You Can Still Wear Your Suits, Like This

Tina, here.

Are your suits hanging around somewhere in the back of your closet, looking lonely, reminding you how unprofessionally we all dress now? They may also make you think of interviews and funerals, two occasions where suits do seem to make appearances these days, if not in the office on the reg. But suits are great! And expensive. And a waste if you're not wearing them. But you've got to know how to wear them in a modern way, and numero uno rule is split the suit. Wear the pieces separately.

You Can Still Wear Your Suits, Like This

A black suit. Nothing more to say really.

Here's how to save your suits and even wear your suits, the modern way.

Shop similar looks from today’s post inside the Style Vault, Our core promise is to deliver great recommendations for a fabulous wardrobe both Audrey Hepburn and Olivia Pope would wear, all found in one, easy-to-shop place. Find out more here.

1. Lose the blazer.

Still appropriate for a business casual office, but not as stuffy. A white blouse would feel like you just forgot the blazer. A fun blouse, like this gingham one, looks on purpose and fun.

I'm wearing heels to keep the look elevated a bit (no pun intended), but you could do a nice pump or flats as well, and still look pulled together.

Menswear is a thing and it's not going anywhere. I'm actually even wearing a men's shirt, too, left over from my days after surgery when it was all I could wear. (Style Vault Insiders, I tracked down a too-cute gingham blouse and added it to the March Style Notes for you to shop.)

If I'm wearing color, I'm big on tone-on-tone. Like navy and turquoise.

2. Toss on a t-shirt.

Left corporate world, but still have your black pencil skirt? It will look great with a t-shirt, scarf and flats for your new life.

You don't even have to tuck in your t-shirt. Make sure it's long enough to scrunch around your hips so you get that nipped-in-at-the-waist look and your tummy area is hidden.

I'm wearing a crew neck t-shirt, which I'm not a fan of, but the way to beat it is with a scarf or big necklace. So don't toss your crew necks because we don't like them, but ONLY IF you promise to break up the neckline with a scarf or jewelry, mkay cupcakes?

3. Lose the pencil skirt or slacks.

I can't get enough of blazers. And you know I love telling the story of the time a bartender thought I was dressed up as a "successful business woman" one Hallowe'en when I met my friends for a drink after working. I was wearing a black blazer. Probably this same one!

But seriously, I can't remember the last time I wore a suit together, but I wear them as separates all the time.

I am big on defining the waist when you have lots of fabric, like with a long skirt. So that's where the belt comes in, I've cinched in the jacket, not buttoned it, and then secured it with the belt pulled tight.

There's that crew neck again - taken care of with a long necklace and belt to draw the attention down. Also, ALWAYS push up the sleeves of your jackets, dolls, to show your wrists. Makes your blazers and jackets so much more feminine.

Vault members don’t forget to shop my picks for some great suits (and gingham blouse, and more) just added to the March Style Vault in Style Notes.

March Style Vault 2016: 12 Spring Essentials For A Pretty Wardrobe

Want us up close and personal? Get us in your closet now! We’re booking in-home spring wardrobe makeovers now. Check out our wardrobe packages from Tina Adams Consulting here.

Thanks for reading!

Best,

Tina