suit yourself

suit

For the most part of the last two weeks, I have been wearing my version of a trouser suit - grey blazer, black cigarette pants. It helps that the weather has been bizarrely cool in the mid-to-low 20s (Celsius), and I can keep my jacket on for the most part.

It is liberating, my "suit". My morning dressing process was reduced to choosing a top, maybe switching up some shoes (meaning, "which ballet flat"). Efficient. So I can drag breakfast on longer.

It also made me more aware of what tops to wear under my jacket. One day, I wore an oatmeal knit button-front vest over a striped tank. The look was very "layered" (duh), in that cool "Tommy Ton for GQ" way , if I do say so myself. Another day I wore a plaid shirt and it was instantly more rugged/collegiate. A blush blouse with a black ribbon trim felt gamine, a blue oxford was very preppy. A white t-shirt felt very Emmanuelle Alt. And it feels consistent.

shirts

(Probably none of this is very new to anyone who lives in jacket-required climates. But bear with me.)

Strictly speaking I wasn't wearing a real, matching suit but all the same I see now what a wonderful concept it is and why it's such a fail-safe classic for men especially. It solves so many style conundrums and it can be personalised to suit all ages, personalities and builds.

If only weather (I know I obsess about weather a little too much) permitted me to indulge in this more, but I shall snatch such moments when I can.

P.S - For those who wanted to see how the Sykes shirt fitted. The shirt is a medium and fits perfectly at the shoulders, with looser arm sleeves and holes. Don't mind the wrinkles and the odd bathroom lighting...

IMG_3423

Comments

Alex said…
the fit is perfect!! I can't seem to find nice shirts anywhere
miss sophie said…
the sykes shirt looks amazing on you!! love the elegant minimalist details (and attention to detail). i've been doing either tees and leather jacket and jeans, or a steven alan buttondown and cardigan these days. add boots, dunlin bag and i'm out the door. you're right, it's great to have this sense of confidence in what you know you're gong to reach for. :)
K. said…
The shirt suits you beautifully :) Congrats on the find!
Fleurette said…
It is PERFECT!
And I agree with you on the suit. It's as good as having a uniform you can wear every day with small adjustments.. consistency is the keyword.
The Bohemienne said…
Oooh, that shirt really is perfection.
c said…
ah, i've been meaning to ask! where are your pants from? i've admired them in your sets.
yanqin said…
Alex: I think it helps to be patient - so many times I was tempted to give into a "okay" version but I knew I would regret it.

miss sophie: Thanks. Yep and it's subtle difference between being bored in a style rut and feeling confident in wearing the same thing repeatedly. Wish it was the latter more!

K, Fleurette, If Jane, The Bohemienne: Thanks!

Pret a Porter P: Yes, this is something our cold-weather blogging counterparts will never understand hahaha.

And thanks so much for saying that, high praise coming from you!

c: There's actually long complicated story behind where and why I got these, haha. I got these from Giordano, which a frumpy,Hong Kong version of Gap about 4 years ago. Incidentally, the Gap Slim Cropped pants in shops now fit exactly like them, and they are way more comfy, because of the stretch.I'm half considering them and retiring my own...
Ammu said…
Lovely post - the shirt looks great - and you have inspired me to try wearing my own version of a suit - maybe once it gets a bit warmer in Delhi!
Alexandra said…
The shirt looks lovely on you!

herribbonsandherbows.blogspot.com/
cat said…
love the sykes shirt. i just came across your blog. i love it!
cat x
G. said…
This shirt really fits you. Never found anything that works like that for me ;) Well, search goes on.

Show us a pic of the suit on you!!
Where is that left tshirt from? And - how comes that your silki shirts are so damn wrinkless - i dont understand how anyone does that ;)

Bst rgrds G.
nanashi said…
Great shirt and I totally agree with the thing about the suit look---it does solve a lot of things and tossing on a structured jacket really "pulls things together". When I had to wear suits my choice was pretty much the same---which tops, what shoes, jacket or cardigan.

I think it's the first time commenting here but I just wanted to say I really love your blog!
yanqin said…
Ammu: Thanks! Did you have a good trip btw?

Alexandra, Cat: Thanks!

G: I"m so lazy with outfit pictures because getting the right light in my house is so hard. The shirt is really wrinkled actually, but I think the harsh light washed it out, haha. The t-shirt is from Massimo Dutti, which is sort of like a cross between Zara and J Crew. They have been doing fantastic basics for the last couple of years.

Nanashi: Thanks...a jacket is really such a good staple. I wish I could wear a jacket more, but I mostly only keep it on in the office. And thanks so much for commenting, it's always a pleasure to hear from people.
Ginta said…
oh, yes, that shirt is perfect! absolutely perfect!
Aïssa said…
Great shirt!
onlycoolcats said…
The perfect one!

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