Women Suits – A Symbol of Women’s Emancipation and Empowerment

Women Suits have a long, boundary-pushing history. While they’re still seen as a uniform, suited women look effortlessly cool and radiate equality.

For a budget-friendly suit, check out Kohl’s (though their selection moves fast) and brands made for Macy’s like AK Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, and Tahari by ASL. Nordstrom and Saks carries higher-end brands like Theory.

History

Women suits have a rich and varied history. From helping suffragettes get their message across just as loudly as their banners in the 1910’s to helping Mexican American women craft their identity with pinstripes and watch chains in the 1940’s, the female suit’s evolution mirrored that of female emancipation and empowerment.

In the late 1800’s, French stage actress Sarah Bernhardt scandalized Paris when she wore a custom trouser suit that she called her “boy’s clothes.” Her androgyny was not met with approval at the time, but it was an important first step towards blurring gender roles. By the 1900’s, European women were wearing tailored jackets and long skirts or ‘costumes’ for outdoor activities such as walking, equestrian riding, archery, and even for plays such as Hamlet.

While the woman’s suit experienced a lull after World War II as many women returned to traditional domestic roles, it was revived in the sixties by fashion icons such as Dior’s “New Look” with its nipped waists and full skirts, and Marcel Rochas’ first ready-to-wear women’s pant suit. Hollywood icon Marlene Dietrich also helped to re-popularize the women’s suit when she appeared on screen in the 1930’s and 40’s, dressed in a masculine tuxedo with wing collar and soft felt hat. Women’s suits have since evolved from a practical work uniform into an elegant day and evening-wear piece.

Styles

From Beyonce’s stage suits to Angelina Jolie’s red carpet tuxedo, women’s Women Suits tailored pantsuits have long been an important symbol of women’s sartorial liberation. Designed to be as functional as they are stylish, these versatile outfits are now reimagined in fresh colors and styles.

From classic black to high-waisted cropped trousers, oversized blazers and textured suiting, this season’s women’s suit trends are all about feminine silhouettes. For an elegant look that’s perfect for work, try matching a polished blazer with a beautifully patterned dress for women or choose to layer a sheer pussy bow blouse with a spaghetti strapped camisole to create a subtle illusion of skin.

Women’s suits have also experienced a fashion makeover of late thanks to designers such as Anthony Vaccarello who re-imagined the tuxedo for his Spring 2023 collection at Saint Laurent. This resurgence has been further fuelled by a noticeable grown-up aesthetic seen on the runways at Prada and Alexander McQueen.

Whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or simply want to revamp your everyday wardrobe, a good quality suit will always be a timeless style staple. Invest in one in a flattering fit and you’ll have a versatile piece that can be worn for years to come. Then you can focus on adding chic accessories like heels and a bag that will truly bring the ensemble together.

Fabrics

Typically, women’s suits are made from wool, which is a natural material that provides comfort in cold weather. However, many suits are also crafted from other materials, such as rayon or polyester. These fabrics are often blended with cotton to provide a more comfortable fit. Depending on the type of suit, these blends can also improve its durability and wearability.

The suit saw a brief lull in popularity after World War II, as women returned to traditional domestic roles. But the 1960s were a watershed decade for women in business, Women Suits with the passage of several landmark social policies that helped equalize pay and workplace conditions. Designers like Dior began to reintroduce suits into elegant day and evening wear.

Today, the women’s suits and ensembles market is growing rapidly in Europe due to higher per capita income and changing fashion trends. The market’s largest players include Dior; CHANEL; Guccio Gucci S.p.A; PRADA; and Louis Vuitton.

The suit is the ultimate feminine wardrobe staple, and it comes in a variety of styles and colours. Whether you’re looking for a classic navy or pastel blue suit or a chic lace number, there’s a style to suit your personal taste. If you’re looking for a more casual look, try a linen suit. This versatile fabric has a light, natural texture and is great for warmer weather.

Tailoring

In a time when many women work in professions that require more formal attire than ever, tailoring is an important investment. Whether you work in a conservative law firm or trendy media business, having a suit that perfectly fits is essential to look credible and professional. The world of bespoke tailoring often appears to be an all-male club, but even the most traditional shops now offer women’s tailored suits and jackets.

The best of the bunch include The Deck on Savile Row, which was founded by Daisy Knatchbull and launched in 2022. The deck offers full suits and separates, and will work with you to create the exact style you need.

Another option is Eddie’s Expert Tailor in the East Village, which specializes in clothing that needs to be resized or made smaller — a job they do well and fast. Co-founder Fabiana Faria found the shop eight years ago when she was looking for someone to resize her bomber jacket; another tailor had said it could take three months, but Eddie’s finished the job in less than two weeks.

More affordable options for women’s tailored suits include Ted Baker (several locations), Theory, and the J. Crew Factory, which carries the brand’s sleek basics and occasionally has basic wool suiting separates in their sale section. Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Saks also carry the line. Another option is Mango, which stepped up its workwear game recently and has some good basic suits in petite, tall, and plus sizes.