When you put a little bit of extra effort into your ensemble, it changes how you feel that day. Sure, you woke up tired and full of last night regrets but you forced yourself into your best skirt and you’re now so ready to rock the day ahead.
That’s why power-dressing is so important – because you’re literally dressing to feel empowered. If you want to nail that boardroom presentation, you need to first be confident in how you present yourself. Enter the two-piece.
A good suit and two-piece, albeit skirt or pants, is invaluable to the working week. Not only does it make you look professional, it makes you feel professional like you have got your whole life together.
If you’re in need of a new suit to elevate your work wardrobe this fall season, we’ve handpicked our top 10 favourite styles.
Photo: Zara
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
Oh, how we do love this two-piece. With all the ‘First lady’ vibes we could muster, this belongs in our top ten because it’s decadent yet playful and will turn heads wherever you go. Made from heart-patterned jacquard in pastel pink with jade hearts, the combo together is an overload of femininity.
With a gold scalloped collar, large striped bow tie and faux pearls, the lavish embellishments are balanced out by the box-cut of the jacket and A-line skirt. The attention to details on this two-piece is exquisite and we heart (see what we did there?) that it is a skirt suit, not a pants suit too.
Style tip: You’ve got style and luxury already sorted. So, we say, throw on your favourite pair of heels (we recommend dark blue in colour as it would pick out the striped bow nicely and not overpower the outfit) and leave it at just that. Sorted.
Jacket, $3,500 and Skirt, $990 both exclusive to Net-a-porter
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
If you need to present to the office or have a meeting with an important client, we suggest this two-piece from MANGO. The structured shoulders and upper quilted lapel collar teamed with the dark grey fabric makes you look professional yet feminine.
For comfort, the matching pants have an elasticated waist and button detail towards the lower hem, adding just a slight touch of ‘playful’ but still discreet enough for the boardroom.
Style tip: Pick up on the black upper collar by teaming with a black high collared shirt, or, a black roll-neck top for a slight twist on the typical corporate attire. The blazer can be thrown on with black skinny jeans and some pumps to smarten up your weekend shopping outfit too.
Blazer, $99.90 and Pants, $59.90 from MANGO
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
This may be from fall ‘16 but it’s still going strong and an absolute killer of a two-piece. Gucci is never backwards in coming forwards, marking their boldness as a brand with a bright fuschia pink suit, complete with black lapels and piping. Sure, it’s not the common colour for the office but it will get you noticed and makes for a great work-to-play transitional outfit.
Style tip: When it comes to a suit like this, you have to play everything else down. Black shoes, black top and very simple makeup. Otherwise, you can come across as ‘too much’.
Blazer, $2,800 and Pants, $1,300 both from Net-a-porter
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
You want to go all out at the office, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Oh, hello ASOS ruffle detail two-piece suit. For the bold and the daring, this suit features ruffle details down both sides of the pant leg and then across one lapel of the blazer. This is a great set for those who have daytime events to attend and need to pop in and out of the office whilst still ‘fitting in’ with the fashionable crowd of the events.
Style tip: Don’t over-do those ruffles, they work for themselves. We’d like to play around with some contrast here – so would team with a starched large collar long sleeved white shirt and some patent court shoes. If you’re then heading out after work, swap your studs for some statement earrings and you’re good to go.
Jacket, $35.56 and Pants, $22.63 from ASOS
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
Sometimes, you just want easy, breezy and comfortable (this is usually how we feel every Monday after a relaxed weekend), which is where this pant suit steps in. In light grey, the tailored suit is an easy choice when you’re in a rush in the morning. It plays on our favourite minimalism style perfectly – no fastening, no buttons and no embellishments.
Style tip: Work a black or dark shade into this suit for a darker vibe, or pair with simple white vest top to rock that ‘effortless but still smart’ ensemble goals.
Blazer, $67.88 and Pants, $34.48 from ASOS
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
If you’re after a closet update but don’t want to splurge your cash (we’ve all got Christmas to start thinking about after all) this number from ZARA could be just the thing. Featuring long sleeves and a lapel collar, plus a vent at the back, the blush pink blazer can be worn with black pants, jeans or even a black skirt. If you’re after the complete set, the matching skinny trousers finish just above the ankles and feature front zip fastening.
Style tip: The blush pink is quite a hard colour to work for Asian skintones, so pair it with black or dark brown to soften the colour contrast.
Blazer, $89.90 and Pants, $59.90 from ZARA
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
For something a little less traditional, ZARA has a crepe frock coat in light blue that drops down to the upper thigh, delivering a much more ‘casual’ take on the work blazer. The matching pants are wide leg cut with darts which add to that ‘smart but comfortable’ overall feel to this two-piece.
Style tip: The light blue shade of the suit works great with navy blue, white, grey, beige and blush pink. Steer clear of any bright colours as they will overpower and ruin the essence of this style.
Frock Coat, $119 and Pants, $69.90 from ZARA
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
Burgundy on black, this wool crepe printed suit is fantastic for fall – taking on the key autumn darker colours but spicing them up in a bold print. The fully-lined blazer features buttoned cuff, one large button fastening and front pockets, whilst the wool-blend crepe pants are slim leg cut with a concealed zip fastening. We had to feature this set because it’s currently on sale for 60% off so it’s, quite literally, at a steal price right now!
Style tip: Considering the bold print this two-piece is very versatile when it comes to your personal style. For work, we suggest pairing with a high-neck black top or bow blouse and some black closed toe heels.
Blazer, $1,367 and Pants, $627 from THE OUTNET
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
Often people avoid suits given the overall impression of ‘restriction’ and uncomfortable fit for a long day at the office. This black blazer and flared pants is a far cry from this ideology but still also makes you look professional and smart. With flared sleeves and a shorter hemline (just below the waist) it sits in between smart and casual sphere, which is what we all usually aim for during our working week. Pair with equally comfortable flared trousers and you’re good to last into overtime.
Style tip: Try a pop of your favourite colour to brighten this combo up, or wear with a long top that goes below your lower waist and hips to highlight the ‘cropped’ design of the blazer. Avoid wearing with short tops as it will make you look like your midriff is very short.
Blazer, $49,90 and Pants, $89.90 from MANGO
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS
Haider Ackermann’s double breasted blazer hits all the right spots and is an excellent choice beyond ‘all black everything’. Made from emerald satin, the blazer is button-fastened with a double breasted front, whilst the pants are straight-cut with pinched pleats and an elasticated waistband. You can wear these as a combo to work or, wear as separates at the weekend. Add this two-piece to your closet and everyone else will be emerald green with envy.
Style tip: Lighten the green with a white or cream chiffon blouse and some slip on pale mules. This suit can be dressed up or down, so have a play with heels or flats to see what works best for you.
Blazer, $1,475 and Pants, $655 from Net-a-porter
ALSO READ: THE HER WORLD TEAM’S FAVOURITE FALL/WINTER’17 COLLECTIONS