Suit to die for

[Tartifletti]

I've unexpectedly got a small inheritance. Aside from the sensible stuff I will do with it (savings, home improvements), I'd like a new trouser suit for work. I'd like something slightly cool/ funky but not too outrageous, as I have a corporate job . Budget £800-£1,000 all in. I'm small (5'3 and size 6-8), prefer flat shoes and slim fits. Can anyone give me some ideas? Years ago I had a lovely suit from Joseph but I fear they are out of budget now.

I've just bought a beautiful camel suit in Reiss. I also have a gorgeous Hugo boss suit.

@Gruelle DD is a barrister. It’s black - or black!

Suzi Ruffle has a lovely suit on in this -

You have all convinced me: sod the new kitchen worktop, the suit budget comes first.

I quite like the Fold but agree it's slightly staid and the suits are a bit too waisted. But it's quite hard to find suits from edgier brands that don't major on the oversized jacket look, which is not what I'm after either. I want sort of Parisian tomboy gamine. A fun dilemma to have, though!

@TizerorFizz - yes - I understood that!

Get something made for you, OP - it would be a lovely way to use an inheritance.

Was just coming on to say this. His work is gorgeous and a 2 piece bespoke suit is around £1K

@LadyOfTheCanyon I'm in London, but a train to Brighton is doable (with a little childcare assistance from him indoors).

There is also The Deck for bespoke ? If you want to blow the budget , that’s where I’d go !

Have a look at Theory. American brand, very good at your sizes, they have a shop in Marylebone, excellent quality and cut

To be honest. I would spend on a brand that will sell pre owned. Not sure a local tailor fits this bill for me. £1k sounds too cheap too.

I have a Theory black trouser suit. Its amazingly flattering and I feel really good wearing it, but the fabric isn't lasting well - it's gone shiny so quickly.

IME Paul Smith and Joseph things last and last, still looking good.

I'm with @Gruelle &@TizerorFizz on this, I bloody love trouser suits, I have a couple of Bella Freud suits, but in cord and velvet, and a vintage Le Smoking. They ain't work suits though!

I would go bespoke in your circumstances @Tartifletti. Spend that money well, get exactly what you want.

@Tartifletti
You might like this bespoke tailor. A woman designing for women. Also if you increase the budget you might like Joshua Kane. DD was an intern there.

Phoebe Gormley is in London. You would miss out on a trip to Brighton.

I want sort of Parisian tomboy gamine.

Something like Isabel Marant?

Or maybe Totême?

If you do not know what designer cut looks best on you it may be worthwhile going to Selfridges, harrods and the like to try on several suits from different designers and figure out what works best in you, and then looking for suits by that designer in the sale. TheOutnet and YOOX have perpetual discounts and you can find something amazing well within your budget (£700 for a jacket / £300 for trousers is very doable, I tend to buy top designers for less than.) Plus the winter sale is on Net-a-Porter, matches and other online retailers. It's the end of the sale though so finding a full suit in black may be a challenge.

My go-to brand for tailoring has been Armani Collezioni (although this line is now stopped and one can choose between a more premium Giorgio Armani or Emporio Armani); I also like Etro (a very different aesthetic). I have had a number of Joseph pieces over the years but wouldn't go there for "the suit". Max Mara is excellent quality and timeless but can be a bit too safe. I want to like Fold but in my view it is awfully overpriced for what it is (beautiful polyester). I've also experimented with edgier designers - Dries van Noten, Petar Petrov etc.

Good luck, this is a very exciting project!