It's that time of week again, pals; that beautiful moment in which we can and/or will celebrate (or condemn) the biggest trends of the current season. This week, we examine the obsession with women's suits and determine whether or not they are worthy of our time, attention, and monies. Are they key components of the Businesswoman Special? Or should we all walk away — ala Romy — because our shoes are filling up with blood?
(And if you didn't get those Romy and Michele references, then maybe it's time for us all to go to bed.)
So first, why should we care? Haven't "professionals" been wearing suits since their fancy-ass dress codes dictated they must? Well, yes. But collections by The Row, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, and Hermes this F/W added a much-needed edge to the traditional courtroom/marketing/financial district attire. First, these suits aren't so gender-specific. In the case of The Row, the pants are fitted in a traditional English cut style (and very 1960s), while Hermes kept their silhouettes loose ala '80s-era Wall Street. Then, Jil Sander avoided gender specificity too: a boxy jacket complemented pleated, ankle-lenth trousers, which varies greatly from the floor-length pants that usually require heels.
On the flipside, Georgio Armani mixed and matched textures and fabrics, pairing silky, midi-length bottoms with a knit blazer and top. Hugo Boss also played with pant lengths, and Emporio Armani also kept their pants ankle-length and roomy.
But to be honest, the most important aspect of this trend is colour. Odds are, if you're not well-acquainted with the wide world of women's suits (hello: I am wearing a giant sweater with knee-length socks and rubber boots — how are you?), suits might seem boring. You picture them as being black, brown, or any other form of neutral, and completely unwilling and unable to allow for personality, outside influence, or uniqueness in any way. Which I get (because I've thought it). But F/W is different.
Blumarine, Emilio Pucci, Versace, and Gucci all showcased styles in bright, vibrant tones — or even softer, pastel hues (like rose) to give the tried-and-true style a little kick. Throw some jewellery into the mix, make sure the shirt worn underneath is interesting, and you've officially buried the myth of the boring suit, forever. If, of course, you are are suit-wearer.
The thing about suits is that they are a commitment. You don't just get up, put on a suit, then lounge on the couch blitzing Twin Peaks all day. Suits demand to be worn out, in public, to powerful places — and that's probably why they're 100% not for everybody.
I can't wear a suit. I mean, I can physically put one on my body, but I don't care about colour, cut, or pant length because I'm not comfortable dressed up that way. In fact, a lot of people aren't. And that's okay. That's why when my friends and I say "What are you wearing tonight?" and the other says, "A power suit" we laugh because in reality we're wearing t-shirts with animals on them. So this trend? Would I wear it? If I was a person who wears suits. If you wear suits, congratulations: your suits have gotten exciting and interesting. But for me? A regular person who is currently writing this from a library with a backpack to my left and an oversize parka-thing draped over my chair? No thank you.
Not because they're not beautiful, but because they're not me. And because I only wear — and only believe in wearing — clothes that make me feel like my most powerful self (which, yes, includes a backpack), I wouldn't wear this.
