From The Straits Times    |

Photo: Instagram/ miyayeah

Soft Suiting is this season’s key trend, well loved by fashion bloggers, idols and magazine editors alike. What is it, you may ask. Basically it’s a great alternative to the traditional suit, where you swap out stiff, structured business-like blazers for those that have a softer, cozier and more comfy silhouette. Pair this with a feminine dress or skirt and there you have it — an ensemble that is just the right mix of business formal and business casual. It’s refined yet informal, elegant yet youthful.

Take your cue from Pierpaolo Piccioli, who presented a bohemian-style outfit with a flowy, printed maxi dress paired with a ’70s cut blazer and a silk turban in Valentino’s runway show. Or do it like Sunmi and go with a pleated tartan skirt and a pair of low-heeled booties for a mix of preppy and chic.

Here’s how you can carry off this new trend effortlessly.

 

A curious blend of summer and winter

Give your casual summer dress a more formal boost by dressing it with a soft but smart double-breasted blazer. We recommend pairing a bright dress with a dark coloured blazer for a more interesting contrast. For an extra dose of gravitas, pair the ensemble with a pair of black patent pumps and a brown leather tote.

Shop the look:

Midi dress by Faithfull the Brand, £155 (S$278), via Net-a-Porter

Double-breasted blazer by Zara, S$139

Buckled pumps by Charles & Keith, S$56.90

Croc effect tote by Staud, £320 (S$574), via Net-a-Porter

Clip-on earrings by Charles & Keith, S$39.90

 

Keep the colours neutral

A black and navy blazer will make you look spunky, but if you’re looking to take the edge off your boyish blazer, go with neutral colours like sand, nude and white. To exude a soft and whimsical vibe, pair your blazer with pieces that are of a similar colour palette, like this peachy embroidered skirt and nude shirt. It’ll be an interesting blend of both masculinity and femininity.

Shop the look:

Satin blend shirt by Mango, S$59.90

Embroidered tulle skirt by Burberry, £1,290 (S$2,310), via Net-a-Porter

Double-breasted blazer by Mango, S$129

City bag by Zara, S$59.90

Leather slingback mid heels by Mansur Gavriel, S$735

 

The matching dress suit

When we say matching, we don’t mean pairing a checkered dress with a checkered blazer. Girl, that would be way too much. The same shade of colour will do. So if you have a playful blue checkered dress like this one, pair it with a navy blazer to give it instant class. Slip on some strappy pumps and add a dose of sass into your outfit by wearing a silk scarf as a neck accessory.

Shop the look:

Checkered bustier dress by Anna Quan, AUD$ (S$582)

Double-breasted blazer by Zara, S$119

Strappy heels by H&M Conscious Exclusive A/W 2018, S$119

Patent leather bag by Trademark, S$508, via Brownsfasion

Printed silk scarf by Bimba & Lola, S$125

 

Go utilitarian

Explore your rugged side by going for all-things-military, just like what Maria Grazia Chiuri presented at Christian Dior’s show for their Resort 2019 collection. Model Roos van Elk had grazed the runway with a safari-printed trench coat, a velvet green blazer and a pair of black combat boots. The twist? The edgy look was softened with a maxi tulle skirt. Since the climate isn’t in our favour, we’ll forgo the trench and replace it with a crop top. For the final touch, jazz it up with some bling.

Shop the look:

Crop top by Topshop, S$19.90

Tulle midi skirt by Brunello Cucinelli, £1,570 (S$2,812), via Net-a-Porter

Double-breasted blazer by Gabriela Hearst, £1,495 (S$2,677), via Net-a-Porter

Combat boots by Zara, S$159

Quilted crossbody bag by Charles & Keith, S$85.90

Felt hat by Topshop, S$49.90

Crystal drop earrings by Lovisa, AUD$39.99 (S$39)

 

A ruffled skirt with dressy sneakers

When casual Friday comes to play, slip on a pair of chunky sneakers — it can add a cheeky vibe to your suit and skirt combo. Even better if your blazer is in a bright shade, like this yellow corduroy piece. Super fun! Wear a black camisole underneath to keep yourself cool. Coordinate your top with a black midi skirt that’s suitable for boardroom meetings, but don one that sports ruffle details to keep it interesting enough for after-work drinks.

Shop the look:

Camisole by Uniqlo, S$29.90

Ruffled midi skirt by Alice + Olivia, £345 (S$619), via Net-a-Porter

Corduroy blazer by Topshop, S$149

Platform sneakers by Zara, S$99.90

Sequinned crossbody bag by Miu Miu, S$2,730, via Farfetch

Resin bracelets by Mango, S$45.90

 

 

ALSO READ: SUITED AND BOOTED – 10 OF THE BEST TWO-PIECES TO PURCHASE FOR YOUR FALL WORK WARDROBE