Last week you only saw the trousers. Today the whole Piazza Sempione trouser suit. This brand means quality. My first suit by them (many years ago) was terrific and I wore it to death. Which is why I was so tempted to buy this suit. However, it is much more “complicated” than my first one. The trousers are very wide which means dangerous. I need to hoist them up whenever I walk up or down the stairs. And when it rains I’d better do the same if I don’t want to get the hems wet. Another thing is the double breasted jacket. Beautifully made, lightweight but always more difficult than a jacket with one row of buttons.
According to the shop owner, the cut of the jacket was such that I could wear it open as well. Something my colleague (who paints as a hobby) disagreed with. She thought it made me look big and bulky. In this post I am wearing it buttoned up and open.
We were allowed to shoot some pictures in a very nice place where there was a lot of light. With Catherine’s advice still on my mind, I think I set the camera right, but indoors is never a good idea. The shots near the windows (light!) were disappointing, mainly because Ron couldn’t stand outside.
Below: We were quite high. Not a good idea for Ron to step outside. 😆
Below: A shot near the window with my jacket open. Yellow belt and bag (Coach) for a pop of colour.
Below: And a more grainy shot with the jacket closed. The striped body is by Wolford.
Below: Red lipstick and red earrings for some more colour. I had been to the hairdresser the day before, so no grey outgrowth showing. Straight hair parted in the middle, really shows the grey three weeks after dying it. I found a solution though. Eureka. Very simply spray dye on the roots: L’Oréal Magic Retouch. Honestly guys, had I known this before I might never have gone blond. The spray comes in different colours. (This is not a sponsored post!!) In a couple of weeks, after I have washed and styled my hair and I am good to go, I will just spray the blondest version of this wonder worker on my roots and gone is the outgrowth.
Below: That dog was being silly haha. Totally photobombing several times.
Below: And again with the jacket open.
Below: There was a terrific coffee machine and I tried to look professional. As if I knew how to handle this thing haha.
Below: Wearing red earrings and red lipstick for some colour.
And that concludes the post about the trouser suit. I have to say I am in doubt about it. With this black and white turtleneck body, I think the suit looks too severe. When I got home from the shoot I tried a colourful scarf instead of a top underneath. That was much better. It added a more feminine touch. Another thing is, I chose the jacket in size 46 (Italian size) which should be a size 40 in The Netherlands. The shop owner did ask me in a hesitant voice whether I was sure I wanted a 46 and not a 44. The thing is, the smaller size was pulling around the bosom, which I hate. Admittedly, being tighter it had more pizzazz.
So now I don’t know anymore. Did I buy an awesome suit? Or should I have left the jacket in the shop? You tell me.
Greetje
PS The jury is still not out on the trouser length. 😀
Thanks for your comment Lise. I would say yes and no. Yes, the suit is supposed to be wide and long etc. No, the trousers are a teeny weeny bit too long and the jacket could do with some tailoring on the shoulders, back and sleeves. Only a little bit. My seamstress is working on it at the moment. The fitting went splendidly and I can pick it up next Wednesday. In time for Christmas, but I heard that both hosts (first and second Christmas day) requested horrible Christmas jumpers.. Such a shame.
The suit looks stunning, definitely looks like a New York or Paris cocktail or theater party outfit. The fit is perfect, I would not try to make it more casual by wearing the jacket with jeans. But glam it up with jewelry or a sparkly top. This is a piece you will wear for years. I have some things that were in my closet for maybe 10 years, now I have lost weight and they look great. One jacket I bought in Paris 25 years ago and couldn’t bear to give away. Now it looks great again. I love your suit, it looks great on you.
Thanks Jill. I like it a lot myself. Great quality. But as I wear the trousers without the jacket as well, I’d better wear the jacket on its own too. Otherwise one will become more worn than the other.
I have had the trousers taken up just a tiny bit and I have had the jackettaken in at the back, the sleeves and the shoulders. It is much better now. Or should I say, it is even better now?
Congratulations on losing weight. Not an easy task at all.
Don’t say “too long,” say “fluid.” that is the look here: beautiful drape of jacket and pants, showing off deluxe fabric that also makes for comfort and ease. Yes, perhaps a tad less shoulder will be nice, but it’s a knockout suit. Esp. with jacket open, contrasting belt or little chain belt, and maybe a neat but feminine blouse.
Thanks for the compliments Jeanne. In future I will indeed wear it with something feminine underneath the jacket. At the moment the seamstress is taking the trousers up a teeny bit more and she will tailor the jacket at the back, the shoulders and make the sleeves more narrow. Tomorrow I will fit everything before she starts sewing everything back together. Better to be safe than sorry, right? The suit is awesome quality and I want to get it exactly right.
Hallo Greetje
De pantalon wil ik zeker nog eens zien want misschien is het toch beter om hem iets te verkorten,het jasje moet ik natuurlijk ook in levende lijve zien,maar nu denk ik dat de schouders goed zijn alleen vind ik de mouwen nogal rommelig overkomen misschien in verhouding wat te wijd en waarschijnlijk ook iets te lang.
Maar daar gaan we gezamenlijk eens goed naar kijken.Bel me voor een afspraak,want je weet ik ga net zolang door tot het zeker naar jou zin is.Groet Hanneke
Dank. Ik bel je vandaag.
Hi Greetje, it’s a really beautiful suit! I think when worn as a suit, the jacket does look better buttoned. It helps to balance the volume. But you could wear the jacket open with a slimmer trouser, or even over a dress.
Good tip about the L’Oreal root touch up! Though my greys kind of blend in now.
Thanks Susan. I am going to have the jacket tailored to fit better. I like it best buttoned up as well. But with something silky underneath it, to make it less severe.
Over a dress a double breasted blazer is not easy. Has never worked for me. A single button jacket would be better.
Well it appears you have your answer from all the comments I have read. I believe the suit is quite beautiful. But the pants appear to be a bit big all around for you. However if you have the pants hemmed up a bit it may work better overall when you wear the two pieces together.
Just enjoy the suit either together or as separates. I think you will find many ways to style the two pieces…you have only just begun. Have fun!
I still like the trousers this long and it is fashion (google “wide leg fashion pants”). But it isn’t practical if the hem starts fraying. So my seamstress suggested to take the hem up just a little over half an inch. I will try it on first before she sews it definitely. And the jacket will be taking in as well (back, shoulders, sleeves-width). We will see how that turns out.
Those trousers are very “you”. Not many women can wear such a wide cut, but with your long legs and slim hips, the pants look good on you. The same is true of the jacket. But I’m not so fond of the combination. I would wear them as separates. Separates are more fun anyway. Pair the pants with a bright crop jacket to balance the wide legs. I am picturing a bright yellow , red or green leather jacket. I also think the pants would be good with a different top, like perhaps a slim pussy bow blouse worn loose at the neck or a slim crisp tailored white blouse and a few strands of your many colorful necklaces. Blog on. I love your fashion adventures.
Thanks for the red leather jacket tip Christine. I have one hanging in my closet which I hardly ever wear as it needs volume underneath but looks silly on a skirt. Perhaps these trousers are the ansswer. The thing is though, I bought the jacket to wear it as a suit. If I wanted to wear them as separates, I need not have bothered as I already own a black double breasted jacket. Yes… I know… it was nonsense buying the jacket .. sigh. The crisp white blouse I bought as well and I hate it with the jacket. Looks like a uniform. I think these purchases were a wake-up call to not spend so much. Hard lesson.
You look amazing in that awesome suit. It is a beautiful suit and nice open or buttoned. But the pants seem too long. If it was me, I would get them shortened. I’d be so afraid they would fray over time because they are so long and touching the ground so much. I love that suit though. You look so stylish and rich in it.
Thanks Sue. I am going to have a protective band put against the inside of the hem. One that peeps a tiny bit from under the hem, like a teeny bit of hard plastic. As I am afraid of fraying too. But I do like that length.
Terrific look – chic and classy, either open or closed!
Really Anne? The opinions differ a lot. Most readers advise me to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist. And I think they are right. Anyway, it is nice to hear some cheering as well.
Hi Greetje. I think this suit is rather daring to style. It certainly looks high quality and chic. Still….maybe it is all a bit too much. But you know what: one should take a chance now and then and try something new and adventurous and you certainly did that! Have a great week. Love, Lieske
I will show the suit (in due time) again, when I have styled it in a more feminine way. And perhaps my seamstress will tuck the jacket in at the waist and make it smaller on the shoulders. Who knows. As you say sometimes you have to try something new.
