I used to hate wearing pantsuits, and shopping for them even more so. My legs were too long, my shoulders too wide, and don’t get me started on my torso. I would bump shoulders at [insert function here] and marvel at my peers, friends, and friends-of-friends who were able to achieve an effortlessly androgynous casual-formal look from a suit they snagged off the clearance rack. After what seemed like the hundredth time of hearing their get-ready routines, I made a mental note to no longer use “they got it custom-made,” or “it must’ve cost a fortune,” or even “duh, she’s ninety pounds” as an explanation for their success and my lack thereof.

Then everything in the fashion world went oversized, and I took a chance on a cornflower pairing that changed my view of pantsuits forever.

Dress For You, Not Her

Who is “her?” She’s the you that’s not really you, but you keep shopping as if she is and coming up disappointed at the wardrobe haul post-shopping spree. Don’t give me that look, I know because I did it too.

After buying, hanging, and ultimately burying several standard non-flattering business-approved suits, I decided to commit myself to never wearing the outfit I so adored seeing. Then I stumbled upon what was described as “an extreme oversized pantsuit with a pocket blazer,” and I had to take a final chance before completely admitting defeat.

You know how the story ends, but just in case…it looked amazing on me. Game changer. This suit style and I were—and still are— married for life. Done.

Why It Works For Me

The oversized look appeals to body shapes across the board, so I by no means wish to deter anyone who does not fall under the same category as me from wearing it. However, as a rectangular 5’7, I love the illusion of decreased shoulder width matched with the appearance of a shorter frame. I also love how it allows you to bend a formal dress code without anyone noticing. Slip into a pair of stilettos, add some bold lips and lived-in curls, and you’re practically Met Gala approved these days. Ditch the constricting cocktail dresses, and spend the evening fully relaxed.

Pocket-Sized Advice

The moral: do not get so hung up on retrying the same garments expecting different results that you never branch out. So, you like pantsuits. Great! Try all of the cuts available before determining that you cannot rock an outfit that you love.

Smaller takeaway: You need to go to the store, or crack open your laptops and start searching for an oversized blazer and trouser combo. Pronto.

Below you will find some dependable options to start you on the right path, as well as some visual inspiration to further feed your curiosity.

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