Tailoring Doesn’t Have To Be Stuffy—Here’s How to Style a Suit For Women

Our editors independently select all products that appear on Glamour. We may, however, receive compensation from retailers or purchases made through these links.

The suit is a classic piece, but the trick lies in how you style it. Tailoring, aside from being the quintessential uniform for business, is extremely versatile and does not follow the trends. Wear it as a whole or separate to get the most mileage. With proper care, a suit can last a lifetime. A suit is timeless and genderless, so it’s a great choice for any occasion.

The fashion industry will also likely see more menswear in the future, especially after the 2025 Met Gala, which is themed around Black dandyism. While we may never walk the red carpet, we can take inspiration from how people style their suits. Find out how to wear a suit in style for women by 2025. Whether you like a pair of polished pants or a crisp, white shirt, seven ways will work.

1. Mix up traditional and casual

It may seem difficult to style a three-piece suit set, but the majority of it is already laid out between a jacket, a vest, and a pair of pants. This casual silhouette uses a relaxed pant with a blazer draped on the shoulders to create a casual everyday look. Add a pair of Oxfords to bring back the polished preppy heritage. Then, add a trendy, boxy shade for a contemporary twist.

2. Balance neutrals and brights

A rich, verdant colour makes this buttery suit. The best way to make a colour stand out like this one is not to distract from it with flashy accents. The neutral layers of a camel-coloured bag and a white blouse add dimension to the outfit without taking away from its focal point. To complete the look, add a pair of tonal shades.

3. Play with proportion

A ruffled, puffy collar can give a suiting design a more playful feel. A skirt that is above the knee can be difficult to style. However, with a pair of Mary Jane heels and knee-high socks, you will elevate your look. A vintage hair accessory or a pillbox cap will add a touch of sophistication and whimsy.

4. Color blocking is a fun way to experiment with your designs.

The single-colour suit is stunning on its own. But for a refined look, add neutral layers to balance the hue. A crisp white button-down shirt, a black topcoat, and black shoes amplify the contrast. Try a fun lipstick colour to add a touch of elegance.

5. Try wearing a skirt instead of pants

We’ve been promoting the skirt-over-pants look for years, and we can tell you that there is no better way to test it out than with a matching three-piece suit. This couple wears the same suit but with a pleated skirt. It adds movement and dimension to a classic silhouette. This look is unexpected and easy to recreate with items in your wardrobe. Anything from a sheer, gauzy skirt to a mini-dress will work.

6. Monochrome is the way to go

The same shade of colour can make a suit look lavish and thoughtful. The deep magenta and burgundy hues belong to the same family of colours, but you can still make this work by choosing a shirt that is lighter or darker than the rest. Accessorize your look with sunglasses that have tinted lenses.

7. Add some color

Play around with bright colours to bring a solid-coloured suit to life. A yellow button-down untucked makes this outfit look vibrant and energetic. Any other kaleidoscopic colour in your closet can have the same effect. The loose tie and metallic accessories give the outfit a polished, edgy look.