The Modern Way to Wear a Pantsuit

Step aside for a moment, midi dresses and ruffles, because this season, we’re shifting our attention to the sleek lines and polished tailoring of fall’s most coveted trend: the iconic pantsuit. While the classic 9-to-5 staple may be notably associated with the stuffy climate of corporate America, the modern pantsuit has been reimagined into something new, fresh, and covetable that speaks to a women’s femininity.

Pulling off a pantsuit inside and outside the office is an easy feat with the right accessories and a certain Katherine Hepburn–esque casualness. Try a gray checked suit paired with a relaxed white tee and sneakers, or opt for a cropped pantsuit worn with bold, structural earrings and of-the-moment kitten heels.

Click through to see our must-have pantsuit picks and how to wear them this season. Office job not required.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505150374580-image

(Image credit: Imaxtree; PICTURED: Calvin Klein)

If you're going to buy one pantsuit this season, make it a checked one. Heritage prints were seen all over the fall runways, and the street style set has been donning them ever since.

Opt for a slightly boxy longline blazer, and pair with a casual white graphic tee and bold red accessories to give some edge to traditional tailoring.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505152569607-image

(Image credit: Sandra Semburg)

Give masculine tailoring a feminine spin in statement head-to-toe pink.

Keep the rest of your look simple in neutral kitten heels and a relaxed tee, a far cry from stockbroker stuffy.

how-to-wear-a-pantsuit-235056-1505167291851-main

(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Nothing exudes power, confidence, and sophistication quite like a chic white pantsuit. Hillary Clinton famously adopted it as her power uniform of choice, and women around the world have eagerly followed suit.

Go for a slightly slouchy, loose-fitting silhouette to keep the look casual, and finish with structural metallic earrings.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505159318629-image

(Image credit: Getty Images)

The beauty of this season's two-piece is that it exudes a #boss aesthetic without being boring.

Choose a long, louche silhouette in a pretty peach shade. This is the perfect work-to-weekend look paired with white sneakers or silver boots.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505165326414-main

(Image credit: Style du Monde)

Black suits are anything but corporate this season. A cinched waist and cropped hem give this working-girl uniform a contemporary-cool touch.

Make your pantsuit pop with embellished flats during the day and chic metallic heels at night.

how-to-wear-a-pantsuit-235056-1505255918950-main

(Image credit: THE STYLE STALKER)

Red is the color of fall. Jump on the trend in a head-to-toe fiery pantsuit and matching accessories.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505162727547-image

(Image credit: Style du Monde)

The navy suit gets a sumptuous upgrade this season in luxe velvet. Take a break from your LBD and turn heads in this stunning suit instead. Wear with statement gold jewelry for your evening soirées.

pantsuit-trend-235056-1505163654153-image

(Image credit: Jonathan Daniel Pryce)

The banker's-gray suit is reimagined in light, luxe fabrics and a flowy silhouette.

Take your power suit to new heights by pairing it with a bold and colorful clutch and striking silver sunglasses.

Up next, the most flattering trend for every style type.

Judith Jones
Senior Fashion Market Editor

Judith is the senior fashion market editor at Who What Wear and has worked in fashion for nearly a decade. Judith started on the Shop Who What Wear team, creating content and managing a team of merchandisers for the Who What Wear shopping app. She later crossed over to the editorial team, where she shares the coolest, most desirable fashion market finds and brands in her shopping-focused stories and social takeovers. She has become one of the top affiliate earners during her six plus years at Who What Wear. Before working in fashion, Judith was a TV host on the PBS travel show Globe Trekker (airing on Netflix and Amazon Prime) and shared her passion for travel and food. She studied at the prestigious London Academy of Dramatic Arts as well as Stella Adler Studio of Acting in New York. She later studied fashion merchandising and design, which laid the foundation for her career in fashion.


Read full bio