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WIN a 9ct gold T-Bar pendant necklace from Gear Jewellers worth €250
WIN a 9ct gold T-Bar pendant necklace from Gear Jewellers worth €250

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Join our networking event: ‘Building a Business: The Real-Life Path to Success’ in Galway
Join our networking event: ‘Building a Business: The Real-Life Path to Success’ in Galway

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Join our networking event: ‘Building a Business: The Real-Life Path to Success’ in Galway
Join our networking event: ‘Building a Business: The Real-Life Path to Success’ in Galway

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Meet Emily Jean O’Byrne, the Irish designer dressing Ballerina Farm
Meet Emily Jean O’Byrne, the Irish designer dressing Ballerina Farm

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Image / Fashion

Eight heritage suits for women who love a masculine look


By Ellen Bird
16th Oct 2018
Eight heritage suits for women who love a masculine look

I love a good man’s suit – on a woman. Ironically, there’s just something so perfectly feminine about it. From Prada’s bright orange tweed skirt suit, Marc Jacobs’ exaggerated puffer coats, Adam Lippes’ floral-print interpretations, and The Row’s deconstructed styles, heritage fabrics are no longer characterised by musty old men in smoky grey bars, but instead render serious sophistication. Heritage suits are a perfect representation of power, and are everything I love about autumn dressing. Whether you’re opting for trouser suits, or swapping your slacks for skirts, this chic trend is both unapologetically bold and ultra-feminine.

It’s no secret that AW18 is all about female empowerment. More designers than ever are combining womenswear and menswear. But the thing is, it’s not just about wearing a plain black blazer with a pair of dark-wash jeans and a white blouse – I’m yawning just writing that; seriously, what a bore. I suggest embracing the classic traditional suit in something more fitted, worn with a ruffled blouse, throwing on some edgy accessories with a pop of colour, and wearing a pointed heel for a more feminine touch. But you can also dress down your suit for a more off-duty look – just swap out your silk blouse for a slogan T-shirt and pair it with white kicks. Whatever your preferred style, pair it with something unexpected for a contemporary and modern twist. Everything about heritage style says masculine, so you’ll want to balance out this strong look with anything that isn’t. Don’t be afraid to play around with proportions and peculiar designs; it’s a trend that’s all about experimentation and self-expression.

There’s nothing like a great power suit, so make a good investment and it’ll be something you’ll always have. For a full on boss-lady look, shop these heritage-inspired suits to wear now and through autumn (oh but don’t forget your coat!)

Winter capsule slim fit herringbone wool waistcoat, €79.95 at Massimo Dutti

Tartan blazer, €199 at uterque.com

Corduroy blazer, €99 at & Other Stories

Check blazer, €29.95 at Zara

Scholastic longline blazer, €102 at ghospell.com

Heritage check blazer, €80 at Oasis

Woodside blazer, €309 at ganni.com

Priority lane blazer, €107.87 at sisterjane.com