Wimbledon, a key event in the English summer season, is normally defined by several ubiquitous markers: great tennis, strawberries and cream, inevitable downpours and, in the style stakes, floral midi dresses. In years past, one couldn’t move for an abundance of bloom-bedecked frocks, usually styled with wedge espadrilles or white trainers, with the Princess of Wales as the ultimate inspiration. But this year, a different outfit has reigned supreme at the tournament – and its versatility goes far beyond SW19.
The unspoken fashion formula among the best-dressed on Centre Court in 2024 is, unquestionably, a suit. Mind you, these are not the prim, business-ready get-ups as sported by contestants on The Apprentice, but fluid, flatteringly cut pieces that feel just right for a wet and colder-than-average British summer.
Take Kaya Scodelario in her Ralph Lauren cream linen three-piece suit, accessorised with a black leather bag and matching neckerchief. Or Kim Cattrall, who looked effortlessly elegant in her baby pink blazer and cigarette trousers, teamed with metallic sandals. Rebel Wilson went bold in a black-edged, floral print number from Alice + Olivia, while Maria Sharapova – arguably the queen of courtside dressing – opted for military-inspired, khaki tailoring. The message is clear: separates are a fast route to game, set and match.
In the last two weeks, fashion rental platform Hurr has seen a steep 83 per cent increase in demand for summer suiting and co-ords, from brands such as Ganni, Aligne and Emilia Wickstead. It’s a strong indication that the workwear staple is no longer just for the office – but how can you style a suit, without feeling as if you’ve just stepped out of the boardroom?
Choose a cut that flatters your figure, whether that’s a double-breasted blazer, wide-leg trousers or a cropped sleeve. “I would avoid going too ‘on trend’, to make sure that it’s a forever piece,” advises the stylist Sarah Corbett-Winder, who founded her own tailoring brand, Kipper, last year. “A suit is a commitment and you want it to earn its keep.” Look to brands like Sandro, Sézane and Joseph for classic shapes that won’t date, in colours like navy, camel and cream.
This summer, the waistcoat has seen a resurgence, worn on its own with jeans, over a T-shirt or, for those who really want to go the whole hog, as part of a three-piece suit. “I think a full suit is a timeless wardrobe essential, that can be easily elevated for the evening,” says Una Joyce, the womenswear director at Reiss: here, both jackets and trousers come in petite and regular fits, as well as a kaleidoscope of useful colours. “This season, the ‘Lori’ suit has been especially popular,” she says. “It’s made from a white linen viscose, which is perfect for summer events, and also comes with the option of shorts instead of trousers.”
Midi dresses have, for so long, been considered a failsafe option because they belong to the “throw on and go” school of dressing, and don’t require much thoughtful styling. By contrast, suits require a little more forward-planning, but they can form the basis of countless different outfits. In the long run, a suit will offer far more return on your investment than a one-and-done dress.
To make your range of outfits go further, treat your suit as a base and allow yourself free rein to play with the extras, says Corbett-Winder. “Add some strong accessories – a headband, platforms and a bag, say – in the same colour to make the suit sing. A ballet flat feels very French, ideally in red with a matching lip. Simple gold jewellery is always chic and you can add a corsage to your lapel for a touch of femininity.”
Once you have a classic suit on board, adding a more stand-out style will multiply your outfit choices even further. Kipper’s polka dot ‘Honeycomb’ style is ideal for the summer wedding season, says Corbett-Winder. “You can keep your jacket on in the church and then, voilà, the waistcoat is revealed for the dancefloor!” You could also wear the blazer with white jeans at the weekend, or the trousers with a crisp shirt for a day at the office.
If a suit still feels a little too Gordon Gekko for you, “soft suiting” could be the answer: it provides the same tailored look, but doesn’t feel quite so dressed up. The perennially reliable Me + Em excels in this area: its high-waisted trousers, neat skirts and cropped blazers can all be combined for a look that feels pulled together, but not matching. The lightweight, camel pinstripe trousers, for example, look excellent with a white waistcoat, while the textured, navy skirt pairs well with a cream, cropped tweed jacket.
Whatever your preferences, classic tailoring will rarely let you down. Choose fun, office-inappropriate accessories that add dimension and personality, keep the rest of your look relaxed – no stiff blow-dries, please – and you’ll be onto a winner. And that floral midi dress? A slick new blazer over the shoulders might just bring it back to life.
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