How to Choose a Pinstripe Business Suit for a Women
Few things are more classic than a well-made pinstripe suit, whether it is an unstructured jacket and pleated trousers or a fitted jacket and short skirt. Popularized in the 1940s by movie stars like Rosalind Russell and made trendy again by the television character "Ally McBeal," a tailored suit is still both powerful and feminine. If you intend to purchase a pinstripe suit, there are a few things you should know. The steps below will help you choose a pinstripe suit that is perfect for you. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Catalogues or website print-outs
- Fabric swatches (optional)
Instructions
-
-
1
Take your measurements. You can't purchase a well-fitting suit if you are uncertain about your actual size. American designers and manufacturers each size to a particular model, so a size 6 in one label could be a 4 or an 8 in another. Knowing your bust, waist, hip, inseam and sleeve length will help a salesperson fit you properly.
-
2
Set your budget. A good pinstripe suit is an investment, but you shouldn't need a loan to pay for it. The cost should be directly proportional to the suit's usefulness. A classic, subtle cut in a good fabric that can be worn several days a week with different accessories is worth paying more for than a flashy, trendy suit that you can only wear on certain occasions.
-
-
3
Do your research. Order catalogues, look at websites or browse the local stores to see what styles and fabrics are available before you purchase a suit. The more information you have, the better choice you can make.
-
4
Look at your work environment and the kind of job you do. If you are the floor manager at a factory, a preschool principal or you will spend a lot of time traveling in your suit, you will want material that is wash-and-wear. Sitting at a desk all day in an office will cause less stress on your suit, so you can go with a fabric that needs to be dry-cleaned, because you won't have to launder it as often.
-
5
Complement your body type. Wide, bright stripes will make you look wider---and like a cartoon gangster---while thin, subtle pinstripes add texture and make you look taller and more slender. Women with curves often look better in more rounded styles, pleated pants and A-line skirts, while tall, thin women are more flattered by straight lines, flat-front trousers and slim skirts.
-
6
Choose versatility. A suit with a subtle, hot pink stripe is fresh and creative, but the color will limit your choices as far as blouses to wear with it. Dark colors, a good cut and simple details give you many more options in choosing blouses and other accessories. If possible, purchase a suit that comes with a jacket, trousers and a skirt.
-
7
Resist trends. Short skirts are here to stay, but a mini-skirt and jacket suit is less versatile than a classic trouser suit, especially if you live in a cold climate. Avoid momentary trends like padded shoulders, extreme cuts and unusual fabrics unless you can afford to replace the suit when it goes out of style.
-
8
Try everything on. Don't be shy about standing and sitting in the trousers or skirt, and making sure that your arms can move freely in the jacket. The trousers should not bind or gap no matter how you move, and a skirt should not ride up indecently when you sit down. You should be able to cross your arms comfortably in the jacket.
-
9
Optional: If you already have a selection of blouses, snip a tiny piece of fabric from an inside seam or hem and take them with you to shop for your suit.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Pay a little extra to have your pinstripe suit altered by a tailor to fit you perfectly, for a more polished look.
Do not give in to pressure from a salesperson. They often work on commission, so if you are not certain about a suit, take your time to think it over.