It’s so interesting how this suit has caused you so much opinions, Greetje.
Of course, it comes down to what you like and feel comfortable with. I’m still one of those that thinks the pants are too long–especially if you have to hoist them up for the stairs and all. If you’re not sure, you could have them basted shorter, so in case you don’t like it, you can put them back to this length.
But I do think with this much volume in the pants, you need to show the waist band, like you did in last week’s post. My opinion only, of course, but otherwise, there’s so much of that fabric looking at us!!!
Love the photo bomber——the pets always make me smile!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I am baffled as well. I usually have about 3 comments on a Sunday night. Now look. It is great though that so many readers want to help. I agree that the trousers with a bright fitted top look really nice. The jacket tends to overwhelm me. I will probably have the shoulders and waist taken in. That will help. Also that bright silk scarf I was talking about, softens the look a lot. If I have the trousers taken up a little, it will still be impossible to go up or down the stairs without hoisting them up. They are like a long evening gown. And they will always be like that. I don’t mind that really (who says fashion is comfortable?).
I wonder how tall you are? I have been searching Piazza Sempione trousers for the last few seasons and all seem cropped and ankle length and styled on models who are 5′ 9″ tall ( I am unsure of that height in metres but it is a lot taller than the average height of UK women at 5′ 4″).
Whatever you do, please don’t rush to get this beautiful suit altered without careful thought.
I will not rush into things, but the fact that I am uncertain about it, does say something. I think tailoring the shoulders and waist will probably improve it overall. The scarf instead of the striped body was already an improvement. I am not a petite, far from it. I am 1m75, which is 5ft74 I think. The funny thing is that 9 times out of 10 trousers are too short for me. And one leg is an inch shorter than the other. Or half an inch. Anyway it shows. These trousers (Italian even and Italian women aren’t all either) were far too long for me. I had to have them taken in. If I had run into Piazza Sempione trousers one season earlier, I would have happily bought cropped or ankle length. But… that would have been the safe route. These wide ones are so totally different from what I have. Which is good. Keep on telling me your thoughts dear. I do value it.
Beautiful jacket but I agree with the comments that say that some alterations might be a good thing. The pants, I am not sure about, it is a lot of pants, too much for your body for my taste. I do like the combination with the striped body and your always beautiful yellow bag and belt.
Ah, we disagree on the wide trousers. I love them. They are totally different from what I have got and I think they are good. I am not even sure whether I will have them shortened as I quite like this look. But I do worry about fraying the bottom. Perhaps “stootband” (seam binding?) might help? And yes I do think I will have the jackets taken in a bit. That will be a hell of a job.
I love this suit on you. I do think the jacket needs to be taken in a little. The pants need to be hemmed a little, about 1/2 inch. Your tailor can advise you on whether the trousers need to be taken in a little. But, I think these minor modifications will do the trick and give you the fit that is almost there. Each piece is exquisite and you have styled it well.
Thank you Bonnie. I think you are right. I have sent links to this post and the previous one, to my seamstress. Or tailor is a better word, but that sound so masculine. And I will probably have exactly done what you are suggesting. Although the trousers I am still not sure about. The length I mean. 1/2 inch.. hmm perhaps.
I love the suit. I love the jacket, both open and closed. I agree with a few of the other commenters that it maybe could use a little tweaking and tailoring. I adore the narrow yellow belt with it (genius) and the yellow bag. The only thing that gives me pause is the striped top. I like the top, but not with this suit. It somehow feels too casual, and that suit is anything but casual. I can see you going the other direction, like with an almost evening-wear satiny silk blouse underneath it and one of your statement necklaces. I adore the suit and the details on that jacket (the top stitching, the shaped waist even when it is open, the lapels) and trousers wow me every time I look at it. xxx
I am so pleased you like the suit. I was waiting for your comment. I had word from my seamstress and we are going to look at the length of the trousers and the width of the jacket.
The striped top? Yes I thought the look was too severe with it. Didn’t have the casual feeling like you have, but indeed, it didn’t do the look any favours. I have tried a few silk scarves and that was better, more feminine. Haven’t got a silk blouse with a collar that sits right with this jacket. The neckline of the jacket doesn’t really allow a statement necklace. It sits too high. Or perhaps when I leave the jacket open. I will try.
Love both trousers and jacket. Looked closely at shoulder seams and length of sleeves and I think jacket fits perfectly. The jacket looks beautiful opened and closed. The pants look wonderful and I bet they flow beautifully when you walk. My only suggestion is that you have the pants altered to a slightly shorter length. I think you will have fun looking for various tops to accompany your beautiful new suit. Only you can decide if it is a good investment. Best of luck my friend🙂
Sounds like very good advice. But I am also afraid the jacket is a little bit too big. So I wouldn’t mind having it tailored slightly. The trousers just need protection from fraying, but I do like that this length. Or perhaps just a teeny weeny bit shorter? Don’t know yet. But I am going to wear the he k out of this suit.
Google images of “Kathryn Hepburn in pants.” I think her pictures will give you a sense of what length you want. She wears her wide leg pants a little shorter than yours.
Thanks Kelle. I looked at Kathryn’s pants, but they are too short for my taste. But because I was looking at that I stumbled upon “Wide leg fashion pants”. Now that’s more like it. And sometimes you don’t even see the shoe haha. My seamstress was definitely spot on. But I have taken them back and she will be trying to take the hem up just a little bit more than half an inch. I will try them on before she starts sewing. She will also take in the jacket in three places (sleeves, shoulds, back). Work in progress. And most of it due to bosom.
Ah, yes. I understand the jacket issues. I, too, have fit problems and have to order jackets too large. I am sure the pants will be lovely when your seamstress is done.
Photo no eight has the suit looking fabulous , to my eye . It is amazing Italian quality tailoring . In the others pics the trousers don’t seem to be hanging too well but perhaps that’s just the pics ? I think it is a ‘cutting edge’ style & you are perhaps not quite ready to go with it . Shoulders do seem to be getting a little wider. Take your tailors advice but I think I’d let it sit for a while , it might feel right before long .
Good luck
No, I selected the photos to show the best of the suit. It was after I looked at the photos that I started to doubt the fit. I am meeting my seamstress and we are going to fix this! The trousers are a style which I like. As you say cutting edge style, not everybody’s taste. The jacket bugs me more.
Oh wow, beautiful cut Greetje & I’m sorry to disagree with your friend but I really do like the blazer open too.
It is a shame that long hems tend to get damaged because I adore this look. I have trousers & dresses that are floor length, I think it adds drama to the overall look which I love. However there is the chance of damage but you know what? I let that thought go, try to wear them in appropriate weather & just enjoy the style. If there ends up being some damage I can always remove it by taking the hem up.
Gorgeous dog by the way 😉 xx
I am thinking of putting a “seam binding”?? Against the inside of the hem. It peeps a tiny bit from under the trousers but it is sort of hard plastic. As I quite like the length of them. The dog is not only gorgeous but funny too.
Hi Greetje,
jury is out re this suit, one photo I really like it then the other not sure then the next oh yeah it is great…im sure that is no help 🙂
BUT, lets talk about that dog! I was laughing at that photo where she/he looks like they are blowing a kiss to the camera – priceless
I have the same thing as you do. It is like picking a flower: I like it, I don’t like it, I like it, I don’t etc…
The solution will probably lie in making the jacket fit better and replacing the turtleneck with a silk scarf (more feminine). The dog is indeed funny.
You bought the suit, now wear the heck out of it! It looks $$$$ and chic, and I suspect this is one of those pieces that looks better in real life with the way it makes you feel/move in it. Some pieces don’t like to be static. I have a few of them too.
I wouldn’t shorten the pants. Even if they’re shorter you still have to hoist them on stairs. You’ll know soon enough if they are dragging and will fray.
The jacket I’d leave alone too. The buttons angle in toward the waist, and the front has a V-shape which nips in your waist too.
I noticed your hair right away. Looking good.
The dog cracks me up!
It was $$$$$. I will have to pay back to my saving accounts for months. I am working on that addiction though. The trousers don’t drag when I walk, but they do touch the floor when I bend just a little. I will ask my seamstress to put a seam binding, sort of hard plastic band on the hem to prevent fraying. The jacket I think would benefit from a little tailoring of the shoulders and waist. Again I will consult the seamstress. Thank you for your vote of confidence in this suit.
