The holiday season is full of fun—carols, snow, decadent feasts—but trying to decide on a party-worthy outfit that looks chic and innovative, even in cold weather? Now that’s a stylish struggle. Luckily, festive wear doesn’t have to be tricky this season. In fact, there’s one outfit that can easily take you from day to night and ensure you stand out from the crowd.
The matching pantsuit (which means a jacket and pants that match) doesn’t have to come in standard boring black. In fact, some of the best options available are in bright colors, prints, and this season, brocade. The beauty of the pantsuit is that you can wear it to the office, then simply add jazzier heels, or a statement necklace, before heading to a party or date. It’s also a great way to embrace the boy-meets-girl trend. From Yves Saint Laurent’s le smoking to J.Crew’s creative director Jenna Lyons, fashion history has proven that girls in pants are cool, stylish, and party ready. Even Miuccia Prada, a staunch advocate of the skirt, sent pants under long tunics down her Fall-Winter runway.
The trick to pulling off a pantsuit? It’s all in the silhouette. Choose a suit with slightly cropped pant. By this we mean a pair of trousers that cuts off just above the ankle, thus showing off the slimmest part of your legs. The pants should not be baggy, but taper snugly down your leg. Aim for a blazer that ends at your waist or above mid-hip, rather than mid thigh. This also updates a traditional suit, and makes you look slimmer. Finally, choose a pattern or print (if you’re not choosing classic black), which will work in with the rest of your wardrobe.
