5 modern power suits for the new season
‘Power suiting’ has a new meaning for autumn/winter ’19/’20. Forget any stiff, corporate connotations; laid-back silhouettes and voluminous luxe blazers (paired with wide-leg trousers and fluid skirts) are leading the way now, thanks to the likes of Greek designer Eftychia Karamolegkou.
Shortlisted for the LVMH Prize, Karamolegkou’s eponymous label, Eftychia, is garnering attention for its versatile, understated tailoring that redefines comfort wear. “I think comfort is key,” she tells Vogue. “My pieces have a loose fit to give that relaxed feeling.”
So, how can you bring that relaxed feel to your work wardrobe? Look to the street style set, and their five favourite tailoring trends for autumn/winter ’19/’20.
1. Take neutral to the extreme, in cream (above)
The neutral tones that have dominated the past few seasons are here to stay, particularly when it comes to tailoring. And a cream suit isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. See Rejina Pyo for a soft draped version and Acne Studios for a boxy take. Note on footwear: the ‘90s-style mules you shopped on Depop way back in January work perfectly for this look.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
2. Think ’70s midi-skirts and pleats, please
If the miniskirt suit had a moment last year, for autumn/winter ’19/’20 it’s all about a longer hemline. Namecheck: Hedi Slimane’s Celine reboot, where a bourgeois ‘70s mood was the order of the day; Gabriela Hearst’s pleated Wesley skirt; and easy-to-wear midis via Eftychia.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
3. Let the season inspire an autumnal palette
Copenhagen Fashion Week had us sold on orange suiting (reference Georgian brand Janashia’s sleek two-piece), as well as bringing forest green into the mix. When it comes to the colour of your new suit, remember that it’s not always about black, navy and grey.
Image credit: Søren Jepsen
4. Keep structured shoulders and boxy blazers
The autumn/winter ’19/’20 runways at Givenchy, Maison Margiela and Balenciaga all made a case for the power suit signature: sculpted shoulders. Mytheresa fashion buying director Tiffany Hsu has been setting the street style trend, while Rihanna’s debut Fenty collection offered a wealth of structured inspiration. Expect to see it across the front rows come September’s fashion shows.
Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce
5. Match bold prints, in two-piece suits
Danish-British brand Brøgger’s printed suits have become a street style mainstay, due to their power to turn every photographer’s lens. Closet peacocks should also look to Stine Goya’s autumn/winter ’19/’20 orange-and-pink gingham suit, and Charles Jeffrey Loverboy’s colourful plaid two-pieces.
Image credit: Søren Jepsen