Formal Dress Suits for Women
From LoveToKnow Womens-Fashion
Formal dress suits for women used to be far more prevalent, although they never go out of style. Women have been wearing them in some capacity or another since the late 19th century. They suit just about any occasion.
Formal Dress Suits for Women: History
As women made slow forays into education and business, they wanted clothes that would convey seriousness. Nothing made more sense than a variation on men's suits. In the 19th century, this could even include a tie and jacket worn over a long skirt made of a sturdier fabric than most day dresses. The overall style of women's suits have always combined the simplicity of men's tailoring with a distinctly feminine look.
In the 1920s, the increased simplicity in women's dress made suits an obvious choice for a wardrobe, and nearly every woman had one, whether she worked or not. A suit was often the most stylish item to wear for a luncheon or afternoon event, as well as brisk walking or traveling.
The suit continued to be a staple in women's wardrobes and in the 1940s, the formal dress suit came into its own. Even more than the constraints brought on by the Depression of the 1930s, the war forced more women into the workplace but also curtailed dressy evening events. Everyone wanted to look serious and no one had any time or money for gowns. Even the Oscars eschewed evening wear and saw actresses wearing formal dress suits for women instead.
After the war, the suit continued to be the go-to outfit for a woman about town. As clothes became less formal overall, so women's suits modified and became less common, but a good dress suit remains something every woman should have on hand.
Where to Wear Formal Dress Suits
Formal dress suits for women are most commonly seen in dressier religious services, weddings and luncheons or afternoon teas. Hats are usually worn and some women may still opt to wear gloves. To be truly formal, one's shoes and handbag should match. Additionally, jewelry or a corsage should be worn at the lapel. Some women might have a fabric flower that matches something on their hat, but this is not necessary.
A formal dress suit is generally not considered appropriate for interview or office wear. Although these suits are distinct from evening dress suits, which may include sequins or rhinestones, they tend to have longer skirts and more detail in the jacket that render them separate from business wear. However, if your office is holding a function in a restaurant or hotel, that might be the perfect occasion for a formal dress suit.
Shopping for Formal Suits
Hillary Clinton has the best collection of dress suits in the nation, but she likely has some shopping help. For everyone else, a trip to a good boutique is necessary. Most shops that sell upscale business wear or cocktail attire for women will also carry formal dress suits. You may also prefer to go to a good department store. Ideally, you will work with a knowledgeable salesperson to guide you towards finding a perfect fit. Be sure to crumple the fabric in your hand and see if it remains crinkled or bounces back. Unless you are buying a linen suit for an outdoor summer event, you want a fabric that doesn't wrinkle easily. This is a formal event – you will not look as sharp with a wrinkled skirt.
Vintage Suits
As the formal event is dressier, many women prefer the classic look of a vintage suit. Suits from the 1940s and 1950s can work very well for a formal event and many have held up over the years. In some cases, you can only find a jacket, but a visit to a fabric store and a good tailor or seamstress will quickly yield you a smart matching skirt. If you like a truly timeless look, it's worth a trip to a vintage shop.
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