How to Style a Three-Piece Suit For Women

We might associate a suit with men's formalwear, but the power and elegance of a three-piece suit is just as captivating for women. Icons of style such as Zendaya, Cate Blanchett, Blake Lively, and even Kate Middleton have demonstrated that a well-tailored suit is a fabulous addition to any woman's wardrobe.

So, how can you style a woman's suit to achieve that perfect chic look? From selecting a stylish suit to coordinating the ideal pair of shoes, we offer top tips for women's suit styling.

Suit Sizing For Women

The number one rule of how to look good in a suit, whether you’re male or female, is proper sizing. The sophistication of a suit is lost if the legs trail on the ground or the blazer drowns you. 

In fact, sizing might be more important with a suit than with any other outfit, as tailoring is all about pieces that fit and flatter your body immaculately. Luckily, Joe Browns size guide can help you select each piece of your suit in the perfect size.

Gorgeously Pattered 3-Piece Suits

The classic black and white suit is sophisticated and chic - a classic for a reason. But if you want a suit that stands out, try playing with unique patterns. Spots, stripes, checks and more create a head-turning look.

Floral patterns, for example, bring feminine flair to a suit, making it perfect for a formal event or a spring wedding.

Bold Tailoring, Bold Colours

Vibrant colours perfectly complement the sharp lines of a tailored look, boosting your confidence and your mood. Whether you pick a powerful red, spread positivity in yellow or channel girlboss in pink, both wearing a suit and choosing a bright hue is a great way to improve your day. 

Learn more with our guide to mood-boosting colour styling. 

Don’t be afraid to mix and match bold colours in your suit elements. Colours that sit directly opposite one another in the traditional colour wheel always catch the eye, so try a blue waistcoat against red trousers, or lay a deep green blazer over a purple blouse.

Old Money Style Suits For Women

Suits are a big part of old money style, especially when worn with effortless style. Tweed tailoring, in particular, is the embodiment of country manor chic. Pair your tweed three-piece with a silky scarf or cravat rather than a tie for the ultimate rich girl’s hunting party look. 

See our Old Money Style Guide for more tips on achieving this classic look.

Styling the '80s Power Suit

The 1980s were a fabulous era for female suit styling, as the power suit became a symbol of women’s success and ambition. Channel the power suit in the modern day by choosing a blazer with statement shoulder pads, contrasted by soft, pastel colouring. Slender pinstripes are another '80s favourite for your suit styling.

The Co-Ordinated Coat

In the colder months, your three-piece suit will need an extra layer. This is a fabulous opportunity to turn your suit into a four-piece style with a tailored military jacket or longline trench coat in a matching hue.

How to Style a Suit with Heels

Heels bring a touch of femininity to a suit look. To embody a fierce femme-fatale spirit, match your suit with high stiletto heels.

Heeled ankle boots are also a perfect pairing for a woman’s three-piece suit in the cooler months, especially in leather or suede styles to add sophistication. In summer, a lightweight three-piece suit can be paired with smarter, wedged sandals.

How to Style a Woman's Suit with Pumps

You can also contrast the formality of your three-piece suit by wearing it with comfy and casual pumps, creating a busy businesswoman look that’s perfect for jetting about town. Cont.rasting clothes associated with different levels of formality is a fantastic way to create a look that’s eye-catching and effortless. Another way to nail this trick is by wearing your three-piece suit over a graphic t-shirt.

How to Style a White Suit For Ladies

Clean, crisp white suits always create a striking aesthetic. Like Zendaya’s all-white tailoring in the 2025 Met Gala, it’s a showstopping look.

To style your suit like Zendaya, choose extremely fitted and tight tailored pieces. Her white suit look was completed with a statement hat with a beautiful, wide brim - a fabulous addition to any statement suit style.

You don’t have to opt for an all white look, though. A boldly-coloured blouse will pop through your white tailoring. Why not try a black blouse and white suit for a clever reversal of the classic look?

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