Too many comments for me to read them all, so it is quite possible my suggestion was already made but…have you thought of simply having the trousers hemmed just a bit? Or would that impact the drape. In any case, I like the look of both pieces – jacket and trousers – on you, perhaps because they are tailored pieces and the look is styled and clean. The longish sleeve length on the jacket doesn’t bother me, but as I believe someone else noted, the sleeve length could be hemmed.
Oh well, my two cents! On another note, I thoroughly enjoy receiving your blog posts via email. You have a lovely written voice that comes across with personality and humor, and I always always always enjoy reading what you have to share – your travelogue and style adventures and take on life. Thank you!
Oh what a lovely comment you wrote. Thank you so much. This makes my blogger’s heart sing. I got a lot of advice from the readers. Most of them say: tailor the jacket to fit better on shoulders and in waist. Taking in the shoulders, will automatically lift the length of the sleeves. So I think I will have that done. And I will style this suit in other ways to make it more feminine. With this black and white striped turtleneck it seems too severe, too much of a uniform. So expect to see it more often.
I love that high-quality suit on you and also adore the striped turtleneck that you are wearing with it. I have mixed feelings about both pieces together but I must say that in most of the pictures it looks quite fabulous. It is funny when I saw the first photo of you wearing these trousers I thought these are beautiful, but possibly very dangerous. In Manhattan, I could never ever wear these. I would trip over everything.
I love the change of pace with these indoor shots, actually, and that first photo is my favorite. I also love the pop of yellow. So I think you did very well with the suit. I also think this jacket could look very nice over your skinny jeans.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Well.. I already have 3 black jackets, one of which is double breasted. So I didn’t need to buy the jacket to use it separately from the trousers (I know it is insane). I do however think the jacket will benefit from tailoring, to make the jacket fit better on the shoulders and in the waist. The trousers are no trouble walking in them. It is just the stairs which are tricky. I just pretend it is a long evening gown haha.
To my eye, the jacket looks fine, but you know how it feels and that is the most important thing . Be careful on those stairs. Yes, a long evening gown…love that idea!
~~~~~~~<3~~~~~~~~
Elle
https://theellediaries.com
Always love to read your blog and look at your clothes. You are a very stylish lady, and always look like a model. However, this whole outfit doesn’t do your style or your figure justice. Maybe the jacket with jeans or another color pants – but wear it open, not closed. Hope you find a solution to this problem. Have a great week.
Your praise is great. Made my day haha… Me, looking like a model. Honestly, if you want to boost your self esteem, start blogging. No I am far from a model. I will have the jacket tailored to fit and style the suit differently. Then I will post it again and perhaps you will then like it buttoned up. Or not haha.
Looking forward to see the new “suit”. Have a great week.
It will take a wee while. Suit is at the seamstress at the moment.
You absolutely bought an awesome suit Greetje!! Hells Bells! This is an Italian made, high style, NOT run of the mill, designer suit!! I agree with one commentor who said that it was a design that was reminiscent of the 80’s. I agree, and whats more ,fashion is known to “rerun” great styling!! When a style is reintroduced there’s always a period of time where we adjust and pushback BUT! eventually we do adopt the style!!
I suspect that you’re on that cutting edge Greetje. Bell bottoms are already here (again). Tailored jackets are trending. I’m sure your initial investment is worth some serious custom tailoring. Get the pants shortened a wee bit. Get the jacket waist nipped in and the shoulders comfortably altered. You’ve got a special suiting look here. You can go LOTS of ways with adding color, ruffles, sexy camisoles, sequins, cashmere or an artistic message t-shirt beneath it. You have a great figure that can elegantly rock this look and I think YOU and THE SUIT deserve whatever tiny steps are required to bring on the fabulous!!
I just love the pictures in this post. They’re great! (Except when Ron refused to hang from the window ledge to get that first shot!:-):-)
Whahahaha… I can see Ron hanging from the window ledge. Poor guy. Would never ask him to take such risks. It was impossible here anyway. Thank you very much for your uplifting comment. You have already read what I am going to do to the suit. And I agree, it will be worth it. (I don’t really do sexy camisoles anymore cause of the wrinkles in my chest haha.)
OH GOODNESS…what a lot of comments already! I’ve read them all…WITH great interest, I might add.
I think I’m in the minority here. My first thoughts were…’WOW…love this on you Greetje!’ It’s just so….Italian and chic and you can carry this kind of volume for sure. Then as I scrolled down, I sensed your hesitations. And finally; you outright asked for opinions.
So, the main thing…I think…is that you are unsure…so maybe something does need to be tweaked.
I would call these palazzo pants and I think the ideal hem length is long yet you can clearly see some of the front of your shoes when you are standing straight. In the photo where you are standing at the coffee machine, I can see that the hem is creased at the front over the top of shoe. I would try to eliminate that little extra bit of length.
I love the jacket open!!! Not a big fan of it buttoned.
And yes…cannot forget the laughable photo of the pup kissing the camera….Charlie would be jealous.
We left Charlie at home, knowing there would be a dog on the premises. I want to be able to wear the jacket buttoned up as well. Otherwise buying the jacket was pointless. Anyway, as you have read, I will have the jacket tailored to fit better and I am going to style it less severe. You will see it again. Thanks for your comment darling Sue.
I always love your outfits. This one, not so much. I think the trousers might be better shortened. Should we really need to lift our pants when walking on stairs or in the rain? I am about ease and comfort now, not about lifting my pants!
Haha, of course you are right. But I am still in the phase: fashion before comfort. Although that is changing. The trousers are very comfortable, but I do have to lift them. And I have my doubts about this look as well. Working on it.
I love the suit and the way you styled it. I understand your bust issue. I have that myself. If the jacket were altered a bit, you might be happier. I would definitely hem the pants though. The suit is so dramatic, I thought the stripped turtleneck worked well. I could see those pants with a crisp white shirt and a dramatic necklace. You could also wear a sparkly off the shoulder sweater for holiday parties. I think the suit is a keeper.
Funnily I have bought a crisp white shirt to go with the suit. But I don’t like it in hindsight. Too much of a uniform. The striped turtleneck works well but also makes the outfit a little severe (a lot?). I will have the jacket made to fit better and you will see another styling in due time. Thanks for sharing your opinion with me.
I love the style of the suit.
It was good to pick a jacket that fits the chest and then have shoulders, sleeves and waist altered to fit your body. It will look customized and fantastic with good tailoring. We all need a good tailor. As for the pants, I am like you and love a wide leg pant. However, I worry that you will fall. Not good at our age. If you check Asian (Japanese) fashion you will see wide leg pants that are shorter. Sometimes the hem falls a little above the ankle or just below. Basically you can see what shoe the person is wearing. I think it is a great look that has the pants flowing and the person not falling. See if you like the look.
Thanks very much Gayle. Glad you like it. And yes I do think I have to have it altered to give it more pizzazz (I love that word). But the Japanese fashon of wide legged trousers above the ankle is what is called cropped wide trousers. And I hate it. Sorry, but I really do. We all have our different tastes so there is no right and no wrong. I know a lot of women who love this style. I am just not one of them. I think it goes back to my childhood when I was quite tall and always had trouble finding trousers that were long enough. Little trauma haha. And don’t worry about me falling. Because they are the length of an evening gown, I am extra careful.
The suit is stunning and it looks great with the striped turtleneck. As others have suggested, with a few alterations, the jacket will have a custom look. The trouser if shortened only a small amount will have a completely different “look” and not be so overpowering. You can pull off this style with a few alterations so that the suit is tailored to you. And I like it as a suit although the pieces could be worn separately. Keep the suit. It’s fabulous.
Thank you Kate, for your thoughtful comment. I think I will do as you and other readers suggest. Just still not sure whether to shorten the trousers (pigheaded, I know). And I have to keep the suit as I cannot return it anymore. If I could I think I would have returned the jacket. Now I have to spend even more money on it. Oh well… you live and learn.
Once the jacket is tailored to you, you will no doubt like it better. I have the majority of my clothes altered to fit so that they look as if they have been made for me. It makes all the difference in the world. As one replied regarding the trouser, baste the hem a bit shorter with a soft hem rather than a sharp crease to see what you think. If the trouser were a little shorter it woulf have more movement which seems to have been a factor in the design.
