What to wear instead of a suit?
Suit and blazer, the alternative to the suit: And then wear a midi dress with a minimal line and flowing fabric underneath. The suit has always been a safe choice for formal events, meetings and professional occasions. If you are looking for something different from the classic suit, this guide will help you discover the best options for every occasion, ranging from chic to the most daring look.
1. Structured midi dress
The midi dress is a versatile alternative to the suit that maintains sobriety while adding a touch of femininity. Thanks to its length, which reaches mid-calf, this dress is perfect for professional events or elegant evenings. The structured cut and stiff fabric make it just as formal as a suit, but with a more modern and light air.
How to match it:
Opt for a midi dress in a fabric like wool or cotton, in neutral or dark tones for a professional effect. If the occasion allows, you can choose a version with particular details, like a sweetheart neckline or a belt at the waist to better define the silhouette.
2. Palazzo pants and oversized blazer
Palazzo pants are a sleek, modern choice for those looking for an alternative to a suit. With their loose, flowing cut, they are both comfortable and sophisticated. Paired with an oversized blazer, these pants create a statement look that is perfect for business meetings, dinners, or social events.
How to match it:
Opt for palazzo pants in a soft fabric like silk or crepe de chine, in understated colors like black, navy, or gray. Pair with an oversized blazer in a straight silhouette, which can be as formal or casual as the occasion demands.
3. Elegant suit/The linen suit
The suit is one of the most daring alternatives to the suit. The classic version in a neutral color like gray, beige or black is perfect for the office. Choose a double-breasted jacket and straight-cut trousers. Pair them with a white or pastel-colored cotton shirt for a smart and professional look. You can tuck the shirt into the trousers and leave the jacket open for a more casual touch, or close it for a more formal look.
How to match it:
If you want to add a touch of fashion to your linen suit, choose a more vibrant color such as light pink, sky blue or emerald green. You can also opt for a jacket with details such as flat pockets or 3/4 sleeves. Pair it with a turtleneck blouse with prints or feminine details, such as ribbons or lace. Leave the jacket open and leave the blouse untucked for a more casual and fashionable look.
4. Pencil skirt and elegant top
If you want an alternative to the suit that maintains sobriety but with a touch of sensuality, the combination of a pencil skirt and an elegant top is ideal. The pencil skirt, with its tight line, goes well with different styles of tops, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
How to match it:
Pair a black or gray pencil skirt with a silk or stiffer top for a sleek, professional look. You can choose a three-quarter sleeve top or a blouse with elegant details like a bow at the neck for a touch of originality.
5. Dressing gown
For a modern and sophisticated look, the robe dress is an elegant choice that can easily replace the suit. This model, which ties at the waist like a robe, is perfect for day or evening events and allows you to be both chic and comfortable at the same time.
How to match it:
Choose a wrap dress in textured fabrics like wool or cotton, or opt for a lighter version in silk or chiffon for a more sophisticated look. Neutral colors like beige or white are ideal for a formal look, but don't be afraid to experiment with bolder shades for less traditional events.
6. Double-breasted jacket and slim trousers
A double-breasted jacket and slim trousers is a smart and modern option that maintains the professional aura of the suit, but with a more contemporary touch. The slim cut of the trousers and the sophisticated design of the double-breasted jacket create a sophisticated yet youthful look.
How to match it:
Opt for a well-structured double-breasted jacket, perhaps in fabrics such as tweed or wool, for a more formal effect. Slim trousers, which reach to the ankle, balance the volume of the jacket and give an elegant line.
7. Long wrap dress
For those looking for a more fluid and feminine alternative to the suit, the long wrap dress is a winning choice. This type of dress crosses in the front and closes with a knot or a belt, creating an elegant and elongated shape, ideal for gala events or ceremonies.
How to match it:
Choose a wrap dress in soft, luxurious fabrics, such as silk or crepe, for an elegant effect. Dark tones, such as navy blue or black, are perfect for a formal look, but you can also dare with brighter colors or floral patterns for less traditional events.
8. Elegant kimono and cigarette trousers
The elegant kimono is a unique and sophisticated option, perfect for replacing the traditional suit in events that require a balance between elegance and creativity. Paired with cigarette trousers , this look is modern, original and formal at the right point.
How to match it:
Choose a kimono in shiny fabrics like satin or crepe de chine for an elegant and luminous effect. Black or gray cigarette pants complete the look, maintaining a slender and sophisticated silhouette.
9. Dress with built-in trousers
A dress that integrates trousers in a single solution is a practical and chic choice for those who do not want to give up the formality of the suit but prefer something more dynamic. This type of dress is perfectly suited to both work events and elegant dinners.
How to match it:
Opt for a dress with built-in pants in a fabric like crepe or wool. This type of dress, which can have details like a V-neckline or a belted waist, offers an elegant yet comfortable look.
10. The suit jacket and trousers to coordinate
A simple but effective solution is to combine a black or gray suit jacket with pants in a complementary color. For example, beige or light gray pants. For the top, you can choose a silk or cotton turtleneck shirt , white or neutral. This combination is perfect for business meetings or formal occasions.
11. The jumpsuit
Classic Jumpsuit: The jumpsuit is a comfortable and elegant option to replace the suit. The classic jumpsuit in a neutral color such as black, gray or beige is perfect for the office. Choose a straight-cut model with a high or V-neck and long sleeves . You can pair it with a light jacket, such as a trench coat or blazer, for a more formal look. Pair it with a leather or denim jacket for a more casual and modern look.
12. Brush skirt and classic top
A black or brown leather jacket is a versatile piece of clothing that can replace a suit in many cases. Choose a leather jacket with a classic cut, such as a double-breasted model or a blazer. Choose a skirt in a neutral color such as black, gray or beige and pair it with a classic turtleneck top, such as a white or pastel silk shirt . You can tuck the top into the skirt and add a thin belt to accentuate the waist. This look is perfect for the office or for formal occasions.
Conclusions
When choosing what to wear instead of a suit, you need to consider your personal style, the occasion, and the color and fabric of your clothing.
