5 Red Carpet Suit Looks You Can Actually Wear
The same few suit shapes come back on the red carpet again and again. Each one depends on a single detail, such as a lapel, a shoulder or a cloth, which means you can get the effect in a suit you will actually wear again. Here are five, and how to get each one.
1. The Tuxedo
The most formal suit look. Tuxedo jackets traditionally have satin or grosgrain on the lapels, which catches the light in photos.
Start with the Isadora Tuxedo Jacket in black.
Wear it with matching trousers for black tie, or with plain black trousers and a simple top for other evening events.
Keep the shirt or top plain so the lapels stand out.
2. The Strong Shoulder and Defined Waist
A structured shoulder above a shaped waist gives a sharp, formal outline that reads clearly from a distance.
Start with the Isadora DB Jacket. The double-breasted front closes across the body, which emphasises the waist.
Choose a dark, smooth wool so the outline stays crisp.
Make sure the shoulder seam still ends close to your natural shoulder, so the jacket is comfortable to wear for hours.
3. The Velvet Jacket
Velvet looks rich under evening lighting and in photos. A full velvet suit is very occasion-specific, but a velvet jacket is easy to wear again.
Start with the Catriona Velvet Blazer in a deep colour, such as black, navy, burgundy or green.
Wear it with plain wool trousers in a darker or matching tone.
Keep accessories minimal, as the cloth already does the work.
4. The Monochrome Column
Wearing the jacket, trousers, top and shoes in one colour, or close shades of it, gives a long, unbroken line.
Start with the Freya Notch Blazer and matching trousers in navy or black.
Add a top in the same colour, or a shade lighter.
Choose shoes in the same tone to keep the line unbroken.
5. The Shawl Lapel
A shawl lapel is one continuous curve from the collar down the front, with no notch. It looks softer than a notch or peak lapel and is traditionally worn for evening.
Start with the Freya Shawl Jacket.
Wear it with matching trousers for a formal evening, or over a simple top with dark trousers for a dinner or event.
A dark colour keeps it formal. A lighter colour makes it easier to wear in the daytime.
Making It Your Own
Choose one statement detail, such as the lapel, the cloth or the colour, and keep everything else simple. That way the suit still works for work, weddings and other events.
Isadora Nim makes made-to-measure suits. A made-to-measure suit starts from an established pattern, which is adjusted to your measurements and to the choices you make at your consultation. Bring photos of looks you like, and we will go through how to get the effect.