The seamstress is taken up the hem just a little over half an inch. And I will try them first. We will see. She is also taking in the jacket in three places (back, shoulders and sleeves-width). We will see what it brings.
Like Kate, my clothing budget includes $$ for the tailor. Issues in the bust area (why are the darts and/or buttons never in the correct place?) and legs that are shorter than average mean that my tailor and I have become best buds. 🙂
My seamstress (tailor) and I see each other frequently as well. I can be very specific in my demands. Especially with things like tank tops…. And the darts are never in the correct place because fashion designers don’t like bosoms. As I once read in fashion magazine Elle: “Fashion and teet, the twain shall never meet”. Thought that was funny.
Hi Greetje,
I’m sure that, by now, you’re sorry you asked! For what it’s worth, I think the trousers would look SO much better if you got them shortened a bit. It would improve the look, both for the trousers alone and with the jacket. Plus, if you shortened them you might not have to be quite so careful on the stairs or in the rain! I do think I prefer the pants without the jacket.
Hahaha, well I never expected so many readers to respond to my question. But I am most grateful for all the help. If I have the trousers shortened (I am still not sure, very pigheaded you know), then I will still have to hoist them up climbing stairs. They are so wide, they are like an evening gown. And that will not change unless I make them cropped wide trousers. (Never… that is horror to me.)
And I think I will have the jacket tailored at the shoulders and the waist. Together with a bright silk scarf will give a totally different impression.
It’s difficult to tell how tall you really are in the photos. I think the fullness of the trousers is great with your proportions–would shorten though. It would be silly to trip over your trousers on the stairs! I like them better without the jacket and with a slim fitting top.
I like the open jacket better than buttoned with the trousers. Also on its own. The placement of the buttons makes that easier to carry off. I also have a larger bust, and alas, no waist, and I understand the issue with closed buttons–they are either too tight, or too high, or too low.
Love the top, belt and bag.
I am 1m75 which translates to 5ft74 I think. Reasonably tall. And I am still not sure whether I will have the trousers shortened. I can never have them short enough not to trip over them on the stairs. It is actually easier to know you ALWAYS have to left them, so you won’t forget. Really like a long ballgown haha. I got some tips of readers to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist and I think that is good advice. Will discuss it with my seamstress. She is the best.
I love, love that smart jacket and can think of many ways to wear it. I also think it looks good unbuttoned. But I think the pants might be overly hard to style. A fitted, bright top . . . and then I am out of ideas. They are the Corvette of pants, only certain weather and destinations apply.
The trousers are easy to style, as long as I wear something fitted. The fact they are so wide is what attracted me in the first place. I presume a matter of taste. The jacket might need some tucking in. My seamstress will help me.
The addition of the yellow belt is perfect with the striped turtleneck. You look like an editor for a posh fashion magazine. Superb look gor you, Greetje.
Oh gosh, wouldn’t I just love to be an editor for a posh fashion magazine. YES I would. But I know I haven’t got the skills. But I can tell you, if I was an that editor, I would make very sure that at least 1 shot of an outfit would show everything or several shots showing parts. I hate it when I see an arty photo and you can see two inches of the sweater. Or they talk about the shoes and they aren’t even in the picture.
Great suit!
Short, but sweet comment. Thanks Nicole.
Well, I think the whole outfit (including the top) looks fabulous on you. I love the wide leg trousers and the blazer is meant to go with them. I particularly like the blazer open. I’d say the whole thing is a winner. Go for it!
Oh great, you like it. It seems that most readers share my hesitations. Got some good advice though (having it tailored a bit at the shoulders and waist). I think I will do that. But thanks for your enthousiastic comment.
You look lovely! I really liked the jacket worn open. I thought it showed off your waist and balanced out the wide legs of the pants. The yellow belt and purse were genius,
Too much praise Bonnie haha. Adding a bright colour to a black and white outfit is sooo easy. It is the first thing I learned when I started blogging. Actually it was Sylvia of 40PlusStyle who taught me that. I think I might have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist to have a better silhouette.
This really reminds me of a 1980s suit, double breasted and oversized.
There is one shot where the pants fall perfectly and it looks amazing! Otherwise, in all the other shots I think it looks a bit overwhelming for your body.
It’s not my favourite piece of yours but it’s you that has to love it, not me : )
Suzanne
Thanks dear, you know they say the eighties are back. But whether we like that ???? Hmm… will keep thinking.. I am not loving it … yet. Perhaps I will, perhaps I won’t. Never good when you are hesitating.
I love both the pieces on you but just not at the same time. I feel that they are both traffic stoppers in their own right but when the traffic is stopped in all directions… Wear and love them both but with a slim fitted top/bottom as appropriate – you most certainly have the figure for it.
Thank you Ceri for your sound advice. It might be the solution. And thank you for the lovely compliment.
Thank you Riley. I have sent the links to this post and the previous one to my seamstress. I think you are right, I have to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders. Which will shorten the sleeves which is good. Will be a hell of a job I think. A task for a professional. But indeed I want to wear the suit and not the other way around.
Taking the jacket in will be good. the shoulders are too wide for you. I think you will be happy if it comes in just a little bit at the waist as well. As it’s black it’s hard to see see all the design details so I can’t tell you which seams, but your seamstress should know. You already know that I think the pants are too long (but otherwise, I love them). The yellow accessories look great.
Thanks Mieke, you are probably right about that waist. Good tip. The trouser length… hmm .. still not sure. I get your point, but I kinda like it this stupidly long. My mum keeps saying it is dangerous. She is right in a way. I have to be really careful on stairs.
I think the blazer would look fabulous with that top on jeans. As a suit I think it’s to much. They are both show stoppers and I believe that is such a shame to wear them together, because in my opinion they really don’t shine now. I think they look far more better wearing them apart.
I might do that, but then I shouldn’t have bought the jacket as I own several black jacket, one being double breasted. I know, I know… should have thought of that when I was in the shop.
Well, dear heart, you did ask. As we say over here, ‘Get ’em orf!’ You are far far too petite and pretty to be so swamped by so obviously over-sized clothing, well made and fashionable as this suit might be. I agree with Roz, you just don’t seem entirely happy with this suit. I couldn’t have written better about the perils of too long trouser legs, and as for the double breasted jacket: nah. Listen to your artist friend. And Roz. And me! Although I did like your yellow belt. (Always end on an encouraging note!)
Still talking to me?
And Roz?
And can you get your money back?
If not, is Ron still talking to me?
Hahaha, funny Gee. Ron was my accomplish in this crime. And I did ask indeed. So yes I am still talking to you and to Roz. No problem. Then to answer your other questions: no I cannot get my money back. I have the feeling that this particular case of spending was a sign. A sighn that says: STOP DOING THIS. I am now severely overdrawn. Not really, but I have to pay back into my saving account for a long long time. Not nice. And I have now acknowledged the fact I am addicted. Working on it. (The long trousers… I think I still like those… sorry.)
The jacket fits you nicely through the bust (I definitely understand your distaste with things that pull at the bust area), but it is big through the shoulders and the arms. I wonder if those areas could be tailored in those area, making this jacket a smashing success.
I am at a loss regarding the length of the trousers. Not being familiar with wide-legged trousers leaves me questioning whether these trousers are the proper length. There is certainly a lot of fabric in the legs, and, as others have mentioned, the legs seem to overwhelm you. Worn together, this outfit seems to wear you rather than the other way round.
Love the belt and the bag. They add such a great pop of color. Your eye for accessories (especially handbags) is outstanding, and is one of the things I look forward to the most.
Thank you Riley. I have sent the links to this post and the previous one to my seamstress. I think you are right, I have to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders. Which will shorten the sleeves which is good. Will be a hell of a job I think. A task for a professional. But indeed I want to wear the suit and not the other way around.
I agree. I think it was the right size to purchase–you can’t fix a too-small jacket. With some tailoring, I think it will be perfect. I like the first picture where you have the jacket open. I wonder if perhaps the pants were too long also and this is why I like that first picture the best. The stitching detail is interesting and I think the fabric must be lovely, even though I can’t really see it in the pictures. The pointed footwear works.
