The modern minimalist: How to update your tailoring for 2022

The classic combo of tailored trousers and a blazer is a workwear staple for a reason, with the two-piece being unmeasurably reliable and versatile. A universal unisex uniform, whether soft and slouchy or sharp shouldered, the suit guarantees a level of sophistication.


As with any classic closet go-to, the suit has a long history. The male suit as we know it today was established in the early 19th century, with women appearing in tailored attire causing certified scandals. It was only in 20th-century Paris that Chanel popularised the skirt-suit ensemble, effectively shifting the attitude toward the sartorial phenomenon. In turn, this led to Yves Saint Laurent creating the iconic Le Smoking in 1966 and the power suits of female yuppies in the 1980s. 


Related: Salacious or suitable: a tale of tailored controversy and women in suits


Today, just like with any fashion, suits are continuously evolving. The sleek attire takes on new Scandinavian minimalism via broad, sweeping lines. Generous shifts atop wide-legged trousers and shell-like overcoats – with just the dash of colour by way of accent accessories.


Below, we’re detailing how to update the suit for the new season and pave the way for the modern minimalist.

When updating our tailoring, it is all about the silhouette. Soft suiting dropped shoulders and broad blazers with room for laying is the look we're going for this season. While the traditional pairing for the suit is a crisp collared shirt, the modern minimalist opts for a more innovative pairing – namely a sharp neckline cut straight across the chest, effectively breaking off the deep-cut décolletage of the blazer. All the better if the neckline is attached to a dress for a long-lined layered ensemble.

The waistcoat made massive sartorial impact on the Scandi style set in 2021, and we predict that the two-piece will turn into a three-piece for 2022. The vest is a wonderful way to make your suit more versatile, whether worn on its own or layered underneath a jacket. Why not reach for a longer style cinched at the waist? Colour is another key factor when updating your suit for the spring/summer season, brown is the new black. It lays the perfect base for another jewellery trend, mis-matching your metals.

Related: 3 ways to style the waistcoat this winter

While the main colour way is muted – in nutty browns, deep blacks, camels and creams – the accessories are making a statement. Poppy pinks, pistachio greens, Klein blues and lovely lilacs all instil some interest the monochromatic ensembles. Coral-shaped earrings, tinted pumps, and chunky mules helps us dot the i's of our outfits, while a pair of opera gloves cements themselves as the styling power-tool of the season.

Related: Opera gloves have become the fashion set’s favourite accessory

Long lines and layers upon layers, that is the tune of 2022 tailoring. But while we most often envision swathing silhouettes and sweeping skirts when considering a blazer, dress and trouser combo, there are sleek alternatives to the trend. Here, a knee-length knit and a slim-fit suit jacket hugs the body just-so – paired perfectly with the slicked-back braid.

The classic cut of a blazer is classic for a reason, but that doesn't mean there is no room to play around with shape. Here, Victoria Chan's cross-chest cut blazer manages to twist the traditional into something inherently modern. And why we're at it, why not embrace some old-school silhouettes, such as the ankle-length skirt suits popularised by Chanel? The world of tailoring is our sartorial oyster, and we set out to make our outfits modern classics – a new Scandinavian minimalism.