Formal wear – Suited and booted

Now for something completely different. I felt that my wardrobe needed a more formal outfit for the occasions when I want to portray a professional image. I have a few important business meetings scheduled in my diary in the next few weeks.

I was looking for something formal and yet with a modern twist. Whilst in Covent Garden recently I had a couple of hours to spare so I did some research. I am not that familiar with &otherstories however I was agreeably surprised to discover that if you look carefully they do have some gems. I tried the above blazer on in the store and it fitted well. It is oversized and double-breasted so may not work for everybody. The square slightly padded shoulders evened up my pear-shaped figure which I found flattering. When worn open it created a softer, less square silhouette.

Blazer from &otherstories matching trousers also by &otherstories

The look did feel slightly retro, circa 1995, however, the difference in the trouser shape made it feel 2018. I don’t hold with the rule that if you have worn a look the first time around it should not be repeated. Unless your body shape has changed dramatically I see no reason why an updated version should not work. I have always liked trouser suits. I felt very “à la mode” in this one.

Under the jacket, I am wearing a simple white tee from MarksandSpencer.

My brogues are by Paul Green (a few years old). My black bag came from a charity shop.

SHOP THE LOOK:

The photographs were taken in Barnes village by Laura Hines, follow her Instagram.

Chicatanyage

I write a fashion and beauty blog for women over 50 with the aim of inspiring mature women to continue to enjoy and have fun with their fashion choices. I have spent most of my working life in some way connected to fashion. I started my career in Fashion PR and then trained as an Image Consultant when my children were young. I subsequently worked in the corporate world running seminars, doing private coaching and speaking at conferences. I started my blog in 2009 as I wanted to share my years of experience working in the world of fashion. I truly believe we can continue to have confidence in the way we present ourselves. Our style may evolve with time and changing lifestyles, yet with a little knowledge and inspiration, we can all continue to have fun with fashion. As women of a certain age we are a growing demographic let us prove that we can also be a chic one.

Next Summer dresses to wear now »

Previous « Summer weddings formal and informal

View Comments

Anne says:

19th May 2018 at 15:27

I normally love your ideas...
Lynda Banister says:

19th May 2018 at 15:52

Can't say I'm keen on this outfit. The trousers are too short and the boxy jacket just looks 1980's to me. I prefer something more fitted but then I'm petite. I like the well defined shoulders but that's about it, I'm afraid!
- Pauline says:
  
  20th May 2018 at 13:01
  
  I agree Lynda - but I'm not keen on the shoulder line either
Mary says:

19th May 2018 at 15:56

I have a black Hugo Boss trouser suit and was fortunate enough to find a black Hobbs skirt in the same fabric. Great, I thought, a really versatile three-piece. It hasn't quite worked out that way. In the trouser suit I feel like a little old man! In the skirt and jacket I feel somewhat overdressed as everyone these days seems to dress down. Duh!
Brenda Chell says:

19th May 2018 at 16:54

You wear it very well Josephine and look lovely in both the jacket and trousers, they certainly suit your shape. I'm an overweight apple so, sadly no double-breasted for me.
Anne says:

19th May 2018 at 17:10

Not sure it's a very flattering look. More Prince of Wales than your usual youthful clothes
Sara says:

19th May 2018 at 21:04

I would prefer only to make positive comments but I do agree with the first writer. I think wider trousers need to be touching the floor and are best worn with a heel for lengthening legs. Few of us have model-length pins! I think slim and skinny trousers will do a flat really well which is good as I have all but ditched heels for daily wear. My pointed toe flats do the smart look, and my flatform loafers do the casual. Massimo Dutti are a great find for smart and casual trousers and two of my best (long) white well-priced shirts are theirs too. A great mix of smart and casual, really useful if, like me, fewer smart outfits are now required but every so often, vital!
It’s just good to have ideas to bounce off against even if I don’t like every one!
Janice Quinn says:

19th May 2018 at 23:57

I think you look quite smart!
laurelbledsoe says:

20th May 2018 at 03:09

Wonderful color with your hair and the fabric hand is apparent in each photo.-littleblackdomicile.com
Chicatanyage says:

20th May 2018 at 09:17

Thank you for all your comments. I did think that this outfit would devide opinions but I do like to try new styles. The trousers were very nearly returned however when I wore them they felt very comfortabel and gave a different silhouette to the usual shape I wear. I have a feeling that this outfit will come into its own next Autumn when our eyes have become more accustomed to the new look. In the meantime I plan to try the pieces in different combinations. I agrree about the heels however these days I very rarely wear them however I do have a couple I might try.
I understand that this look is not very everybody.
- Sylvia says:
  
  28th June 2018 at 02:34
  
  I thought you looked quite stunning and could not believe the negativity; keep it coming on.
LA CONTESSALA CONTESSA says:

21st May 2018 at 16:24

GREAT LOOK....................