A few years ago, I did a post on using separate pieces to create suited looks for work. Recently, I got a request to revisit this for spring. In a time when suits get pushed further and further into the back of the closet, many women are looking to alternative ways to create professional looks, even in conservative workplaces, using separates.
Some may argue that suits are making a comeback, and this may be true. Yet, even if they are making a comeback, they aren't back just yet, and even if they do return, I'm not entirely convinced that suited separates will go extinct now that women have found ways to create a professional image that is a little more creative looking.
Suited Separate Looks for Spring
Below I have created three suited separate looks for early spring. I have also taken it a step forward. What you will notice about all three of these looks is they are completely mix and matchable. That means, instead of the three looks below, you have at least nine, possibly more.
Outfit #1
Another reader asked for helped with creating tonal looks when they aren't neutral based. I put this outfit together with that in mind. The trick when working tonally is to make sure the undertones of each color are a match. For example, this burgundy skirt from Boss works with the undertones of the rose color blazer from Hobbs and the levels of pink coordinate harmoniously. Under the blazer, I added this basic ivory v-neck and finished the look with burgundy pumps from Calvin Klein, navy bag from Botkier and burgundy earrings from Banana Republic.
Outfit #2
This basic look can take the place of a pantsuit in many corporate environments, and it's so easy. I styled the look with the popular Gramercy pants from Lafayette 148, added a reversible tank, also from Lafayette 148 and layered this white blazer from Veronica Beard over the look. I finished the outfit with the same burgundy Calvin Klein pumps and navy bag from Botkier and added this silver station necklace from Chico's.
Outfit #3
This last look is a suited separate outfit using a dress. When clients have chosen suits, many have opted for dress suits over skirt suits because the dress alleviates the extra step of picking out a top. I styled this navy BOSS Hugo Boss dress with a belted boucle blazer from L.K. Bennett. The look is finished with a pair of navy hoop earrings from Ann Taylor and the same Calvin Klein pumps and navy bag.
As mentioned earlier, all of these pieces can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, further proving the benefit of working with separates to create suited looks.