From the Runway to Real Life: How to Wear a Suit in 2025

How to wear a suit is shown in a collage of runway and street style images containing photos of women wearing suit outfits
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Saint Laurent; @sobalera; Launchmetrics Spotlight/Bottega Veneta)

Season after season, no matter how many new trends there happen to be, one staple always manages to stick around: suiting. Of course, fashion is naturally cyclical—it’s why bowler bags and bag charms are so back. But we can't lie: Suits aren't necessarily the most exciting trend, especially compared to all the more "controversial" things making a comeback. However, we'd be shucking our journalistic integrity if we ignored one obvious fact: Although suits are ubiquitous, they are by no means boring. That's no more apparent than when taking the time to scroll through every small corner of the internet—from all the various spring 2025 trend reports on our site to the social media posts of some of the most stylish women. Like it or not, suiting remains a steadfast part of the cultural conversation (for a good reason).

You don't have to be a fashion archivist to understand that suiting is central to every aspect of culture—from the brand identities of some of the biggest luxury houses to political movements fighting for civil rights. However, what's kept the suit "trend" so alluring isn't primarily its history but how it's perpetually evolving on the runway and in real life, too. With the former, we've witnessed subtle shifts to popular suiting silhouettes pivoting from boxy blazers to those with nipped-in waists or the ditching of cigarette trousers for baggier options (and back again). No matter what, it seems that suiting separates are the staples the style set can't seem to shake off. And honestly, why would we want to ditch them?

Suiting has always struck the perfect balance between everything we want from our wardrobes: timeless and trendy, feminine and masculine, functional and fashionable. Never at another point in time have there been better examples of how to wear a suit that balances all those critical elements and pushes the boundaries of what we define as suiting. From the spring runway collections of Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Jacquemus, and more, there's no shortage of proof that this trend can be just as provocative as any other. But if you're still dubious about why suiting remains one of the most spellbinding trends for spring, let us explain further. Ahead, you'll find examples of "new-age" suit outfit ideas, styling tips, and even shopping recommendations. Consider this your guide on how to style your classic suiting separates in a contemporary way that captures this moment in time.

Suits Styled on the Runway

1. Saint Laurent

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Saint Laurent's spring 2025 show wearing a black leather bomber jacker over a gray blazer that's styled with a white pinstripe button-down shirt, brown striped tie, gray trousers, gold cuff bracelets, and pointed pumps

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Saint Laurent S/S 25)

WEAR: Chocolate Brown Leather Bomber Jacket + White Pinstripe Button-Down Shirt + Brown Striped Tie + Gray Oversize Blazer + Chunky Cuff Bracelets + Relaxed Gray Trousers + Chocolate Brown Pointed Pumps

Show Notes: If any luxury house were to be credited with making suiting such a prominent part of womenswear collections, it should be Saint Laurent. The brand's namesake founder was one of the first designers to debut a reimagining of the pantsuit for women in the S/S 67 collection. It's only fitting then that we'd see that rich history reflected in the house's most recent spring collection, which revived the brand's signature approach to suiting through excess layers, extra accessories, and even clashing prints.

Styling Notes: Draw inspiration from Saint Laurent's spring collection by styling your favorite blazer with a striped button-down shirt, menswear tie, oversize leather bomber jacket, chunky cuff bracelets, and pointed pumps.

2. Stella McCartney

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Stella McCartney's spring 2025 runway show wearing an oversized trench coat over a beige button-down shirt styled with a gray pinstripe blazer, a gray draped midi skirt, red Mary Jane heels, and a suede bowler bag

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Stella McCartney S/S 25)

WEAR: Oversize Trench Coat + Beige Satin Button-Down Shirt + Gray Pinstripe Blazer + Gray Pinstripe Midi Skirt + Red Mary Jane Pumps + Bowler Bag

Show Notes: Stella McCartney's spring show explored the theme of "natural renewal of the season," which was most adeptly reflected in the collection's approach to suiting. Rather than keeping to the archetype of the typical tailored suit, we saw it given a sultrier spin in the form of unbuttoned silk blouses, draped pencil skirts that showed a tiny bit of skin, and red patent Mary Jane pumps. By reimagining the suit, the collection asked us also to rethink what society defines as "masculine" and "feminine" in the hopes of a new outlook.

Styling Notes: Re-creating this runway look is about striking a balance between the "masculine" and "feminine" elements. Pair a more formfitting blouse and pencil skirt with oversize outerwear, make a monochrome outfit more interesting by adding a pop of red, and most importantly, don't be afraid to try new ways to wear your suit.

