Zendaya in Valentino pink, Lily Collins’ tuxedo tell us women’s suits are back and being worn in more ways than ever

Look to the latest collections from Versace, Bottega Veneta, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton and more and you’ll see that suits for women are back

Slouchy elegance, strong shoulders or sophisticated ease, paired with sneakers or loafers, waistcoats or bralettes, they offer a range of styles and silhouettes

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Zendaya’s recent bright pink Valentino look and Lily Collins’ all-black tux show women’s fashion has turned its eye towards the tailored suit again. Photos: AP

Published: 7:15am, 4 Apr 2022

Vanquish any lingering fears that the past few years of Zoom shirts and elasticised pants have rendered the suit irrelevant. For women, at least, it feels like the suit has never been better.

What’s more, as evidenced by the slouchy, sexy, powerful ones we’ve seen in recent seasons (and not just in a seat-on-the-board, chopped-salad-for-lunch kind of way), there is more than one way to wear a suit.

Australia-based tailor Emily Nolan says this turn towards the suit matches the mood for now.

“The power of a suit is that, though it’s grounded in principles of tailoring, it can be reinvented and pushed time and time again,” she says. “Is it any wonder that suits were so dominant on the runways of Milan and Paris?

More and more, clients are coming in wanting a suit for their day-to-day

Emily Nolan, Australia-based tailor

“I know everyone was anticipating the return of party dressing, but the world doesn’t exactly feel like a party right now.

“We want to feel strong, protected and adaptable because that’s what this moment requires of all of us.”