These Bold Fall Suit Trends Are Challenging Sad Corporate Style
Your fresh new office looks inspired by the runways.
The fall 2024 fashion week circuit showcased its fair share of unconventional styles—whimsical bag charms clipped onto purses, fall dresses teaming with feather embellishments, and hot pants layered over hosiery, to name a few. However, there were plenty of other runway looks that had less of an eccentric edge and more of a familiar factor, like a slew of practical office-appropriate suits.
Across numerous catwalks, models draped in crisp blazers and tailored bottoms resembled regular nine-to-fivers heading into the office. Suit styles crafted by Givenchy, Max Mara, and Schiaparelli were drenched in subdued neutrals, while labels like Versace and Ulla Johnson made more of a statement by way of shimmering fabrics and pronounced pinstripes. As for fits, fashion houses such as Stella McCartney championed oversized suit jackets styled with perfectly stitched trousers, while Miu Miu opted for fitted pencil skirts in lieu of pants.
Impressed by this compelling assortment of looks, I created an edit of the best runway-inspired suit trends to shop this fall. Note that while suits are inherently corporate, some of the styles you’ll find ahead are totally acceptable for occasions outside of the workplace. Toteme’s sleek black suit can cosplay as cocktail attire, and Retrofete’s sequined set has your next “going-out outfit” written all over it.
Lights Out
On the runways, designers favored dark shades with an evening-friendly appeal.
Suits covered in midnight hues of black and blue undoubtedly took center stage during the Fall 2024 season. Whereas Giorgio Armani and Givenchy conveyed a sultry message with low-cut necklines and sculpted silhouettes, Sandy Liang took a modest approach by demonstrating more coverage and a boxier fit. Whichever styling path you choose, a pair of pointy slingback heels and a sleek leather handbag will easily complete your look.
Bold and Billowing
LaQuan Smith, Marine Serre, and Stella McCartney adhered to a “more is more” memo.
Ostentatious gold jewelry isn’t the only ‘80s trend making a resurgence in 2024. Oversized blazers enhanced with bulky shoulder pads are back for a spin around the trend cycle. Take style notes from Marine Serre and pair your suit with a button-down shirt, or lean into a barely-there look inspired by LaQuan Smith and Stella McCartney.
Anti-Pants
Skirts deserve a spot in your collection of suit sets, too.
When you think of a traditional suit set, a blazer coupled with floor-sweeping trousers might be the first uniform that comes to mind—but don’t disregard the sartorial power of a skirt. Miu Miu and Prada encouraged hiked up hemlines and Saint Laurent took the revealing agenda a step further with sheer fabrics. For moments when you’re in the mood to forgo pants, reference these looks.
High-Shine Effect
These suits were practically blinding, in the best way possible.
Shimmering suits commanded attention on the runways of Prabal Gurung, Tom Ford, and Versace. A mix of sequins, metallic fabrics, and lustrous leather dared to defy the corporate world's minimalist status quo. For those who want to make a loud statement, similar styles below will allow you to do just that.
Delectable Hues
It’s nearly impossible to discuss fall colors without mentioning brown.
Max Mara, Schiaparelli, and Victoria Beckham invite you to feed your appetite for shades of brown with oat, caramel, and chocolate suits. Given that these warm colors are inherently linked to the standard autumn color palette, you’ll want to incorporate at least one brown-toned suit into your fall capsule wardrobe.
Stripes Galore
The majority of suits that made their way across the Fall 2024 runways were solid-colored, with the exception of these striped outfits.
If you’re not convinced that you can pull off a suit plastered in stripes, allow Nina Ricci, Ulla Johnson, and Tory Burch to prove otherwise. According to these designers, the key to mastering this pattern of vertical lines is to stick with neutrals. Since the stripes speak for themselves, there’s no need to go overboard with vibrant colors.
Very “Corpcore”
Channel your inner office siren with gray suits styled with a unique flair.
Alberta Ferretti, Scervino, and Schiaparelli’s suits embodied a corporate feel with gray tailored separates that could fit right into any lineup of work outfits. However, each label puts a not-so-office-friendly twist on their suits (take a look, and you’ll notice a diaphanous button-up, a fitted corset, and a nonexistent top). Follow "suit" if you want to make your workwear pieces appear more daring.