3. Tibi

how to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Tibi's spring 2025 runway show, wearing a gray blazer with the collar popped, styled with matching baggy gray trousers, a gold chain belt, a red clutch bag, black socks, and black strappy sandals

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Tibi S/S 25)

WEAR: Tan Blazer + Gold Chain Belt + Red Clutch Bag + Tan Baggy Trousers + Black Socks + Black Strappy Sandals

Show Notes: With Tibi's spring collection, the show was about exploring how confidence can inspire one to take risks, especially when it comes to closets. The idea of self-assurance leading to thrilling risks was most reflected in the collection's suiting—neutral suiting felt spicer as a cropped blazer was styled with low-rise trousers that showed just enough skin to expose a gold belt styled as a belly chain. It was a reminder that staples don't have to feel stale if we're willing to style them in ways that are signature to who we are as individuals.

Styling Notes: The key to re-creating this look comes back to opting for suiting separates that aren't traditionally tailored. Don't be afraid to wear a cropped blazer with the baggiest possible trousers or add unexpected accessories such as socks with sandals. By being curious about how to make a classic suit feel more catered to you, you're sure to make this trend all the more exciting.

4. Bottega Veneta

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Bottega Veneta's spring 2025 runway show wearing a gray striped button-down shirt with a dark gray striped blazer, light gray belt, dark gray striped midi skirt, white pumps, a red handbag, and flowers

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Bottega Veneta S/S 25)

WEAR: Dark Gray Blazer + Light Gray Blouse + Dark Gray Midi Skirt + Light Gray Belt + White Pumps + Red Handbag

Show Notes: Do you remember the first time you put on a suit? Whatever memory comes up, chances are your relationship with suiting can be tied to a universal coming-of-age story, or at least that was the through line for Bottega Veneta's spring show. As explained in the show notes, the collection was "dedicated to bringing back the inner child," which was reflected in its fun approach to suiting this season. Deviating from the stuffy suits of the past, Matthieu Blazy brought a delightful touch to suiting through contrasting patterns, dramatic draping, quirky appliqués, colorful accessories, and even crochet flowers. It was a reminder that suiting doesn't have to be so serious; it can strike joy (if you let it).

Styling Notes: Embrace your inner child by having fun with how you style your suit outfit. If you don't know where to start, consider styling contrasting pinstripe separates together. Just be sure to finish the look with a few pieces that bring you joy—whether in the form of a thick statement belt, colorful handbag, or pretty pumps.

5. Jacquemus

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Jacquemus's spring 2025 runway show wearing a sculptural white blazer with black barrel leg trousers, a polka dot frame clutch bag and pointed black kitten heels

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Jacquemus S/S 25)

WEAR: White Cocoon-Sleeve Blazer + Black Barrel-Leg Trousers + Frame Clutch Bag + Black Pointed Kitten Heels

Show Notes: Although Jacquemus's spring show still featured some of the cheekier elements we've come to associate with the brand, the collection reflected the desire to produce a softer form of glamour. The best example of the more streamlined approach to suiting this season came in one particular runway look: a model wearing a voluminous white cocoon-sleeve blazer with a pronounced bustier that was styled with black barrel-leg trousers, woven-leather slingbacks, and a frame clutch bag covered in polka dots. While the suiting look was a bit more demure than what we're used to seeing from the brand, it felt just as daring as any other collection. It was a reminder that the best suits put tailoring front and center.

Styling Notes: You can make even the most seemingly "simple" suiting separates stand out by paying attention to what silhouettes you're styling together. Don't be afraid to pair more tailored items that you might not think would conventionally go together. If you're worried about your suit being a little too avant-garde, keep the color palette and accessory choices on the minimal side to balance things out.

6. Max Mara

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a model on the runway of Max Mara's spring 2025 runway show wearing a light tan linen blazer over a white button-down shirt styled with a matching tan linen shorts, a dark brown belt bag, and dark brown flat sandals

(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight; PICTURED: Max Mara S/S 25)

WEAR: Tan Linen Blazer + White Button-Down Shirt + Tan Linen Shorts + Brown Belt Bag + Brown Flat Sandals

Show Notes: There's a certain level of science required in crafting a genuinely chic suit outfit, or at least that's what Max Mara's spring show proved this season. The brand's show notes credited the late fourth-century mathematician as the inspiration behind the sharply tailored suiting. While the show gave traditional staples "trigonometrical twists, " it doesn't mean they were too sharp to imagine styling them in everyday life. The formality of the collection's suiting was made casual through styling—poplin shirts, cuffs were flipped upward, button-downs remained unbuttoned to expose bras, and looks were finished off with flat sandals. The styling served as a reminder that even the tailored pieces can be transformed if you look at them through a new angle.

Styling Notes: Who said suits had to be worn for more formal settings? You can wear them throughout the springtime by re-creating the relaxed styling approach in Max Mara's show. Swap out wool materials for linen or cotton, darker colors should be replaced with lighter ones, and don't be afraid to go for shorter hemlines (in the form of a modest pair of shorts).

