Fashion is often a representation of the society we live in, and the trends this year indicate that women are finally wearing the pants – not just metaphorically, but quite literally. Pant suits aka trouser suits are the new power suits that are a must-have in your wardrobe for the year 2019. From royal icons like Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle to showbiz stars like Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston, Blake Lively, Anushka Sharma, Sonam Kapoor and an endless number of A-listers are sporting stylish versions of pant suits to step up their fashion game.
Pantsuits are not just a symbol of authoritative elegance but also super comfy and multi-functional. Designer Hema Kaul thinks that pant suits make a woman’s appearance more impactful and serious. She points out, “The matchy pants and blazers with prints just add a fun and quirky element to fashion. Definitely, if we are too mention celebrities we have to mention Blake Lively and Deepika Padukone, who always get their pantsuits on point. A cropped pair of trousers can be worn to show off the sneakers for a more playful shoe opportunity. For a suiting look outside the office, try a cropped top instead of a blouse. Pink matchy suits do send a more casual and chic vibe. The perfect neutral for your wardrobe like greys and beige can add a touch of femininity to the masculine suit and can accessoried with a belt and chunky hand cuff.”
Inspired by celebrities donning business suits in prints, bright colours, and varied cuts, working women can take a cue and incorporate pant suits as part of office wardrobe quite easily. Shweta Sharma, a CEO, believes that pant suits are perfect and practical for work. She says, “Not only are they ideal for boardroom meetings, but can be carried on to dinner plans with panache. Here are a few dos and don’ts for styling pant suits for different occasions -- for a formal work setting, invest in basic colors such as black, grey or tan. Pair it with bright orange or teal shell top to add some oomph to your office attire. The focus is on practical details such as pockets, no visible panty lines, and structured yet comfortable silhouettes. Finish this look with a sleek ponytail and matching pumps. For more casual outings, pair them with a contrasting scoop or v neck t-shirt. Add a bright yellow or red t-shirt with a grey suit and let the contrast get you compliments for chic styling. For an evening out, add a chunky necklace to your suit to instantly brighten up your outfit. Let your hair down and add a bright lipstick for a bold look. Avoid wearing open toe shoes with Pant Suits. If you are not comfortable with heels, choose a suit with slim pants instead of straight or flared ones and pair them with matching flat shoes.”
Brands like Balmain, Givency and Chanel are already making a mark on the runway and styling celebrities in their signature pant suits. Designer Adarsh Makharia highlights the fact that more and more celebrities are now following the trend and sporting pant suits to high profile events. The designer elaborates the right way to pull off the trend and says, “Wear well cut and well fitted pant suits and stay away from ill-fitted suits and those with too many colours and patterns. Small patterns on a monochromatic pantsuit will give you a classy yet quirky look, where as if you style a belt with a solid coloured pant suit it will give you a minimalistic elegant look. A sleek pony tail with statement earrings will up your style quotient.”
Different pantsuits can be worn according to different occasions and head designer Sreyashee Halder, mentions that the key factors that play an important role in making a statement are colour and silhouette, so get that right. “The sensibility of wearing the right colours and colour combinations is very important. Pastels and soft sorbet tones along with muted mid tones are going to dominate the fashion scenario in this department. Also when teaming up a top-to-toe look – tonals or soft contrasts like a light grey with pale yellow, lilacs with pale pink or offbeat soft colour combinations add newness to the fresh new season. Wearing clashing contrast prints together either in the same garment or as co-ordinates teamed up together creates a completely new (and fun) way to dress and be a headturner.”
While designer Krupa Kapadia encourages people to ditch the safe colours and go for brighter tones, neons and bold prints. The designer recommends, “Bright colours look great in pantsuits. Although people usually stick to neutrals, I think it is fun to try out neons and colour blocking too. In prints, one can try small floral print or plaid and even geometric prints like polka dots. The cuts can range from oversize suits to box pleat trousers or flare legged pants for a change, and in the blazer, you can try a sleeveless vest or a double breasted jacket too. Wear the suit with minimal yet bold accessories. Try minimal gold accessories, a statement bag and some fabulous heels with your pantsuit.”
