BTW) and pants, and added a striped button-down underneath. I love the little stripe peeking out! It gives the suit a more relaxed, slightly menswear-inspired feel. I have to be honest about this button-down and share a little secret. It was so hot the day we shot this that I used this “tuck-in” collar dickey instead of wearing a real button-down. The exact one is sold out, but I found this one and this one if you love a white shirt. How genius are these to wear under a sweater? Add a great pair of shoes (similar), a handbag, and some sunglasses, and suddenly you look like you have somewhere very important to be—even if you’re just going to lunch.
And honestly, isn’t that what we’re going for? Polished, but not trying so hard?
Then I Broke Up the Suit
Of course, you don’t have to wear the pieces together. That’s actually one of my favorite things about buying a matching set or suit. You are really getting multiple outfits. For my second look, I kept the plaid pants but swapped the blazer for a soft blue cashmere cardigan (mine is last year’s from Tuckernuck, and I love that they monogram for you) and a simple dark brown tank. Completely different look. And this is where I think a suit becomes a really great addition to your wardrobe. You can wear the pants with sweaters, tees, blouses, and jackets, while you can wear the blazer with jeans, trousers, skirts, or even over a dress. So instead of thinking, “When am I ever going to wear a suit?” think of it as two really great wardrobe separates that happen to look fantastic together.
And There’s a Skirt, Too!
The blazer and pants aren’t the only pieces available; there’s also a coordinating skirt, which gives you another way to wear the suit. I love pairing the skirt with a sweater and boots for fall, or wearing it with the blazer for a more feminine take on the traditional pantsuit. That’s three completely different directions from essentially the same little collection.
Why I Think This Works for Women Over 50
I know some of us have spent years deciding what we “should” wear at a certain age. I’ve certainly done it. But I don’t think getting older means our clothes need to become less interesting. If anything, I think we know ourselves and our style better now. I don’t need my clothes to make me look younger. I want them to make me feel confident, current, and like myself. And there is something about a really good jacket that just makes you stand a little taller. Maybe it’s the shoulders. Maybe it’s the tailoring. Maybe it’s the fact that you suddenly feel like you have your life together (haha!) So, while I may still be a jeans girl at heart, I’m officially making room for a good suit.
BLAZER // PANTS // SHIRT DICKEY // CARDIGAN (similar) // TANK // BAG (similar) // BELT // SHOES (similar)
I am headed out to PT this morning and tonight headed to the Lafayette 148 opening party. Lafayette just opened their first standalone Dallas boutique in Northpark Mall. I got a sneak peek yesterday while trying on an outfit to wear tonight. I am wearing these jeans with this blazer, and this bag (by my talented daughter-in-law). Love a party!
I hope you all have a great day! Thank you for reading!
Be well and Stay safe! xx