Black and blue

No, it's not a bruise, but it's not without blemish on her fashion report card.

You know, from my own experience, ladies suiting can be really difficult. With issues ranging from fit to fabric to color to style, there are a lot of considerations in putting a look together. I find that a lot of suits are made for the 60+ set--either showcasing pleats (ugh), shoulder pads (double ugh), or some other long-lost cousin back from the 80s.

In checking out our friend to right's outfit, I definitely commend her for the fit--it's spot-on, but I have to raise issue with wearing a black jacket and blue pin-striped pants.

Maybe she dressed in the dark and it looked ok. You, know, like when you pick out two socks from the drawer that appear black, but when you get to work realize they're really brown and blue or maybe even some nice clown-costume stripes for those of you who stayed out too late the night before and hadn't had your morning coffee.

Anyway, I'm not a fan. Thoughts? Challenges to this one? It's maybe a little more controversial than some other rants, but I just don't go for it.

Now, this picture is rather mild compared to the one I caught on Sunday. Now, seriously, who in their right mind would ever think, "Wow, I really need a new fushia velvet suit," honestly? I don't think I've ever encountered even that thought before. What's worse is that I have seen two people within the course of a week wearing the same sad suit--one was bright fushia and the other was purple--both were velvet. Come on? Velvet? Really?

I only caught one on film to prove to you that I'm not making this up. Although, don't we all wish I had. If you are ever at the department store and you come across a bright fushia or purple velvet suit, don't stop. Don't pick it up. Don't try it on. Don't rationalize the purchase, that it will look great with that new cherry red haircolor you've been meaning to try. Face it--it's so granny, it's embarrassing.

Ok, so obviously there are a lot of "don'ts" when it comes to suiting, but what about "dos." Here we go:

If you are only going to have one suit in your closet, make sure it is one that will stand the test of time. In other words, you don't want to get something too trendy that it will be out of style in 6 months-1 year. So, be careful when it comes to color, fit and style. Colors should be neutral, no loud colors or patterns. Fit also needs to be precise, so think about getting those pants or even the sleeves tailored if they run a bit too long. Skirts should not be minis or mid-calf, unless we are talking a pencil skirt. Also, this is more my opinion than the gospel truth: think long and hard about pleats. Pleats go in and out of style so quickly that you could be left looking out of date the first time you actually get around to wearing it.

If you do suiting quite often, you can obviously be a little bolder in your color/style choices, but remember that your blouse or accessories are really the hotspots of this outfit. The suit should be able to show off your figure, cinching your waist or highlighting your great legs, not leave you looking like a sack or a stuffed sausage. Then the blouse and necklaces, bangles, scarves, etc will be shown off to their best advantage.

But seriously, this is why you probably would want to invest in a high-quality suit because these things can last for a long time--look at the ever gorgeous Chanel suits (no, I am not saying you have to invest in one of these, but if you want to throw one my way, I will graciously accept)--while your additions can change with the trends. More cost effective that way.

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xo, Red