As the Met Gala Proved, Suits Are No Longer Stuffy
Here's how to style the ultimate wardrobe staple
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Few pieces are more of a staple than a well-made suitâbut how to style a suit is the real trick. Aside from being the quintessential business uniform, tailoring is incredibly versatile and transcends the churn of the trend cycle. You can wear it together as a set or get more mileage as separates with other pieces in your closetâand with proper care, your suit can literally last a lifetime. Whether you only reach for it during wedding season or it becomes your everyday attire, a suit is a timeless, genderless classic for a reason, and there are endless ways to wear the tried-and-true silhouette.
Plus, the fashion industry as a whole is probably about to see a lot more menswear on the market after this yearâs 2025 Met Gala theme, which celebrates Black dandyism and tailoring. The red carpet will be chock-full of A-listers in bespoke suitsâand while we might not ever walk one, thereâs tons of inspiration to take from the ways people wear them for their personal style. Ahead, find seven sophisticated ways to style a suit for women in 2025, whether you prefer a crisp pair of pants or a polished skirt.
Glamourâs suiting wish listThe Easy Trousers: Prettygarden Summer Work Pants, $26
The White Button-Down: Siliteelon Fitted Button-Down Shirt, $23
The Linen Blazer: Boden Stamford Linen Blazer, $248
The Two-Tone Loafers: G.H. Bass Whitney Loafers, $175
The Pleated Skirt: J.Crew Pleated Knee-Length Skirt, $148
1. Mix traditional with casual
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images
A three-piece suit set might seem like an intimidating challenge to style, but most of the outfit is already carved out for you between a vest, a jacket, and a pair of pants. And it doesnât have to feel stuffyâthis casual silhouette utilizes a more relaxed pant and a blazer draped over the shoulders for a casual, everyday take. Throw on a pair of Oxfords or loafers to infuse polished, preppy heritage back into the outfit, and add some boxy, trendy shades for a modern twist.
The Drop Blake Long Blazer
$90 $45
Amazon
G.H. Bass Whitney Loafers
$175
Nordstrom
2. Balance brights with neutrals
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
The rich, verdant hue makes this buttery suitâand the best way to let a color like this stand out is to not take away from it with flashy accessories. Neutral layers like a white button-up and camel-colored handbag add a bit of dimension without distracting from the focal point of the outfit. Top it off with a pair of tonal sunglasses to complete the luxurious look.
Boden Stamford Linen Blazer
$275 $248
Boden
Boden Westbourne Linen Pants
$155 $140
Boden
3. Play with proportion
Ussin Yala/Getty Images
For a playful take on a suiting look, a puffy, ruffled collar instills this otherwise severe design with a sense of joy and wonder. While an above-the-knee skirt length can be tricky to style, a pair of knee-high socks and Mary Jane heels (literally) elevate the look to the next level. Add a vintage hair accessory or a pillbox hat for an extra dose of whimsy and sophistication.
Mango Tweed Jacket
$140
Nordstrom
Pomander Place Alicia Blouse
$118
Tuckernuck
4. Experiment with color-blocking
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A single-color suit like this huesome cobalt is a show-stopper on its own, but for a more refined statement, balance out the pigment with neutral, solid layers. A crisp, white button-down, black topcoat, and shoes amp up the contrast, making the color stand out even more. Test out a fun lip color for an extra dose of elegance.
LookbookStore Notched Lapel Blazer
$50
Amazon
Cider High-Waist Solid Pleated Wide-Leg Trousers
5. Try a skirt over pants
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
As long-time proponents of a skirt-over-pants look, we can assure you thereâs no more foolproof way to try out the style than with a three-piece matching suit. This coordinated couple wears similar versions of the same suit, but the pleated skirt over pants elevates the outfit by adding movement and dimension to the classic silhouette. Itâs unexpected, yet easy to replicate with things in your closetâanything from a gauzy, sheer skirt to a flouncy mini pairs beautifully with the look.
J.Crew Pleated Knee-Length Skirt
$148
J.Crew
J.Crew Cuffed Wide-Leg Trousers
$188
J.Crew
6. Go for monochrome
Valentina Frugiuele/Getty Images
Similar shades of the same color make a suited look feel thoughtful and lavish. These deep burgundy and magenta hues are from the same chromatic family, but you can make it work in your closet by opting for a shirt with a lighter or darker hue compared to the rest of the suit. To break up all the color, accessorize with a pair of sunglasses with tinted lenses to add another element to the equation.
Anine Bing Sara Blazer
$600
Net-a-Porter
Anine Bing Lou Trousers
$450
Revolve
7. Add a pop of color
Edward Berthelot/Getty Images
A solid-color suit can feel a little drab on its own, so play around with a bright pop of color to make the set stand out. An untucked yellow button-down makes this outfit feel vibrant and energized, and any other kaleidoscopic hue in your closet will have a similar impact. A loose tie and shiny accessories add some dimension and polish off the edgy, relaxed look.
Everlane Oversized Blazer in Wool
$248
Everlane
Prettygarden Summer Work Pants
$26
Amazon