Whether or not the revival of the trouser suit is down to perennial pantsuit queen, Hillary Clinton, it's official: sharp tailoring is one of this season's biggest trends. But don't be intimidated by the resurgence of the suit – in its latest iterations it's not only for the politician or businesswoman. The new suit is as playful as it is powerful and works just as well in the office as it does at the pub or an elegant evening event.
On the AW17 catwalks there was tailoring to suit – sorry – us all, from maximalist patterns at Gucci to classic checks at Off-White and Raf Simons' Calvin Klein debut as well as sporty, slogan suits at Versace, emblazoned with the words 'Love', 'Unity' and 'Loyalty' and a looser shape at Victoria Beckham.
If you're put off by the prospect of tomboyish tailoring or the fear of being swamped, the latest two-pieces come in a variety of silhouettes including culottes, flares and high-waisted cigarette pants to flatter those with a more feminine aesthetic. And when it comes to a power/party suit, why not really make a statement in a bold colour (red or yellow are my preference) or a sumptuous texture (velvet or cord are perfect for the festive season).
Still unconvinced? Ahead, I've road-tested five easy ways to wear a suit this winter, whether it's a more everyday Prince of Wales check or something a little more show-stopping. Dress up with vivid heels or down with trainers but either way, there's a trouser suit out there for you that will make you feel your most confident, empowered self.
The Classic Check Suit
If you're looking for an easy entry point into the suit, then a high street take on the heritage check is the perfect place to start. Wear over a T-shirt or blouse for an elegant update on your work uniform or throw on over a lace camisole with heels for a chic evening look. Even better, wear it alone to ensure it's the real focal point.
Zara checked double-breasted blazer, £89.99, available at Zara, Zara straight fit, checked trousers, £39.99, available at Zara, adidas Originals Campus shoes, £69.95, available at adidas
The Colour Suit
There's a misconception that the high street hasn't succeeded in nailing sharp tailoring and Mango is proving the naysayers wrong. With this suit they've tapped into two major trends for AW17: tailoring and red-to-toe. When it comes to committing to a colour, I say go hard or go home and finish off the look with bright red accessories, like these satin ankle boots.
Mango structured textured blazer, £69.99, available at Mango, vintage Luella T-shirt, Mango pleat textured trousers, £49.99, available at Mango, Mango satined fabric ankle boots, £59.99, available at Mango
The Statement Suit
In terms of maximalist, statement pieces, no brand does it quite like Gucci right now. One part head girl's blazer, two parts show-stopping party piece with the elongated '70s-inspired flared trousers, I can't deny that I felt like a superhero stepping into this suit.
From bold stripes to padded shoulders or an exaggerated, deconstructed silhouette, a statement suit will instantly make you feel like you could take on the world. Pair with platform heels for added superhero enhancements.
Gucci striped blazer with front buttons, £2,030, available at Browns Fashion, Gucci high-waisted flared trousers, £795, available at Browns Fashion, Topshop closed toe platform shoes, £34, available at Topshop
The Cord Suit
In case you'd missed it, corduroy is having a major comeback. Out with frumpy cord pieces reminiscent of your biology teacher and in with colourful corduroy courtesy of Marc Jacobs, Mulberry and Prada's AW17 collections.
You may have spotted your favourite street style stars, such as Monica Ainley and Lucy Williams, sporting jewel-toned cord suits – there are just as many examples on the high street as there were on February's catwalks.
Mango Committed is a thoughtfully crafted collection for women and men featuring fashion pieces committed to environmental sustainability. This vivid orange suit is part of the capsule of minimal, natural and organic garments defined by trend-led shapes and interesting proportions.
Mango Committed corduroy blazer, £99.99, available at Mango, Arket merino roll-neck jumper, £55, available at Arket, Mango Committed high-waist corduroy trousers, £69.99, available at Mango, adidas Originals Campus shoes, £69.95, available at adidas
The Party Suit
As Christmas fast approaches and picking a party piece becomes a weekly occurrence, consider a suit instead of the ubiquitous sequins and slip dresses. Once you've found an adequately playful suit, clash it with a print blouse and finish with party footwear.
Joseph Albert Elton Prince of Wales-print blazer, £495, available at Matches Fashion, Arket merino wool roll-neck jumper, £55, available at Arket, Joseph Ferrandi Prince of Wales-checked trousers, £295, available at Matches Fashion, Topshop luxe platforms, £49, available at Topshop
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