Hi Kelle, I have already replied on another comment of yours about the alterations I have asked my seamstress. You are right in thinking that the fabric is lovely. It oozes quality. But if the fit is off, the quality is not going to save you. Hence the alterations. I am pleased with all the feedback I got. I don’t “do” everything my readers advise me, but it helps to make up my mind and makes me look in less obvious directions. In the end, my seamstress is the most important person.
I think the trousers are too big for you and too big for the jacket. Sorry. I love Italian clothes but you seem not to be happy with this suit.
Thanks for your honest opinion Roz. I am still happy with the trousers. I like the “bigness” of the trousers although I do understand your point of view. The jacket and the combination… indeed not so sure. We’ll see how we can solve this. I say we, as I won’t be able to solve it alone haha.
The suit looks stunning, definitely looks like a New York or Paris cocktail or theater party outfit. The fit is perfect, I would not try to make it more casual by wearing the jacket with jeans. But glam it up with jewelry or a sparkly top. This is a piece you will wear for years. I have some things that were in my closet for maybe 10 years, now I have lost weight and they look great. One jacket I bought in Paris 25 years ago and couldn’t bear to give away. Now it looks great again. I love your suit, it looks great on you.
Thanks Jill. I like it a lot myself. Great quality. But as I wear the trousers without the jacket as well, I’d better wear the jacket on its own too. Otherwise one will become more worn than the other.
I have had the trousers taken up just a tiny bit and I have had the jackettaken in at the back, the sleeves and the shoulders. It is much better now. Or should I say, it is even better now?
Congratulations on losing weight. Not an easy task at all.
I think the jacket and pants fit as they should, just a matter of personal taste. Lise
Thanks for your comment Lise. I would say yes and no. Yes, the suit is supposed to be wide and long etc. No, the trousers are a teeny weeny bit too long and the jacket could do with some tailoring on the shoulders, back and sleeves. Only a little bit. My seamstress is working on it at the moment. The fitting went splendidly and I can pick it up next Wednesday. In time for Christmas, but I heard that both hosts (first and second Christmas day) requested horrible Christmas jumpers.. Such a shame.
Don’t say “too long,” say “fluid.” that is the look here: beautiful drape of jacket and pants, showing off deluxe fabric that also makes for comfort and ease. Yes, perhaps a tad less shoulder will be nice, but it’s a knockout suit. Esp. with jacket open, contrasting belt or little chain belt, and maybe a neat but feminine blouse.
Thanks for the compliments Jeanne. In future I will indeed wear it with something feminine underneath the jacket. At the moment the seamstress is taking the trousers up a teeny bit more and she will tailor the jacket at the back, the shoulders and make the sleeves more narrow. Tomorrow I will fit everything before she starts sewing everything back together. Better to be safe than sorry, right? The suit is awesome quality and I want to get it exactly right.
Well it appears you have your answer from all the comments I have read. I believe the suit is quite beautiful. But the pants appear to be a bit big all around for you. However if you have the pants hemmed up a bit it may work better overall when you wear the two pieces together.
Just enjoy the suit either together or as separates. I think you will find many ways to style the two pieces…you have only just begun. Have fun!
I still like the trousers this long and it is fashion (google “wide leg fashion pants”). But it isn’t practical if the hem starts fraying. So my seamstress suggested to take the hem up just a little over half an inch. I will try it on first before she sews it definitely. And the jacket will be taking in as well (back, shoulders, sleeves-width). We will see how that turns out.
Hi Greetje, it’s a really beautiful suit! I think when worn as a suit, the jacket does look better buttoned. It helps to balance the volume. But you could wear the jacket open with a slimmer trouser, or even over a dress.
Good tip about the L’Oreal root touch up! Though my greys kind of blend in now.
Thanks Susan. I am going to have the jacket tailored to fit better. I like it best buttoned up as well. But with something silky underneath it, to make it less severe.
Over a dress a double breasted blazer is not easy. Has never worked for me. A single button jacket would be better.
Hallo Greetje
De pantalon wil ik zeker nog eens zien want misschien is het toch beter om hem iets te verkorten,het jasje moet ik natuurlijk ook in levende lijve zien,maar nu denk ik dat de schouders goed zijn alleen vind ik de mouwen nogal rommelig overkomen misschien in verhouding wat te wijd en waarschijnlijk ook iets te lang.
Maar daar gaan we gezamenlijk eens goed naar kijken.Bel me voor een afspraak,want je weet ik ga net zolang door tot het zeker naar jou zin is.Groet Hanneke
Dank. Ik bel je vandaag.
Those trousers are very “you”. Not many women can wear such a wide cut, but with your long legs and slim hips, the pants look good on you. The same is true of the jacket. But I’m not so fond of the combination. I would wear them as separates. Separates are more fun anyway. Pair the pants with a bright crop jacket to balance the wide legs. I am picturing a bright yellow , red or green leather jacket. I also think the pants would be good with a different top, like perhaps a slim pussy bow blouse worn loose at the neck or a slim crisp tailored white blouse and a few strands of your many colorful necklaces. Blog on. I love your fashion adventures.
Thanks for the red leather jacket tip Christine. I have one hanging in my closet which I hardly ever wear as it needs volume underneath but looks silly on a skirt. Perhaps these trousers are the ansswer. The thing is though, I bought the jacket to wear it as a suit. If I wanted to wear them as separates, I need not have bothered as I already own a black double breasted jacket. Yes… I know… it was nonsense buying the jacket .. sigh. The crisp white blouse I bought as well and I hate it with the jacket. Looks like a uniform. I think these purchases were a wake-up call to not spend so much. Hard lesson.
Photo no eight has the suit looking fabulous , to my eye . It is amazing Italian quality tailoring . In the others pics the trousers don’t seem to be hanging too well but perhaps that’s just the pics ? I think it is a ‘cutting edge’ style & you are perhaps not quite ready to go with it . Shoulders do seem to be getting a little wider. Take your tailors advice but I think I’d let it sit for a while , it might feel right before long .
Good luck
No, I selected the photos to show the best of the suit. It was after I looked at the photos that I started to doubt the fit. I am meeting my seamstress and we are going to fix this! The trousers are a style which I like. As you say cutting edge style, not everybody’s taste. The jacket bugs me more.
I love the suit. I love the jacket, both open and closed. I agree with a few of the other commenters that it maybe could use a little tweaking and tailoring. I adore the narrow yellow belt with it (genius) and the yellow bag. The only thing that gives me pause is the striped top. I like the top, but not with this suit. It somehow feels too casual, and that suit is anything but casual. I can see you going the other direction, like with an almost evening-wear satiny silk blouse underneath it and one of your statement necklaces. I adore the suit and the details on that jacket (the top stitching, the shaped waist even when it is open, the lapels) and trousers wow me every time I look at it. xxx
I am so pleased you like the suit. I was waiting for your comment. I had word from my seamstress and we are going to look at the length of the trousers and the width of the jacket.
The striped top? Yes I thought the look was too severe with it. Didn’t have the casual feeling like you have, but indeed, it didn’t do the look any favours. I have tried a few silk scarves and that was better, more feminine. Haven’t got a silk blouse with a collar that sits right with this jacket. The neckline of the jacket doesn’t really allow a statement necklace. It sits too high. Or perhaps when I leave the jacket open. I will try.
Love both trousers and jacket. Looked closely at shoulder seams and length of sleeves and I think jacket fits perfectly. The jacket looks beautiful opened and closed. The pants look wonderful and I bet they flow beautifully when you walk. My only suggestion is that you have the pants altered to a slightly shorter length. I think you will have fun looking for various tops to accompany your beautiful new suit. Only you can decide if it is a good investment. Best of luck my friend🙂
Sounds like very good advice. But I am also afraid the jacket is a little bit too big. So I wouldn’t mind having it tailored slightly. The trousers just need protection from fraying, but I do like that this length. Or perhaps just a teeny weeny bit shorter? Don’t know yet. But I am going to wear the he k out of this suit.
Google images of “Kathryn Hepburn in pants.” I think her pictures will give you a sense of what length you want. She wears her wide leg pants a little shorter than yours.
Thanks Kelle. I looked at Kathryn’s pants, but they are too short for my taste. But because I was looking at that I stumbled upon “Wide leg fashion pants”. Now that’s more like it. And sometimes you don’t even see the shoe haha. My seamstress was definitely spot on. But I have taken them back and she will be trying to take the hem up just a little bit more than half an inch. I will try them on before she starts sewing. She will also take in the jacket in three places (sleeves, shoulds, back). Work in progress. And most of it due to bosom.
