The Return of the Trouser-Suit

I was obsessed with suits, particularly trouser-suits, when I was a teacher. When I first started teaching, there was quite a strict dress code in my school and that included no trousers. Gradually, dressy trousers were allowed and so began my obsession with The Trouser Suit.

Coco Chanel created the first skirt suit, but it was another French designer Marcel Rochas in 1932 who is credited with the idea of the trouser-suit in a grey wool matching trousers and jacket. This was seen as revolutionary at the time and was only worn by a few brave ladies, such as Marlene Dietrich, who adopted it as one of her signature styles.

Yves Saint Laurent whipped up a storm in 1966 when he designed and launched the first tuxedo suit for women, with dinner jacket, high waisted trousers with satin stripe, white shirt, bow-tie and a cummerbund.

Reincarnated several times since, it is seen as a symbol of a sexy, powerful woman and afficianados such as Madonna and Angelina Jolie have helped add to its status.

LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Angelina Jolie attends the EE British Academy Film Awards 2014 at The Royal Opera House on February 16, 2014 in London, England. (Photo by David M. Benett/Getty Images)

The 1980s was the decade of the trouser-suit and I bought into it too, loving the fact that I could wear trousers to work, but also it could be an entirely different outfit with a change of shirt, shoes, or the addition of a polo-neck. It was the main item in the original capsule wardrobe and suitable to wear anywhere.

I haven’t had a trouser-suit for probably 20 years, but recently fell in love with one in Harvey Nichols, when I was on the hunt for the MOB dress. Read about my search HERE

I have resisted buying it ,so far, because I have an entirely different lifestyle nowadays and I doubt I could wear it on a Monday chasing my grandson around the park, or for coffee with friends.

When I put it on, I felt sexy and powerful. The cut is exquisite, the fit perfection. I swear this PINKO suit could have been made for me. I strode around Dundrum, the Managing Director of a multinational company.

This suit made me feel I could conquer the world.

‘Clothes maketh the Woman’! Hilary Clinton thought so, because she wore the trouser-suit or pants-suit during the presidential campaign to send a powerful message to the electorate.

I would love another chance to wear the trouser-suit in its latest re-incarnation of shorter leg length and fitted jacket. This one is very wearable and I think their sale has started.  What message would I be sending? What do you think? Could I? Should I?