Nailed the tuxedo trend yet?

Manpriya Singh

Two years back at the BAFTA Awards, Angelina Jolie wasn’t so much looking at giving the ‘gown-ridden’ red carpet a good shake up when she wore an undone Saint Laurent tux. When, once again, the pant suits lost their uppity boardroom attitude! Pretty much how the legendary Saint Laurent pictured his iconic Le Smoking trouser suit for women in the 60s.

Back in Mumbai, this week Sonam Kapoor resorts to black tux for the trailer launch of daddy darling’s new season of television series ‘24’. “The thing about trouser suits is, especially for women, is that they look very individualistic. Of course they are classy and glamorous too, but more than that they put the focus on the wearer; reflect their persona more than anything else,” opines Priya Chanderm, pass-out from NIIFT Mohali and having worked with the fashion firm Dasorine Maison de Couture. She adds, “What makes them more popular is the fact you have pant suits in every imaginable colour and even prints. Right now, cropped pants with same blazer on top look is in vogue.”

Paired with scarlet lips or pony tail or loose hair, they lend an air of sophistication and authority. “It’s essentially a masculine look that you are looking at lending feminity and grace to. So keep your jewellery dainty and feminine to warm up the look,” opines Aakriti K, who has a store in Hauz Khas. She adds, “A vest or a chiffon blouse inside the jacket can really do the trick, instead of a boring collar shirt.”

Few dos, many don’ts

Let’s start with the body type, a crucial factor for selecting any outfit, let alone pant suits. Petite women should keep the length of the jacket short while those with a bigger frame should have it perfectly straight (neither too fitted nor too boxy).

Whatever the body shape, there is one major requisite for wearing a pant suit—a really good cut. Whether you want to go in for skinny pants, straight or wide leg trousers.

It is important not to overdo the look, considering tux suits itself is bold statement for women. Keep off the waistcoats, ties, hats, caps, large belts, any kind of loud accessory. Heels are a must and flats are alright only (we repeat only) if you are opting for cropped pants.

Tempted to sport a rich maroon or magenta rather than safe blacks and navys? Ensure that the arresting outfit justifies the occasion.

A clutch or envelope purse is the perfect match to this outfit; even to a sling chain evening bag.