Ah, yes. I understand the jacket issues. I, too, have fit problems and have to order jackets too large. I am sure the pants will be lovely when your seamstress is done.
You look amazing in that awesome suit. It is a beautiful suit and nice open or buttoned. But the pants seem too long. If it was me, I would get them shortened. I’d be so afraid they would fray over time because they are so long and touching the ground so much. I love that suit though. You look so stylish and rich in it.
Thanks Sue. I am going to have a protective band put against the inside of the hem. One that peeps a tiny bit from under the hem, like a teeny bit of hard plastic. As I am afraid of fraying too. But I do like that length.
Oh wow, beautiful cut Greetje & I’m sorry to disagree with your friend but I really do like the blazer open too.
It is a shame that long hems tend to get damaged because I adore this look. I have trousers & dresses that are floor length, I think it adds drama to the overall look which I love. However there is the chance of damage but you know what? I let that thought go, try to wear them in appropriate weather & just enjoy the style. If there ends up being some damage I can always remove it by taking the hem up.
Gorgeous dog by the way 😉 xx
I am thinking of putting a “seam binding”?? Against the inside of the hem. It peeps a tiny bit from under the trousers but it is sort of hard plastic. As I quite like the length of them. The dog is not only gorgeous but funny too.
You bought the suit, now wear the heck out of it! It looks $$$$ and chic, and I suspect this is one of those pieces that looks better in real life with the way it makes you feel/move in it. Some pieces don’t like to be static. I have a few of them too.
I wouldn’t shorten the pants. Even if they’re shorter you still have to hoist them on stairs. You’ll know soon enough if they are dragging and will fray.
The jacket I’d leave alone too. The buttons angle in toward the waist, and the front has a V-shape which nips in your waist too.
I noticed your hair right away. Looking good.
The dog cracks me up!
It was $$$$$. I will have to pay back to my saving accounts for months. I am working on that addiction though. The trousers don’t drag when I walk, but they do touch the floor when I bend just a little. I will ask my seamstress to put a seam binding, sort of hard plastic band on the hem to prevent fraying. The jacket I think would benefit from a little tailoring of the shoulders and waist. Again I will consult the seamstress. Thank you for your vote of confidence in this suit.
You absolutely bought an awesome suit Greetje!! Hells Bells! This is an Italian made, high style, NOT run of the mill, designer suit!! I agree with one commentor who said that it was a design that was reminiscent of the 80’s. I agree, and whats more ,fashion is known to “rerun” great styling!! When a style is reintroduced there’s always a period of time where we adjust and pushback BUT! eventually we do adopt the style!!
I suspect that you’re on that cutting edge Greetje. Bell bottoms are already here (again). Tailored jackets are trending. I’m sure your initial investment is worth some serious custom tailoring. Get the pants shortened a wee bit. Get the jacket waist nipped in and the shoulders comfortably altered. You’ve got a special suiting look here. You can go LOTS of ways with adding color, ruffles, sexy camisoles, sequins, cashmere or an artistic message t-shirt beneath it. You have a great figure that can elegantly rock this look and I think YOU and THE SUIT deserve whatever tiny steps are required to bring on the fabulous!!
I just love the pictures in this post. They’re great! (Except when Ron refused to hang from the window ledge to get that first shot!:-):-)
Whahahaha… I can see Ron hanging from the window ledge. Poor guy. Would never ask him to take such risks. It was impossible here anyway. Thank you very much for your uplifting comment. You have already read what I am going to do to the suit. And I agree, it will be worth it. (I don’t really do sexy camisoles anymore cause of the wrinkles in my chest haha.)
Always love to read your blog and look at your clothes. You are a very stylish lady, and always look like a model. However, this whole outfit doesn’t do your style or your figure justice. Maybe the jacket with jeans or another color pants – but wear it open, not closed. Hope you find a solution to this problem. Have a great week.
Your praise is great. Made my day haha… Me, looking like a model. Honestly, if you want to boost your self esteem, start blogging. No I am far from a model. I will have the jacket tailored to fit and style the suit differently. Then I will post it again and perhaps you will then like it buttoned up. Or not haha.
Looking forward to see the new “suit”. Have a great week.
It will take a wee while. Suit is at the seamstress at the moment.
OH GOODNESS…what a lot of comments already! I’ve read them all…WITH great interest, I might add.
I think I’m in the minority here. My first thoughts were…’WOW…love this on you Greetje!’ It’s just so….Italian and chic and you can carry this kind of volume for sure. Then as I scrolled down, I sensed your hesitations. And finally; you outright asked for opinions.
So, the main thing…I think…is that you are unsure…so maybe something does need to be tweaked.
I would call these palazzo pants and I think the ideal hem length is long yet you can clearly see some of the front of your shoes when you are standing straight. In the photo where you are standing at the coffee machine, I can see that the hem is creased at the front over the top of shoe. I would try to eliminate that little extra bit of length.
I love the jacket open!!! Not a big fan of it buttoned.
And yes…cannot forget the laughable photo of the pup kissing the camera….Charlie would be jealous.
We left Charlie at home, knowing there would be a dog on the premises. I want to be able to wear the jacket buttoned up as well. Otherwise buying the jacket was pointless. Anyway, as you have read, I will have the jacket tailored to fit better and I am going to style it less severe. You will see it again. Thanks for your comment darling Sue.
I love the suit and the way you styled it. I understand your bust issue. I have that myself. If the jacket were altered a bit, you might be happier. I would definitely hem the pants though. The suit is so dramatic, I thought the stripped turtleneck worked well. I could see those pants with a crisp white shirt and a dramatic necklace. You could also wear a sparkly off the shoulder sweater for holiday parties. I think the suit is a keeper.
Funnily I have bought a crisp white shirt to go with the suit. But I don’t like it in hindsight. Too much of a uniform. The striped turtleneck works well but also makes the outfit a little severe (a lot?). I will have the jacket made to fit better and you will see another styling in due time. Thanks for sharing your opinion with me.
Too many comments for me to read them all, so it is quite possible my suggestion was already made but…have you thought of simply having the trousers hemmed just a bit? Or would that impact the drape. In any case, I like the look of both pieces – jacket and trousers – on you, perhaps because they are tailored pieces and the look is styled and clean. The longish sleeve length on the jacket doesn’t bother me, but as I believe someone else noted, the sleeve length could be hemmed.
Oh well, my two cents! On another note, I thoroughly enjoy receiving your blog posts via email. You have a lovely written voice that comes across with personality and humor, and I always always always enjoy reading what you have to share – your travelogue and style adventures and take on life. Thank you!
Oh what a lovely comment you wrote. Thank you so much. This makes my blogger’s heart sing. I got a lot of advice from the readers. Most of them say: tailor the jacket to fit better on shoulders and in waist. Taking in the shoulders, will automatically lift the length of the sleeves. So I think I will have that done. And I will style this suit in other ways to make it more feminine. With this black and white striped turtleneck it seems too severe, too much of a uniform. So expect to see it more often.
I love that high-quality suit on you and also adore the striped turtleneck that you are wearing with it. I have mixed feelings about both pieces together but I must say that in most of the pictures it looks quite fabulous. It is funny when I saw the first photo of you wearing these trousers I thought these are beautiful, but possibly very dangerous. In Manhattan, I could never ever wear these. I would trip over everything.
I love the change of pace with these indoor shots, actually, and that first photo is my favorite. I also love the pop of yellow. So I think you did very well with the suit. I also think this jacket could look very nice over your skinny jeans.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Well.. I already have 3 black jackets, one of which is double breasted. So I didn’t need to buy the jacket to use it separately from the trousers (I know it is insane). I do however think the jacket will benefit from tailoring, to make the jacket fit better on the shoulders and in the waist. The trousers are no trouble walking in them. It is just the stairs which are tricky. I just pretend it is a long evening gown haha.
To my eye, the jacket looks fine, but you know how it feels and that is the most important thing . Be careful on those stairs. Yes, a long evening gown…love that idea!
~~~~~~~<3~~~~~~~~
Elle
https://theellediaries.com
Hi Greetje,
jury is out re this suit, one photo I really like it then the other not sure then the next oh yeah it is great…im sure that is no help 🙂
BUT, lets talk about that dog! I was laughing at that photo where she/he looks like they are blowing a kiss to the camera – priceless
I have the same thing as you do. It is like picking a flower: I like it, I don’t like it, I like it, I don’t etc…
The solution will probably lie in making the jacket fit better and replacing the turtleneck with a silk scarf (more feminine). The dog is indeed funny.
