Just a few weeks ago I got rid of every single suit in my closet.  Decision made, bye bye!  They fit me just fine, but seemed dated and I never wanted to wear them.  While I am not completely opposed to suits, for the time being I enjoy the creativity of putting separates together. In this instance, it looks like a suit, but with much more panache! Perfectly elegant for a work related dinner… The brands/labels aren’t what matters here – all you need to do is start with the black pencil skirt you have in your closet, a black jacket that you love, and you are halfway there!  Fabrics need not match, in fact it is better when they don’t! And if there is no snow to walk through, and your skirt is not too short, there is nothing more feminine and classic than a high heeled pump.  This favorite jacket of mine is over ten years old, a boiled wool from Anthropologie…in addition to completing the ‘suit’ effect, it is toasty, especially over the sheer lace top from Wolford.

Rather than tucking in the top, wear it on the outside and belt it to add texture/interest. The bold gold pin (another oldie, from Banana Republic) adds even more.

Final outerwear touches and off I go in my ‘un-suit’!