Don’t Just Buy the Blazer. Buy the Whole Suit!

Hello September and welcome to the beginning of fall! Here in SoCal some of the best months are Sept., Oct., Nov.. The weather is still warm, often hot, but the morning fog has usually subsided and the tourist have returned home. The fall is when the locals enjoy the fact that we live in this incredible place year round. For those of us who are fashion-minded, the fall offers a conundrum. How do we incorporate all the fall fashions when the weather is still hot?

One of fall biggest fashion trends is the blazer. Be it oversized, plaid, or leather, blazers are big this fall. Honestly, it is a wardrobe staple but this season they are taking center stage.  But why just buy the blazer? A suit is a perfect outfit for the fall. A suit isn’t just for business anymore. In fact, I have been looking at suits for all sorts of occasions from parties to play.

Disclaimer: this post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of them I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you, which allows me to keep this blog up and running. If you would like to know more, visit my disclosure policy page.

Tale of Two Suits

I finally settled on two suits: one from Banana Republic and one from J.Crew. I purchased the BR suit first, really wanting a grey suit but settling for black. Banana Republic has excellent sales so I picked the black to try and loved it. The suit is made from a special wool-blend that is machine washable. Score! The suit is light weight and will work fine here in San Diego throughout the winter but the J.Crew suit is better for colder climates.  I am wearing my usual 8 in pants but I sized up in the blazer to a 10 which I often do in blazers for a a little extra room and so I can layer other pieces underneath.

Of course, days after falling in love with the BR suit, J.Crew started a sale which covered suits which isn’t always the case so I decided to pick up the grey suit too.  The Regents blazer in four season stretch, is a feminine, classic cut blazer. The fabric is poly blend and requires dry cleaning. I am wearing size 10. As I mentioned, this suit is warmer than the Banana Republic one but because of the stretch still comfortable to move in. My one complaint about the blazer is that the collar stand up but I easily ironed it down and have had no problem since.

I am a huge fan of the Cameron crop pants which I have in several colors but this season they made the Cameron crop in a slim cut. Ordered my usual size 8 which I am wearing in the pictures but I decided to exchange for a 10. The 10 felt not so “slim”. Both were easy to zip but the 10 just didn’t hug as tightly so if you prefer a looser fit size up from your normal J.Crew pant size.

How to Style

A suit isn’t just for the office any more. It is a quick and easy outfit for everyday. I will be sporting these suits all winter. They are perfect for travel as you can use the pieces together or with other outfits.  A suit fits right in with a casual lifestyle. One of my favorite ways to wear a blazer casually is to add a hoodie underneath. The combo of hoodie and blazer makes for a warm outfit in the winter months. Another simple option is add your favorite tank or silk camisole for a sleek and stylish look.

Suit and Sneakers

One thing I know for sure, is that sneakers go with everything. The easiest way to make a suit more casual is to add sneakers. It doesn’t matter what type. For summer maybe add some cute slip on kicks like the M.Gemi Cerchio and for fall a fun hi top from Golden Goose. Mine are sold out but here is another pair I am eyeing.

 

Suit and a Tee

Another great way to wear a suit is with your favorite t-shirt. Below, I am wearing the J.Crew suit with a tee I picked up from Anthropologie for Pride Month. I am a sucker for all things rainbow. A sure side effect of growing up in the 70’s and 80’s. A suit works well with any of your favorite graphic tees from your favorite band or brand.

The widget only offered one color of the blazer and pants. If you click through the link it will bring you to all the colors offered.

 

Suit and a Sweater

You can easily pair a suit with your favorite thin sweater. I picked up this tie waist turtleneck from J.Crew last fall and wasn’t quite sure how I wanted to wear it. It works perfectly with the grey suit or with the pants alone. You all know, I am a sucker for camo. This J.Crew Camo Sweater is a perfect weight for layering under a blazer. Instead of sneakers, I added a pair of Vince booties (these are similar) and I definitely will wear both suits with my combat boots which also are big trend for fall.

There is something about a suit that makes you instantly more powerful.  Maybe it’s knowing how quickly you pulled your look together or maybe it is the fact that a suit is effortlessly cool. A suit gives you endless styling possibilities making it perfect for travel. Suits are offered at all price points, so no matter what your budget you can pick one up easily.  If you are interested in styling a plaid suit check out this post.

I would love it if you followed me on Instagram for my everyday outfits or on Pinterest for my fashion inspiration. Happy Shopping Dahlias.