WORDS BY JULIE DUAN
Take note ladies: 2018 is the year of the pant suit. The heavy-shouldered symbols of the 80s are back and refreshed, along the fearless executive confidence required to wear them. Endorsed by everyone from fashion editors to your favourite influencer, the empowered silhouette is beloved for its effortless statement-making and surprising versatility. With the cooler winter months now upon us, there’s no better time to embrace co-ord tailoring: formal work suits, casual linen suits, sleek evening pant suits, the options are endless, so we’ve broken down the key trends:
Shop the look: Balenciaga Blazer | Altuzarra Blazer
The New Tailoring
Gone are the shapeless, sack-like silhouettes of the 80s. In 2018, tailoring is bold, modern and experimental. The classic blazer and trouser styles are reimagined with unexpected proportions, peek-a-boo cut-outs, cropped lengths and deft layering — finally, office wear no longer has to be dull. Create an elevated version of the work suit by pairing a sculptural blazer with a classic white shirt and slim-fit trousers. For an elegant evening look, go bold and pair your pant suit with flashy earrings and colourful pumps.
Shop the look: Y/Project Blazer | Stella McCartney Wide Legged Trouser
Oversized proportions
For AW18, Marc Jacobs took the big shoulders and mannish volumes of the 80s and ran with it. Raucous colour blocking, oversized lapels and even bigger shoulders came roaring down the catwalk (not exactly a look for the faint of heart). However, there’s a certain effortless appeal to voluminous tailoring: for a statement outfit that looks like it’s just been thrown on, a wide shoulder blazer cinched in at the waist with a belt works perfectly. For a true embrace of the oversized look, pair loose, wide-fitting trousers with a slouchy blazer and messy bed hair — instant ‘cool girl’ nonchalance.
Shop the look: MSGM Ruffle Blazer | Trousers by Maison Margiela
Think Pink
Power suits, much like the name suggestions, are all about empowerment. So if you think you’re not brave enough to pull off a daringly bright ensemble, think again. Pink pant suits are everywhere this season, ranging from soft dusky roses and cool toned violets to explosive neon tones. Head to toe pink is a bold statement, so keep things sleek and let the colour speak for itself with clean-cut silhouettes and minimal detailing. Dress your pink pant suit up with of-the-moment kitten heels or for a more casual look, try sneakers and an open blazer over a simple tee.
Shop the look: Rachel Zoe Pinstripe Blazer | Tagliatore Two-Piece Suit
Wear white
Nothing oozes quiet sophistication like a white suit. A truly versatile colour that works for both day and night, white pant suits look good without even trying — all you have to worry about is keeping it spotless. When it comes to tailoring, lightweight fabrics aren’t just for summer: with the right drape and cut, linen and crepe add languid movement that exudes elegance. Keep things neutral for the office with camel accessories or add a flash of colour with a bold bag or lipstick.
Shop the look: Saint Laurent Velvet Tuxedo Blazer | Haider Ackermann 3D Shoulder Blazer
Opulent textures
Luxurious fabrics are everywhere this season. Fluid silks, satins and rich velvets transform the pant suit from a daytime style to a glamorous evening look, lending it a sensuous, tactile edge. Look to Haider Ackermann for jewel-toned iterations and Balmain for liquid metal, transparent organza and even holographic finishes. A simple black pant suit is instantly elevated by a decadent fabric; pair with a sleek clutch bag for an effortless evening look.
Shop the look: Dolce & Gabanna Floral Jacquered Jacket | Etro Quartz Printed Blazer
Patterns galore
Unlike previous iterations, the new pant suit is far from boring - its tailored cut and clean lines prove to be an ideal playground for rich brocade, florals, statement geometric shapes and check. For this season, brands sent a riot of colour and print down the catwalks, ranging from Dolce & Gabbana’s lustrous brocade, bold checks at Loewe and Dries Van Noten’s modern graphics. For a toned-down day look, pair a patterned blazer with jeans, but if you’re feeling brave, go fully co-ord for maximum impact.