How to wear a two-piece short or skirt suit this summer

16 November 2018
By Fashion Quarterly

ask-danielle

FQ fashion editor Danielle Clausen solves your style dilemmas

Q.  I’m a sucker for tailored pieces and have spotted two-piece suits with shorts and skirts popping up in the latest collections. I’d love to try one out as the weather warms up, but how do I do so without feeling frumpy?

A. Although the thought of pairing a blazer with a garment that sits near the knee may conjure up visions of school uniforms, this twee union can be surprisingly chic. Start by working out which hemline feels right for you; comfort is key here, so opt for a length you won’t end up tugging at all day. Juliette Hogan’s roomy shorts with their elastic waistband and pleats through the front provide a lovely sense of ease, while weekend-ready co-ords come in the form of Kowtow’s unbleached denim two-piece and Moochi’s utilitarian rendition. Internationally, Acne Studios’ spring 2019 collection is a lesson in the aesthetic benefits of keeping things tonal, proving that an experimental silhouette often works best when colour and pattern take a back seat. Read on for ways to take a spring suit for a spin in any scenario.

 

At the office…

  • Hold off on micro lengths — shorts or skirts that hit just above or on the knee are best.
  • Seal the deal with immaculate accessories. A chunky belt or weighty watch means business.
  • Balance showing a bit of leg with a no-nonsense white shirt. The Harris Tapper design seen here is one of the season’s sharpest.

In the evening…

  • A camisole is ideal underneath, but don’t underestimate the elegance of a turtleneck either.
  • Don sheer black stockings and a pair of killer heels à la Alexander Wang pre-fall 2018.
  • Plain gold jewellery adds low-key sparkle; remember, your suit is the superstar here.

ask-danielle-summer-suit-accesories

Harris Tapper shirt, $460; Louis Vuitton heels, $330; Christian Dior bag,  $4800 and strap, $2850; Deadly Ponies belt, $165

For the weekend…

  • Keep it casual by pairing your twin set with a retro T-shirt.
  • Go for sneakers to give this look a sporty spin, or leg-lengthening ankle boots with a heel.
  • You’re going to need a bag, so why not make it a playful one? Net bags are the cane basket’s successor and the perfect farmers market companion.

Got a burning sartorial question or not sure what to wear for your next big event? Send your dilemmas to [email protected].

Words: Danielle Clausen
Photos: Supplied

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