A modern woman's essential. Slim or slouchy, pants or skirts, masculine or feminine. The Suit, once reserved for men, has long since the Suffragettes, become a smart wardrobe staple.

I look to the 1900s-1950s to find slouchy and traditional masculine style suiting. Inspired by the launch of YSL’s ‘Le Smoking’ in the late 1960s; you'll find slinky and feminine suit styles from the 1960s-1970s. The 1980s bought on the oversized power suits and the 1990s returned to refined, slim fitting suits from minimalist designers. 

Brands to look for: Ann Demeulemeester, Anne Klein, Calvin Klein, Céline, Christian Dior, DKNY, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Jil Sander, Ossie Clark, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Sonia Rykiel, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent. 

Key decades: 1920s-1990s

Fabrics: Wool

Colors: Black, grey, navy, beiges or brown. 

Style notes: Style with sandals in the warmer months and loafers or sneakers in colder seasons.