Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Help finding a suit that feels confident but not flashy

10 replies

Mummen · 05/05/2026 21:30

I have a couple of big meetings coming up, including presenting at a conference, and want a nice suit to wear but I cant find what I'm looking for. Suits I've had have been slim leg trousers with matching fitted blazer. It seems now that slim legs aren't in, especially not in matching sets.

I can't get on board with a very relaxed fit and don't know how to do mix and match trousers and jacket.

I'm 5ft 3, Size 12. I work in the civil service. I want to feel confident in what I'm wearing but don't want my outfit to make me stand out. Bonus points if I can wear flat shoes (brogues or loafers?).

Can anyone help me:
Find a traditional suit or
Style tailored trousers with a non- matching jacket?

OP posts:
Mummen · 05/05/2026 22:03

Forgot to include my age and budget - I'm 40 and have up to £300 in mind.

OP posts:
asparagusffern · 05/05/2026 22:59

I'm your height and my best fitting trousers come from Massimo Dutti or Cos. I'd say you'll get something good in either of those, MD will tend to be more classic, Cos a bit more edgy.

Flat shoes will look more modern with a suit than heels.

Defiantly41 · 05/05/2026 23:05

Have seen a lot of this look - perfectly fitting trousers with a crisp cotton or satin shirt in a matching colour, looks sleek and expensive, may be a bit too classic? (not necessarily this colour)

Help finding a suit that feels confident but not flashy
Help finding a suit that feels confident but not flashy
Help finding a suit that feels confident but not flashy
TheFarriersDaughter · 06/05/2026 06:06

I’d have said Cos would be the perfect place for you. (I’m just under 5’3 and despite everything repeatedly said here I don’t find Cos fitting at all problematic. I’m accustomed to having clothes from any brand shortened or otherwise altered where necessary - if you have different proportions you could easily have the trouser hems taken up.) Something like this?

https://www.cos.com/en-gb/women/womenswear/coatsjackets/blazers/product/waisted-collarless-blazer-charcoal-1294893001

With the corresponding trousers.

jeaux90 · 06/05/2026 07:15

Same height and I find Hobbs petite range works well. I bought a red suit from there last year and I’ve worn it loads.

SoScarletItWas · 06/05/2026 07:18

Next do slim leg tailored trousers with eg this matching blazer, available in petite

https://www.next.co.uk/style/su807544/h29284

Mummen · 06/05/2026 08:59

Thanks all! Hobbs petite or Cos look like they could fit the bill. Any time I've tried Hobbs in the past they have been too big in the shoulders but I didn't realise they do petite.

I'll also check out Next to have another option. I couldn't find that combo on the website before.

OP posts:
jeaux90 · 06/05/2026 09:21

Interesting that the petite Adele suit they have in the soft yellow is the same one I bought in red last year. I get so many compliments on it and it’s really comfortable. I might buy it in this colour too.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page