Suits Styled in the Wild

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman standing outside wearing oversized black eyeglasses with a black blazer styled with a silver earrings, a white button-down shirt, a white tie, black trousers, black loafers, and a black handbag

(Image credit: @iamzoefoster)

WEAR: Oversize Eyeglasses + Silver Earrings + Black Boxy Blazer + White Button-Up Shirt + White Tie + Black Relaxed Trousers + Black Loafers + Black Handbag

Styling Notes: If you're still thinking about how much you loved the styling in Saint Laurent's spring runway show but can't gather the courage to re-create them, start by keeping it simple. You can still give off Saint Laurent energy by swapping your pointed pumps for a pair of comfy loafers, replacing oversize cuffs with a simple pair of hoops, and leaving the extra layers at home. Rest assured everyone will get the reference.

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman wearing black glasses, a white button-down shirt, a gray blazer, gray bermuda shorts, black slingback heels, and a black frame bag

(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

WEAR: Eyeglasses + Gray Blazer + White Button-Down + Gray Bermuda Shorts + Black Slingback Heels + Black Frame Bag

Styling Notes: When you don't have a vacation planned or can't pretend you're a part of Max Mara's spring runway show, try creating the suit outfit above. You can make a short suit work for corporate spaces by making a few simple swaps: Opt for a darker-color suit, go for shorts with a longer hemline, and swap out the sandals for slingbacks. It seems small, but it truly can transform this suit look from casual to corporate overnight.

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman standing outside on a stoop in New York wearing bayonetta glasses, and a navy nipped-waist blazer with matching navy trousers, black pointed heels, and a black crocodile bag

(Image credit: @lefevrediary )

WEAR: Bayonetta Glasses + Navy Nipped-Waist Blazer + Navy Trousers + Black Pointed Kitten Heels + Black Crocodile Bag

Styling Notes: While playing with proportions can make your suiting pieces pop, switching from a simple suit to something more dramatic—e.g., the barrel-leg pant and cocoon-sleeve blazer combo shown at Jacquemus—can be intimidating. One of the easiest ways to ease yourself into embracing unique suits is to choose one monochrome shade for your entire look (think navy, black, or gray). After landing on a color, you can slowly start mixing in separates that may have more unique silhouettes, such as hourglass blazers or extra-relaxed trousers to attain the same dramatic effect.

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman standing in a stairwell wearing black sunglasses, oversized gold and black clip-on earrings, a black blazer with gold cuff bracelets layered on top of the sleeve that's styled with a white satin scoop neck tank top, a black belt, a black leather pencil skirt, a black frame bag, black sheer tights, and black slingback heels

(Image credit: @ingridedvinsen)

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Oversize Gold Earrings + Black Blazer + Gold Cuff Bracelet + White Scoop-Neck Tank Top + Black Skinny Belt + Black Leather Pencil Skirt + Black Frame Handbag + Black Sheer Tights + Black Pointed Pumps

Styling Notes: Although Bottega Veneta's and Stella McCartney's shows featured runway looks with matching blazer-and-skirt combos, they are not the only way to re-create the trend. Rather than assuming you need to buy a new suit, pair the black blazer in the back of your closet with a black pencil skirt (of any form) and a silk blouse or tank top. Finish off the look with accessories of your choice, for a contemporary approach to suiting tailored to the pieces already in your closet.

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman standing on the sidewalk in New York, wearing black sunglasses, silver earrings, a white and black pinstripe blazer over a white cropped tank top styled with matching pinstripe trousers, a black belt, black tabi flats, a black shoulder bag, and a black cardigan layered over the shoulders

(Image credit: @thecarolinelin)

WEAR: Black Sunglasses + Silver Hoops + Black Cardigan + White Pinstripe Blazer + White Cropped Tank Top + Black Belt + White Pinstripe Trousers + Black Tabi Flats + Black Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: While there were plenty of examples of printed suits on the spring runways, it's pretty hard to inject patterns into your wardrobe if you have a relaxed approach to personal style. Rather than re-creating the more formal-leaning pinstripe skirt suit looks spotted in Bottega Veneta's and Stella McCartney's shows, go for something a bit more casual in the form of a cropped tank top styled with a pinstripe blazer, baggy trousers, and ballet flats. It's the perfect way to give this classic piece a playful twist.

How to wear a suit is shown in a photo of a woman standing outside against a green marble background wearing gold earrings, a black blazers, a black handbag, black trousers, and black pointed pumps

(Image credit: @sobalera)

WEAR: Gold Earrings + Black Tailored Blazer + Black Tailored Trousers + Black Pointed Kitten Heels + Black Frame Shoulder Bag

Styling Notes: We're hoping that we've proven to you that not only are suits one of spring's biggest trends, but they're something worth adopting in your own life. However, if you're still unsure of how to wear a suit, please screenshot the above outfit to save it for your reference. When in doubt, remember that an all-black suit will always stand the test of time. Of course, you can make the style feel signature to this moment by paying attention to your suit's silhouettes and getting creative with your styling. Whether you choose to opt for slim-fit trousers or simply pop the collar on your blazer, making small changes can keep your suit more exciting than ever.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Freelance Fashion Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.