10 Ways to Wear Suiting Outside of the Office
Featuring my favorite off-duty outfits for fall.
As I sit down to write this very fall-focused story, I’m camped out on my apartment patio—dressed in a tank top, admiring my ripening tomatillo plants. We’re still holding onto summer here in NYC, and I have yet to swap my cut-offs with cashmere in the dresser drawer I reserve for my most season-specific pieces. The contrast between my physical setting and my mental state may sound dissonant at first, but in fact, it makes complete sense. I’m making a conscious effort to savor these lingering 75-degree days because I’ve accepted fall’s imminent arrival.
I’m undoubtedly mourning sit-outside weather, but even more intense is my anticipation of crisper days ahead. I mean, is there a better time to get dressed than fall? Oh, the layering possibilities, the moody hues, the no need for a coat that conceals your fabulous outfit! And so, I say no: Sartorially speaking, there’s no season superior to the fall (though I welcome friendly debate).
The items I’m most anxious to debut in the coming weeks? Suiting—sophisticated, confidence-boosting, and incredibly versatile. That’s right: Even the most luxurious, sculptural styles in your closet have a place outside of the office. Truth be told, I think suiting separates are even more satisfying to wear in non-work settings. You not only get more bang for your buck, but there’s also so much opportunity to play when you’re juxtaposing “high” (e.g. structured investment pieces) with “low” (e.g. more relaxed essentials). I consistently find that my best outfits are born out of some form of balance or contradiction.
With so many tailored styles from our fall collection at my fingertips, I found it delightfully difficult to come up with a finite number of outfits to show you, but I managed to cut myself off at 10. Scroll to see my favorite off-duty looks for fall, featuring our latest suiting arrivals.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
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Look #1
Given its looser, “boyfriend”-style silhouette, the O’Hara blazer can easily be reframed for everyday wear. This medium-weight knit version is particularly ideal for fall weather, and you’ll catch me using mine as a lightweight jacket over Leslie T-shirts and jeans on most 50- to 65-degree weekends. For dinner out, I’d add texture and zhuzh via accessories like mesh flats (similar), a silver-embellished black belt (similar), and the ’80s Gucci bag I found at this phenomenal vintage spot in Rome.
Look #2
Along with my O’Hara blazers, tailored trousers are the suiting styles I wear most often. The Hortons are some of my longtime favorites, and due to their distinct (but not bell-bottomy) flare, they’re incredibly elongating. I like to commit to one main statement item per outfit, so I’ll pair a personality-packed piece like plaid pants with a distinctly low-key piece like a long-sleeved white tee (similar). In this case, I felt moved to add an extra sprinkle of personality via my cherry-red flats (similar).
Look #3
I haven’t always gravitated toward skirts, but I can’t get enough of the straight, long silhouettes that are currently in vogue. Like the O’Hara blazer and Horton pants above, the brand-new Amara skirt is made from our knit suiting, meaning it doesn’t feel constricting at all. I like to enhance its long, columnar shape with a low-heeled, pointed-toe shoe; a knee-high boot (similar) looks so damn chic. To balance out this ensemble’s sleek bottom half, I’ve topped it off with a relaxed cashmere crewneck (similar).
Look #4
Our classic Yiyan blazer now comes in Parisian green, inspired by those iconic chairs that populate the Tuileries. On the one hand, it’s a unique shade, but I find that its softness makes it surprisingly easy to style. You could pair it with black, gray, camel, navy, or a coordinating pattern—but I especially love how it looks with dark brown. I went for our Abby pants, since they come in a rich brown called date and have an easy fit that offsets the Yiyan’s sharp tailoring. I filled in the rest of this outfit with coordinating chocolate flats and a contrasting white T-shirt.
Look #5
Errand runs become a lot more fun when you wear “real clothes.” Instead of a sweatshirt, I now reach for a light pullover or cardigan; and in place of leggings, I slip on a pair of wide-leg trousers—which are just as effortless, even more comfortable, and undeniably more chic. I still like to lean into a sporty, “off-duty” vibe, so I’ll incorporate accessories like a classic baseball cap and slip-on sneakers.
Look #6
Here’s another iteration on the elevated knit + wide-leg trouser formula. Due to their sweatpant-level roominess, I have several pairs of pleated pants, but the Bia is a standout style. Design details like double pleats and a side button closure make them subtly unique, while our toasty macaroon color lends an air of warmth (along with the cardamom latte that’s calling my name). For my sweater, I’ve gone with the perfectly slouchy Kiki, which features an intricate knit and a brilliant shade of purple. White accessories like a quilted shoulder bag and Converse high-tops keep this autumnal palette extra fresh.
Look #7
Lightweight, wrinkle-resistant, and machine-washable, our OrigamiTech suiting fabric is made for travel but ideal for every day. Combine it with the flowy cut of the Elena culotte, and you get the comfiest suit pants you’ve ever put on your body. On a lazy Saturday when I’m craving a cozy reading session but also itching to leave the house, I’ll pop on an oversized sweater, lace up some well-worn sneakers (similar), grab the £5 tote bag I scored at the British Museum in London, and head to a cafe where I can curl up with my book.
Look #8
The Natalia jacket has a utilitarian vibe, making it super conducive to casual styling. The (removable) waist belt and exaggerated flap pockets give it a pre-styled quality, so all you need is a great pair of jeans (similar), and you have yourself a fantastic high-low, fashion-forward look. I bookended this look with easy yet polished leather flats (similar).
Look #9
Back to the beloved Bia pants! We just introduced a new version that’s made from our luxe yet lightweight Crosshatch suiting fabric. I love the way it offers multidimensional texture to solid black essentials such as the Mel cardigan. To dress down this totally office-appropriate outfit, I layered a denim chore coat on top and wore my Adidas Sambas. I also added a silver necklace (similar) for some bonus visual interest.
Look #10
Here I am wearing white after Labor Day—*gasp.* Please, don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. Once you’re willing to break with tradition, you’ll get more out of your white items and unlock yet another way to make your suiting essentials look a tad more casual. Case in point: the salt-and-pepper Aniya jacket takes on a new level of freshness against a stark white skirt (similar). Black loafers and a black tank prevent this palette from getting too summery.
Shop all the looks from this story here.
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