Pantsuits Are the New Pantsuits: 20 Gorgeous Reasons You Need One in Your Life (2024)

Remember the '80s—with its corporate-issue suits (and requisite accompanying commuter sneakers)? For decades, women have struggled to redefine power and femininity in the workplace—by distancing ourselves from that adapted-from-the-boys look. Fast-forward, though, to 2015—and as it turns out, the power suit is, well, the new power suit.

Put all your preconceived notions about pantsuits on hold—just for a moment—and see how these women have redefined the notion of tailored dressing. Here are 20 good reasons you need a pantsuit in your life, immediately.

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British artist Polly Morgan proves that a menswear-plaid suit works perfectly on a summer day when styled with a simple cotton tank and rolled-up sleeves.

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Buro 24/7 founder, Miroslava Duma, rocks a flared pantsuit in this summer's It color, a decidedly awesome shade of not-too-bright yellow.

Dulceida

Aida Domenech opts for color as well, with a bright shade of blue but makes sure to keep her shoes and accessories neutral.

Man Repeller

As is her M.O., Leandra Medine uses a pantsuit to remind us not to take fashion too seriously. With a black T-shirt and white lowtops, this striped set is summer-ready!

The Native Fox

Pantsuits work for date night as well. Behold: Jennifer Grace pairs a slouchy white suit with a deep V-neck and classic pumps for after-hours.

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No shirt, no problem! The ultimate in sex appeal when it comes to styling a pantsuit is to take a cue from Jennifer Aniston and wear the jacket as a top.

Camille Over the Rainbow

Though the pantsuit has corporate roots, Camille Charriere styles the perfect go-anywhere summer look with a slouchy silhouette, silk top, and sneakers.

Fashion Vibe

Zina Charkoplia uses this shorts suit to rock a crop top. The tailoring prevents the trend from being too revealing. Though perhaps not office-appropriate, it's a great way to make the pantsuit look more fun off-duty.

Berta Bernad

Just because a pantsuit is basic navy doesn't mean it has to be boring. It's the details that matter—and Berta Bernad knocks it out of the park by simply rolling up her sleeves and cuffing her pants.

Atlantic Pacific

Blair Eadie goes bold with bright red and pink. Head-turning as this combo is already, keep accessories and jewelry to a minimum.

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The Knowles family certainly knows how to do head-to-toe white, and the pantsuit is no exception. We particularly like how Solange's gold jewelry and nude shoes complement the monochromatic style.

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If there is one color that always works as an honorary neutral, it's blue. When going head-to-toe monochrome, it's a safe—and beautiful—choice. Opt for hues that differ ever so slightly, like Carmen Hamilton has.

A Pair & A Spare

Short suits are a great way to make a traditional pantsuit summer-friendly. Style them with blouses for the office, sexy tanks for nights out, or T-shirts, like this one on Geneva Vanderzeil, for more casual occasions.

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Any excuse to wear culottes is a good one. Helena Bordon adds a feminine flair to her pinstripe pantsuit with a cropped silhouette and elegant accessories.

Style Pantry

Folake Huntoon goes bold in bright blue. Though, color aside, it's the graphic tuxedo-style of the black detailing and tailoring that truly makes this suit stand out from the crowd.

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When rocking the menswear trend, always take it one step further than you think you should. Martha Graeff opts for a check pattern that may be rooted in guys' style but adds an extra graphic element.

We Wore What

Danielle Bernstein goes for a shorts suit, but opts for a high-waisted, tailored fit, versus a slouchier one, making this the perfect casual office-to-drinks look this summer.

Style by Queens

Kike Soyode styles her white suit with pale pink flats and a cream silk blouse. She kicks the look up a notch by accessorizing with a single statement necklace, tucked beneath her collar.

Tuula Vintage

Like on Jessica Stein, a chambray shirt is the easiest way to use to make a pantsuit feel a little more easy and cool. Take it one step further and steal her trick of cuffing your shirt over your suit jacket.

Sydne Style

Sydne Summer reminds us of the transitional beauty of a pantsuit: It's practically three outfits in one! Wear the pants without the jacket, or the jacket sans matching trousers. It's the best look to get you through sunny summer months!