Fashion / Society

5 ways to style this season's slouchy suit

By Sara King Moura
Street Style

Photo: Getty

If you got attached to loose layers as part of your pandemic-induced wardrobe, this style of suit is a welcome addition to your repertoire

We’ve all done the cosy sweatpants, a must-have during these past two years of on-and-off lockdowns. Social distancing inevitably impacted our daily dress code, yet as we get back to being out in the world again, it doesn’t mean we need to completely let go of the comfier aspects of fashion we’ve grown to love during this time.

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While thankful for the tracksuit’s heroic contribution over the past couple of years, it’s time to move on and look toward your ultimate wardrobe revival. But as comfort isn’t something we will be willing to give up any time soon (and why should we be?), we believe that the magic formula in the months ahead lies somewhere between cosiness and sophistication. Enter the reimagined and reshaped suit. Once synonymous with corporate wear, the suit may not be the most 'groundbreaking' fashion item but the empowerment intrinsic in this kind of garment after a long hiatus from office life, could be just what we need.

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Designer labels such as Mark Kenly Domino Tan and Baum und Pferdgarten have been experimenting with this new fashion lexicon of loose, baggy, oversized silhouettes, while style influencers have been deconstructing traditional suit looks and embellishing them with features and accessories, blurring gender boundaries and reinventing notions of power dressing in the process.

Here are five crucial tips on how to do the “new suiting”.

1

Layer with a corset

The corset trend was all over SS21, but its impact transcends seasons and looks set to be a wardrobe staple for some time to come. It lends an element of drama without being overwhelming, while also delivering a strong dose of sexiness. It’s the perfect addition to balance out otherwise slouchy aesthetics.

Photo: Fanny Ekstrand

2

Go for oversized pieces

The maxi proportions of this look not only give you the confidence to strut down the streets with style, but by betting on an extra large blazer you can also accomplish a cocoon-like feeling. It’s the perfect look for a dinner outing in a refined yet casual venue.

Related: Meet your updated and season-proof staple: the slip dress

Photo: Stephanie Broek

3

Embrace the dad shirt

It’s time to give the starchy shirt a new lease of life (well, maybe not the starchy bit). This once mundane item has been increasingly gaining momentum in style circles lately, put it on with a pair of New Balance 990v5s for retro-fuelled buzz.

Photo: Emily Bonita

4

Bring back the tube top

The slouchy suit is rooted in the 1990s, but it’s the 2000s that are really responsible for bringing the look to us now. Powered by distressed denim and low-rise jeans, the tube top has also been making an item we can’t ignore anymore. Don't pull a face, this once risqué item can be easily elevated as the below shopping items show. Just add an oversized blazer et voilà.

Photo: Loulou De Saison

5

Finish with work trousers

Once associated with skaters and construction workers, the work pants have broken out and found a broader fan base. Their informal, relaxed styling mean they serve as an authentic item that will immediately give your look a more laidback air and a welcome level of comfort.

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Photo: Debora Brosa