I always love your outfits. This one, not so much. I think the trousers might be better shortened. Should we really need to lift our pants when walking on stairs or in the rain? I am about ease and comfort now, not about lifting my pants!
Haha, of course you are right. But I am still in the phase: fashion before comfort. Although that is changing. The trousers are very comfortable, but I do have to lift them. And I have my doubts about this look as well. Working on it.
I love the style of the suit.
It was good to pick a jacket that fits the chest and then have shoulders, sleeves and waist altered to fit your body. It will look customized and fantastic with good tailoring. We all need a good tailor. As for the pants, I am like you and love a wide leg pant. However, I worry that you will fall. Not good at our age. If you check Asian (Japanese) fashion you will see wide leg pants that are shorter. Sometimes the hem falls a little above the ankle or just below. Basically you can see what shoe the person is wearing. I think it is a great look that has the pants flowing and the person not falling. See if you like the look.
Thanks very much Gayle. Glad you like it. And yes I do think I have to have it altered to give it more pizzazz (I love that word). But the Japanese fashon of wide legged trousers above the ankle is what is called cropped wide trousers. And I hate it. Sorry, but I really do. We all have our different tastes so there is no right and no wrong. I know a lot of women who love this style. I am just not one of them. I think it goes back to my childhood when I was quite tall and always had trouble finding trousers that were long enough. Little trauma haha. And don’t worry about me falling. Because they are the length of an evening gown, I am extra careful.
The suit is stunning and it looks great with the striped turtleneck. As others have suggested, with a few alterations, the jacket will have a custom look. The trouser if shortened only a small amount will have a completely different “look” and not be so overpowering. You can pull off this style with a few alterations so that the suit is tailored to you. And I like it as a suit although the pieces could be worn separately. Keep the suit. It’s fabulous.
Thank you Kate, for your thoughtful comment. I think I will do as you and other readers suggest. Just still not sure whether to shorten the trousers (pigheaded, I know). And I have to keep the suit as I cannot return it anymore. If I could I think I would have returned the jacket. Now I have to spend even more money on it. Oh well… you live and learn.
Once the jacket is tailored to you, you will no doubt like it better. I have the majority of my clothes altered to fit so that they look as if they have been made for me. It makes all the difference in the world. As one replied regarding the trouser, baste the hem a bit shorter with a soft hem rather than a sharp crease to see what you think. If the trouser were a little shorter it woulf have more movement which seems to have been a factor in the design.
Like Kate, my clothing budget includes $$ for the tailor. Issues in the bust area (why are the darts and/or buttons never in the correct place?) and legs that are shorter than average mean that my tailor and I have become best buds. 🙂
My seamstress (tailor) and I see each other frequently as well. I can be very specific in my demands. Especially with things like tank tops…. And the darts are never in the correct place because fashion designers don’t like bosoms. As I once read in fashion magazine Elle: “Fashion and teet, the twain shall never meet”. Thought that was funny.
The seamstress is taken up the hem just a little over half an inch. And I will try them first. We will see. She is also taking in the jacket in three places (back, shoulders and sleeves-width). We will see what it brings.
Hi Greetje,
I’m sure that, by now, you’re sorry you asked! For what it’s worth, I think the trousers would look SO much better if you got them shortened a bit. It would improve the look, both for the trousers alone and with the jacket. Plus, if you shortened them you might not have to be quite so careful on the stairs or in the rain! I do think I prefer the pants without the jacket.
Hahaha, well I never expected so many readers to respond to my question. But I am most grateful for all the help. If I have the trousers shortened (I am still not sure, very pigheaded you know), then I will still have to hoist them up climbing stairs. They are so wide, they are like an evening gown. And that will not change unless I make them cropped wide trousers. (Never… that is horror to me.)
And I think I will have the jacket tailored at the shoulders and the waist. Together with a bright silk scarf will give a totally different impression.
It’s so interesting how this suit has caused you so much opinions, Greetje.
Of course, it comes down to what you like and feel comfortable with. I’m still one of those that thinks the pants are too long–especially if you have to hoist them up for the stairs and all. If you’re not sure, you could have them basted shorter, so in case you don’t like it, you can put them back to this length.
But I do think with this much volume in the pants, you need to show the waist band, like you did in last week’s post. My opinion only, of course, but otherwise, there’s so much of that fabric looking at us!!!
Love the photo bomber——the pets always make me smile!!
XOXO
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I am baffled as well. I usually have about 3 comments on a Sunday night. Now look. It is great though that so many readers want to help. I agree that the trousers with a bright fitted top look really nice. The jacket tends to overwhelm me. I will probably have the shoulders and waist taken in. That will help. Also that bright silk scarf I was talking about, softens the look a lot. If I have the trousers taken up a little, it will still be impossible to go up or down the stairs without hoisting them up. They are like a long evening gown. And they will always be like that. I don’t mind that really (who says fashion is comfortable?).
Terrific look – chic and classy, either open or closed!
Really Anne? The opinions differ a lot. Most readers advise me to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist. And I think they are right. Anyway, it is nice to hear some cheering as well.
Beautiful jacket but I agree with the comments that say that some alterations might be a good thing. The pants, I am not sure about, it is a lot of pants, too much for your body for my taste. I do like the combination with the striped body and your always beautiful yellow bag and belt.
Ah, we disagree on the wide trousers. I love them. They are totally different from what I have got and I think they are good. I am not even sure whether I will have them shortened as I quite like this look. But I do worry about fraying the bottom. Perhaps “stootband” (seam binding?) might help? And yes I do think I will have the jackets taken in a bit. That will be a hell of a job.
I wonder how tall you are? I have been searching Piazza Sempione trousers for the last few seasons and all seem cropped and ankle length and styled on models who are 5′ 9″ tall ( I am unsure of that height in metres but it is a lot taller than the average height of UK women at 5′ 4″).
Whatever you do, please don’t rush to get this beautiful suit altered without careful thought.
I will not rush into things, but the fact that I am uncertain about it, does say something. I think tailoring the shoulders and waist will probably improve it overall. The scarf instead of the striped body was already an improvement. I am not a petite, far from it. I am 1m75, which is 5ft74 I think. The funny thing is that 9 times out of 10 trousers are too short for me. And one leg is an inch shorter than the other. Or half an inch. Anyway it shows. These trousers (Italian even and Italian women aren’t all either) were far too long for me. I had to have them taken in. If I had run into Piazza Sempione trousers one season earlier, I would have happily bought cropped or ankle length. But… that would have been the safe route. These wide ones are so totally different from what I have. Which is good. Keep on telling me your thoughts dear. I do value it.
I love this suit on you. I do think the jacket needs to be taken in a little. The pants need to be hemmed a little, about 1/2 inch. Your tailor can advise you on whether the trousers need to be taken in a little. But, I think these minor modifications will do the trick and give you the fit that is almost there. Each piece is exquisite and you have styled it well.
Thank you Bonnie. I think you are right. I have sent links to this post and the previous one, to my seamstress. Or tailor is a better word, but that sound so masculine. And I will probably have exactly done what you are suggesting. Although the trousers I am still not sure about. The length I mean. 1/2 inch.. hmm perhaps.
Hi Greetje,
It seems dangerous to walk in trousers so long they drag and that will wear and fray the bottoms. Are they supposed to be that long? I would want them slightly shorter, just enough to clear the floor and the wide legs would flow when you walk. The pop of color and handbag was great. I would like to see the colorful scarf you mentioned and I agree with Riley’s comment about extra tailoring in shoulders and arms.
Fraying the bottom of the trousers is the one thing I am afraid of. I am in discussion with my seamstress over putting a protection on them. I think you call it seam binding? It is hard plastic (I think) and it is two mm longer than the trousers. But wide trousers are indeed supposed to be that long. When I walk they don’t touch the floor. Tailoring shoulders and waist is something I will probably have done.
Hi Greetje. I think this suit is rather daring to style. It certainly looks high quality and chic. Still….maybe it is all a bit too much. But you know what: one should take a chance now and then and try something new and adventurous and you certainly did that! Have a great week. Love, Lieske
I will show the suit (in due time) again, when I have styled it in a more feminine way. And perhaps my seamstress will tuck the jacket in at the waist and make it smaller on the shoulders. Who knows. As you say sometimes you have to try something new.
