SUIT YOURSELF

A well-tailored suit inspires confidence, which is the key to power dressing. On page 60 of our March issue we celebrate the bold return of the trouser suit.

Here we join fashion editor Poppy Evans on shoot day to find out more:

The trouser suit is back – did it ever really go away? And how is it different this season?

It’s not so much that items change, or ‘go away’, it’s that fashion’s mood changes. This season has a lot to do with feeling powerful, and the trouser suit has the ability to impart that, so naturally it’s important this winter. Shapes and cuts vary, but print and pattern, especially head-to-toe, make the trouser suit ‘new’.

Brief for hair and make-up?

Clean, neat, contemporary and matte. Make-up artist Sylvie Hurford worked with eyeliner in interesting ways to make our model’s eyes pop a little more, which at first I wasn’t sure about. But in the end I was really pleased that I’d listened to her.

Favourite shot and why?

I’m besotted with the Mary Katrantzou typewriter print set; it’s actually a blouse and pair of trousers worn with a Topshop blazer as opposed to an actual suit, but my gosh, these are the clothes dreams are made of!

Top tip for readers wanting to work the trouser suit?

Shop around for a cut that suits you. If you’re curvy, don’t force androgynous styles and, if you’re athletic, a blazer with a nipped-in waist will make you feel very ladylike. When all is said and done, most women look great in a fitted blazer and wide-leg trousers, if you ask me!