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You may have noticed an influx of eye-catching suits hitting shops and sites lately. From blooming florals and hot fuchsias to new-age silvers, the two-piece has stepped back into the spotlight and it's had a 2017 update.
A quick recap of the evolution of the suit over the past 50 years: The '70s saw Mick Jagger’s paisley and gold two-pieces redefine the traditional suit as rock’n’roll, while David Bowie wore zingy Freddie Burretti suits in mustard, ice blue and monochromatic stripe. And lest we forget, the queen of Studio 54 Bianca Jagger’s flared YSL suits, complete with black bows and sequin turbans.
The '80s brought in shapes that were bigger and baggier: the men of Miami Vice rolled up their sleeves and layered white and salmon suits over T-shirts. Michael Douglas’ Gordon Gekko made thick braces and contrast collars an essential for city-slicking stockbrokers and, following John T. Molloy’s book, Dress For Success, women everywhere were sold on dressing for the job you want: enter outrageous shoulders and power dressing.
Jarvis Cocker and Justine Frischmann donned loose pinstriped suits the only way '90s Britpop musicians knew how: with slogan T-shirts and battered Converse. Hedi Slimane revived the suit during his time at Dior Homme in the early noughties, bringing a skinny silhouette to men everywhere (and famously inspiring Karl Lagerfeld’s dramatic weight loss), with a sea of high street copycats ushering in the new streamlined fit.
And now? Well, Harry Styles is bringing colour to menswear with pink and teal suits that would make Jagger proud – his latest threads were made by the same tailor who created Bianca’s iconic white wedding suit. And on the catwalks? Gucci has brought maximalism back to our wardrobes, with eccentric detailing and flamboyant prints galore – the SS17 collection featured floral two-pieces with red piping and matching pussy bow blouses. Demna Gvasalia brought his signature power shoulders to Balenciaga’s spring offering, while Céline gave a nod to the '80s with white slacks and matching loose jackets.
So now you’re sold on suits, here’s our selection of the best two-pieces to see you from 9am meeting to Saturday nightspot.
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Pair this traditional two-piece with box fresh trainers and your favourite slogan T-shirt for a casual take on tailoring.
Topshop Check Suit Jacket, £69, and Check Cigarette Trousers, £39, available at Topshop
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We love these peachy pink '80s slacks from Rachel Comey.
Rachel Comey Rupture Double Breasted Blazer, £491, and Trousers, £341, available at Matches Fashion
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Now this is a showstopper. It needs nothing but a bra and some spring sliders.
Zara Double Breasted Jacket, £69.99, and High Waist Wide Trousers, £39.99, available at Zara
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This is something Hilary Banks would have worn proudly in the '90s. Skirt suits never looked so chic.
Duro Olowu Abstract Cloqué Jacket, £795, and Midi Skirt, £459, available at Matches Fashion
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This floral suit from Topshop looks amazing worn separately or together.
Topshop Floral Jacquard Suit, £110, available at Topshop
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The exposed stitching and waist tie of this Whistles suit makes it bang on for SS17.
Whistles Kara Contrast Jacket, £220, and Kara Stitch Detail Trouser, £180, available at Whistles
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Pay homage to the one and only Starman with this teal three-piece. Gold boots mandatory.
Racil Bowie Jacket, £745, and Starman Trousers, £395, available at Matches Fashion
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This simple grey get-up from Zara will fix your spring workwear woes.
Zara Herringbone Blazer, £29.99, and Trousers, £19.99, available at Zara
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This standout suit ticks all the boxes for shape and colour, and will pep up your spring style.
Topshop Crop Kick Flare Trousers, £35, available at Topshop
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Trust Gucci to make the suit of our dreams (and out of our budget). This pink perfection is made from leather, making the cut even sharper.
Gucci Peak-Lapel Leather Jacket, £2,440, and High-Rise Leather Trousers, £1,470, available at Matches Fashion
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Another great number from Topshop – we'd style this with mules and a slouchy white shirt.
Topshop Double Breasted Suit Jacket and Trousers, £100, available at Topshop
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Mango is on a serious roll right now, and this suit is a standout. The trouser shape is supremely flattering (and comfortable).
Mango Double-Breasted Ramie Blazer, £79.99, and Cotton Suit Trousers, £49.99, available at Mango
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Give a nod to Jagger in this paisley pair from Zara.
Zara Paisley Print Blazer, £59.99, and Paisley Print Trousers, £29.99, available at Zara
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More bright colours from Topshop, this time a punchy red in a slim fit.
Topshop Tailored Suit Co-Ord, £100, available at Topshop
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Hillier Bartley providing us with some excellent relaxed tailoring here. We love the subtle check, too.
Hillier Bartley Checked Linen Blazer, £840, and Pants, £480, available at Net-A-Porter
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This looks so much more luxurious than its price; this is how you do office minimalism well.
H&M Satin Belted Jacket, £34.99, and Satin Suit Trousers, £34.99, available at H&M
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Menswear designer Charlie Casely-Hayford has created a collection, Fine Tailoring, for Topman, bringing his signature sophistication and precision to the high street. The line of 10 carefully crafted suits includes a unisex silk kimono, plus tailoring you can nab off your man, like this grey number.
Fine Tailoring by Charlie Casely-Hayford for Topman launches 15th June.
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We snapped this tweed two-piece faster than you can say 'Coco Chanel'.
Zara Textured Weave Cardigan, £59.99, and Mini Skirt, £25.99, available at Zara
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