Great suit!
Short, but sweet comment. Thanks Nicole.
Well, I think the whole outfit (including the top) looks fabulous on you. I love the wide leg trousers and the blazer is meant to go with them. I particularly like the blazer open. I’d say the whole thing is a winner. Go for it!
Oh great, you like it. It seems that most readers share my hesitations. Got some good advice though (having it tailored a bit at the shoulders and waist). I think I will do that. But thanks for your enthousiastic comment.
It’s difficult to tell how tall you really are in the photos. I think the fullness of the trousers is great with your proportions–would shorten though. It would be silly to trip over your trousers on the stairs! I like them better without the jacket and with a slim fitting top.
I like the open jacket better than buttoned with the trousers. Also on its own. The placement of the buttons makes that easier to carry off. I also have a larger bust, and alas, no waist, and I understand the issue with closed buttons–they are either too tight, or too high, or too low.
Love the top, belt and bag.
I am 1m75 which translates to 5ft74 I think. Reasonably tall. And I am still not sure whether I will have the trousers shortened. I can never have them short enough not to trip over them on the stairs. It is actually easier to know you ALWAYS have to left them, so you won’t forget. Really like a long ballgown haha. I got some tips of readers to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist and I think that is good advice. Will discuss it with my seamstress. She is the best.
I love, love that smart jacket and can think of many ways to wear it. I also think it looks good unbuttoned. But I think the pants might be overly hard to style. A fitted, bright top . . . and then I am out of ideas. They are the Corvette of pants, only certain weather and destinations apply.
The trousers are easy to style, as long as I wear something fitted. The fact they are so wide is what attracted me in the first place. I presume a matter of taste. The jacket might need some tucking in. My seamstress will help me.
You look lovely! I really liked the jacket worn open. I thought it showed off your waist and balanced out the wide legs of the pants. The yellow belt and purse were genius,
Too much praise Bonnie haha. Adding a bright colour to a black and white outfit is sooo easy. It is the first thing I learned when I started blogging. Actually it was Sylvia of 40PlusStyle who taught me that. I think I might have the jacket taken in at the shoulders and the waist to have a better silhouette.
I think the blazer would look fabulous with that top on jeans. As a suit I think it’s to much. They are both show stoppers and I believe that is such a shame to wear them together, because in my opinion they really don’t shine now. I think they look far more better wearing them apart.
I might do that, but then I shouldn’t have bought the jacket as I own several black jacket, one being double breasted. I know, I know… should have thought of that when I was in the shop.
Thank you Riley. I have sent the links to this post and the previous one to my seamstress. I think you are right, I have to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders. Which will shorten the sleeves which is good. Will be a hell of a job I think. A task for a professional. But indeed I want to wear the suit and not the other way around.
Taking the jacket in will be good. the shoulders are too wide for you. I think you will be happy if it comes in just a little bit at the waist as well. As it’s black it’s hard to see see all the design details so I can’t tell you which seams, but your seamstress should know. You already know that I think the pants are too long (but otherwise, I love them). The yellow accessories look great.
Thanks Mieke, you are probably right about that waist. Good tip. The trouser length… hmm .. still not sure. I get your point, but I kinda like it this stupidly long. My mum keeps saying it is dangerous. She is right in a way. I have to be really careful on stairs.
The jacket fits you nicely through the bust (I definitely understand your distaste with things that pull at the bust area), but it is big through the shoulders and the arms. I wonder if those areas could be tailored in those area, making this jacket a smashing success.
I am at a loss regarding the length of the trousers. Not being familiar with wide-legged trousers leaves me questioning whether these trousers are the proper length. There is certainly a lot of fabric in the legs, and, as others have mentioned, the legs seem to overwhelm you. Worn together, this outfit seems to wear you rather than the other way round.
Love the belt and the bag. They add such a great pop of color. Your eye for accessories (especially handbags) is outstanding, and is one of the things I look forward to the most.
Thank you Riley. I have sent the links to this post and the previous one to my seamstress. I think you are right, I have to have the jacket taken in at the shoulders. Which will shorten the sleeves which is good. Will be a hell of a job I think. A task for a professional. But indeed I want to wear the suit and not the other way around.
I agree. I think it was the right size to purchase–you can’t fix a too-small jacket. With some tailoring, I think it will be perfect. I like the first picture where you have the jacket open. I wonder if perhaps the pants were too long also and this is why I like that first picture the best. The stitching detail is interesting and I think the fabric must be lovely, even though I can’t really see it in the pictures. The pointed footwear works.
Hi Kelle, I have already replied on another comment of yours about the alterations I have asked my seamstress. You are right in thinking that the fabric is lovely. It oozes quality. But if the fit is off, the quality is not going to save you. Hence the alterations. I am pleased with all the feedback I got. I don’t “do” everything my readers advise me, but it helps to make up my mind and makes me look in less obvious directions. In the end, my seamstress is the most important person.
Well, dear heart, you did ask. As we say over here, ‘Get ’em orf!’ You are far far too petite and pretty to be so swamped by so obviously over-sized clothing, well made and fashionable as this suit might be. I agree with Roz, you just don’t seem entirely happy with this suit. I couldn’t have written better about the perils of too long trouser legs, and as for the double breasted jacket: nah. Listen to your artist friend. And Roz. And me! Although I did like your yellow belt. (Always end on an encouraging note!)
Still talking to me?
And Roz?
And can you get your money back?
If not, is Ron still talking to me?
Hahaha, funny Gee. Ron was my accomplish in this crime. And I did ask indeed. So yes I am still talking to you and to Roz. No problem. Then to answer your other questions: no I cannot get my money back. I have the feeling that this particular case of spending was a sign. A sighn that says: STOP DOING THIS. I am now severely overdrawn. Not really, but I have to pay back into my saving account for a long long time. Not nice. And I have now acknowledged the fact I am addicted. Working on it. (The long trousers… I think I still like those… sorry.)
This really reminds me of a 1980s suit, double breasted and oversized.
There is one shot where the pants fall perfectly and it looks amazing! Otherwise, in all the other shots I think it looks a bit overwhelming for your body.
It’s not my favourite piece of yours but it’s you that has to love it, not me : )
Suzanne
Thanks dear, you know they say the eighties are back. But whether we like that ???? Hmm… will keep thinking.. I am not loving it … yet. Perhaps I will, perhaps I won’t. Never good when you are hesitating.
I love both the pieces on you but just not at the same time. I feel that they are both traffic stoppers in their own right but when the traffic is stopped in all directions… Wear and love them both but with a slim fitted top/bottom as appropriate – you most certainly have the figure for it.
Thank you Ceri for your sound advice. It might be the solution. And thank you for the lovely compliment.
The addition of the yellow belt is perfect with the striped turtleneck. You look like an editor for a posh fashion magazine. Superb look gor you, Greetje.
Oh gosh, wouldn’t I just love to be an editor for a posh fashion magazine. YES I would. But I know I haven’t got the skills. But I can tell you, if I was an that editor, I would make very sure that at least 1 shot of an outfit would show everything or several shots showing parts. I hate it when I see an arty photo and you can see two inches of the sweater. Or they talk about the shoes and they aren’t even in the picture.
I think the trousers are too big for you and too big for the jacket. Sorry. I love Italian clothes but you seem not to be happy with this suit.
Thanks for your honest opinion Roz. I am still happy with the trousers. I like the “bigness” of the trousers although I do understand your point of view. The jacket and the combination… indeed not so sure. We’ll see how we can solve this. I say we, as I won’t be able to solve it alone haha.
Hi Greetje,
It seems dangerous to walk in trousers so long they drag and that will wear and fray the bottoms. Are they supposed to be that long? I would want them slightly shorter, just enough to clear the floor and the wide legs would flow when you walk. The pop of color and handbag was great. I would like to see the colorful scarf you mentioned and I agree with Riley’s comment about extra tailoring in shoulders and arms.
Fraying the bottom of the trousers is the one thing I am afraid of. I am in discussion with my seamstress over putting a protection on them. I think you call it seam binding? It is hard plastic (I think) and it is two mm longer than the trousers. But wide trousers are indeed supposed to be that long. When I walk they don’t touch the floor. Tailoring shoulders and waist is something I will probably have done.