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There is a lot to say for lightweight-and light colored-summer pant suits. For one
thing, a monochromatic long sleeved jacket and pants set is slimming. For another, the two matching pieces can be dressy, businesslike, elegant, versatile, and comfortable. They can lessen the appearance of a multitude of figure flaws. Finally, it’s a creative choice when a gal can’t decide between a dress and a skirt, and the occasion is calling for something more than capris or shorts.

Here are some thoughts to keep in mind before you go shopping for that perfect ensemble:

When purchasing a suit in a fancy fabric, such as satin or any material with an iridescent finish, know that it should be saved for the truly sophisticated affair, such as weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, formal parties, charity event galas, etc. Picture wearing a white, shiny suit to your niece’s graduation party in the backyard-it’s a bit overdone.

If you’re a gal who wants to look smaller throughout the torso, remember that a single-breasted jacket makes the waist appear trimmer, and longer jackets which touch the tops of thighs cover wide hips completely. If you wish to appear taller, avoid cuffs. Softly flaring pant legs may help to balance a small, petite shape, but classic suits will rarely accommodate the look of wide bell bottoms found in jeans, so don’t bother searching.

Just as with evening gowns, be sure to not allow the hems of your trousers to skim the ground. It’s bad enough when teens do this, but on grown women it’s plain silly. (Furthermore, who wants easily avoidable dirt or holes to ruin an expensive outfit?) Spend a half hour hemming them yourself while watching TV, or pay a seamstress the small cost to adapt the length to your legs and shoes.

Wearing a jacket that buttons at the naval without a blouse underneath can either be sexy or risqué, depending on how the lady is built, where she will be wearing this, and accessories. If she has a large bust, this idea should not be undertaken, as it will appear that she is purposely exposing herself. However, a gal with a smaller chest, who takes the time to secure the jacket (as well as herself, with various means of invisible support) may be able to pull off the look if she adds long, decorative necklaces to avoid looking bare. Another variation would be to button the jacket higher, and allow a lacy camisole to peek out; it’s still sexy but not as obviously attention-seeking.

To avoid jackets that pull across the chest or sleeves longer than the wrist bone takes trying on in different sizes or getting alterations. But, don’t just rely on the jacket to camouflage ill fitting pants; at some point, you will want to take the jacket off but, if you’re self conscious, chances you won’t. That means you will be left feeling either hot or overly-dressed, neither of which will make you want to wear the outfit again. Make sure both pieces fit well, if only for those occasions when you may be driving and wish to be more comfortable without a jacket.

The beauty of a summer suit is that it can be worn with a short or long sleeved blouse, a sleeveless top, a tank top (ranging from plain to glittery), a halter, or even a bustier. Since the suit will, more than likely, be unadorned, it leaves the window of opportunity wide open concerning the top’s print or color combinations. With a white or neutral tan suit, you can go any way you wish: flowers, patterns, animal prints, motifs, abstract designs, metallic material, or sold colors trimmed in exotic edgings. That means that the suit can serve its owner for quite some time and be taken to many gatherings. The look can easily go from “office professional” to “night out” with just a few changes in shoes, purse, top, jewelry, and hair-while still enabling the woman to look polished and intriguing.

Summer pants suits not make a woman look “mannish” if the cut is flattering, the material is soft, and the rest of her outfit is well planned. Try it and see.