If there is one person who is most closely associated with the brightly coloured pantsuit, it’s former US presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. Indeed, the look has become a go-to for women in politics, from former Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon to Labour MP Angela Rayner and her seemingly endless brightly hued Me+Em tailoring. Yet there is a way to make the colour-block suit feel less business-like and formal, more fun and feminine, and the actress Kate Winslet demonstrated exactly how recently.
Attending the Princess of Wales’s “Together at Christmas” carol concert in London, she opted not for a midi dress, or a coat dress, like the majority of female guests, but a jolly – and entirely appropriate – red blazer and matching wide-leg trousers by New York-based designer Gabriela Hearst. Finishing the look with a crisp white shirt, black clutch bag and white heels, the 50-year-old actress was the epitome of cool.
Other prominent colourful suit wearers include Julia Roberts, who wore a purple polka dot suit by Haider Ackermann for Tom Ford to the 35th Annual Gotham Film Awards in New York City on December 1 (the designer showed multiple suits on the Autumn/Winter 2026 runway, including in pastel blues and pinks too). Then there’s Katie Holmes, who has worn an array of different coloured casual suits with wide-leg trousers and blazers while out and about in Manhattan in recent years.
Ultimately, the colour-block trouser suit certainly makes for a chic alternative for a date night – or for an impactful return to the office post-Christmas. There’s very little thought that needs to go into the look, as the coordination is part of its appeal.
That said, there are a few pointers to consider. “Choosing to wear a suit in one colour shifts the focus to the silhouette as the colour palette is unified, and therefore the fit is everything,” advises Daisy Knatchbull, founder of Knatchbull. “The fabric and cut need to work well together to ensure balance. Fabrics that have a sense of movement, like velvet, satin and lightweight wools, are best as they also hold their shape and feel elevated without being too complicated.”
“The key to wearing a suit that is all one colour is mainly the fit,” agrees womenswear tailoring designer, Isabel Glanville. “If you get the fit right, the rest will follow. Make sure the shoulders, sleeve and hem length look right to start and work from there depending on the style you want. Go for a strong shoulder (i.e. something wide or slightly exaggerated) if you want an oversized look or, if you’re going for a narrower, more fitted suit, pay attention to the length of the jacket and trousers so that the proportions feel balanced.”
In terms of fabric, it’s important to opt for high-quality fabrics, rather than anything that looks too synthetic – or cheap. “For classic suiting, a natural, medium-weight wool would be ideal, but a cotton velvet can feel really celebratory,” says Glanville. “As an alternative, double wool crepe comes in lovely colours and weights, and can make up a beautiful block-coloured suit.”
Another important decision is what to wear underneath your suit and of course how you accessorise. “I think the key to wearing a suit in one colour is to pair it with either a crisp white or ivory shirt,” shares contemporary womenswear tailoring designer, Laura Pitharas. “That way the colour of the suit really stands out. Or you could pair it with a shirt that is in either a lighter or darker tone of the colour of the suit, wearing various tones of one colour leads to really impactful and stylish dressing.”
Knatchbull also likes to think about proportions when deciding what to wear with a suit, going for contrasts to enhance the silhouette. “One could pair an oversized blazer with a fitted trouser or slip dress or layer a knit on top of a white shirt,” she says. “This adds depth without overcomplicating the outfit.”
As for the colours that work best at this time of year, Pitharas unsurprisingly recommends a darker palette. “During the winter season, I love to design and wear rich and dark colours,” she says. “For example, dark olive greens, burgundy, navy and chocolate tones. These are the perfect, elegant colours to match the colours of the autumn/winter weather and landscape.”
When it comes to accessories, there’s the temptation to go overboard in order to play up your femininity, but Knatchbull advises restraint. “Jewellery should enhance a look, not overpower it,” she says. “A sculptural earring or a bold cuff with a tailored suit can be quite chic, and is enough to transform the whole look from day to night.”
Pitharas also likes to pair her suits with statement jewellery. “I always pair a strong suit with asymmetrical earrings, like our recent collaboration with jewellery maker Maya Magal. And I love a statement shoe with our suits, either a chunky platform brogue or a killer heel.”
The power of the suit is that it makes you feel, well, powerful. So don’t fall foul of one of the oldest styling mistakes in the book: choosing shoes that are painful or that you can’t walk in. “Footwear can easily elevate an outfit, but so can your posture,” says Knatchbull. “Whether it be a block heel or a stiletto, it’s important to choose what you feel most comfortable and confident in.”
A final word of advice: do consider getting a piece made for you. “Tailored garments are really some of the most versatile staples a woman can have in her wardrobe – if it is a look that you want to invest in, it’s worth considering having a bespoke suit made,” advises Glanville. “Bespoke tailoring will always fit you perfectly; will be made up in the style, fabric and colour of your choice; and will last a lifetime.”
Suits to try
Straight blazer and tapered trouser suit, £575, Me+Em
Follow Winslet’s lead in this colour pop red suit by perennial A-list favourite, Me+Em. As there’s a fairly oversized fit to the tapered wide-leg trousers and jacket, it’s best to stick to something slinkier underneath, such as a silk or lace camisole, and don’t forget to add a red lip for maximum impact.
Velvet tuxedo-stripe flared trousers, £180 & Velvet single-breasted suit blazer, £280, Reiss
There’s no better time of year to wear this burgundy velvet suit from Reiss, who do some of the best tailoring on the high street. With a fitted, flared, 1970s silhouette, it looks best when paired with stacked heels and a statement blouse underneath.
Cord blazer, £129 & Cord trousers, £99, Boden
This purple cord suit from Boden is another fun option, especially when styled with a lacey black top underneath and stiletto heels for maximum sex appeal.