The suit is back for winter, but forget boxy and borrowed-from-the-boys: this season it’s nipped in, polished and unapologetically ladylike.

The catwalks of the most prestigious shows have brought back the trusty suit with an upgrade- and we cannot get enough of the new lease of life it is giving our wardrobes. On the autumn/winter 2026 catwalks, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy and Alexander McQueen all put tailoring centre stage, from fitted skirt suits to fluid trouser sets. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson shrank the house’s famous Bar jacket into a cropped peplum style, while Stella McCartney and Acne Studios showed peplum hems, fur trims and tonal twinsets.

The best bit? It’s not about dressing up. These suits are made for real life, worn with a simple knit and a pair of boots.

What makes a suit ‘ladylike’?

It all comes down to shape. The new suits trace the body rather than hide it, borrowing from the 1950s hourglass but cut for 2026.

• A defined waist. Cinched jackets, belts and peplums that flare gently over the hips. This Pretty Little Thing cinch hip blazer ( available at Debenhams), will not only be forgiving on any silhouette, it adds a little sexiness to a blazer which could be dressed as it is OR with a ruffled shirt underneath.

• Shorter, neater jackets. Cropped or hip-length, often collarless or with a small rounded collar. For £15.99, this Reserved cropped blazer jacket is a wardrobe essential. There is an incredible amount of styling you can do with this cut… from big cuffed shirts layered underneath, to heavy accessories including layered necklaces, drop earrings and messy up do’s for a bit of glamour.

• Skirts are back. Pencil, A-line, mini and soft circle skirts, but mostly at knee or midi length. Hey Savi…. can you find me a skirt suit? BINGO…. look at this for a AW26 must have! Shop this Tiger Print RIXO Women’s Liesel Striped Knitted Mini Skirt at Harvey Nichols at just £175- perfect to mix and match with other blazers OR to wear as a two piece for the best statement dressing. This whole fit, style and just overall look is the look of A/W26- it’s structured, ladylike and has an edge for those wanting to update their wardrobe with style.
• Soft, tactile fabrics. Bouclé, tweed, brushed wool, and even shearling at Dior.
• Pretty details. Contrast trims, fur collars, statement buttons and the odd corsage.

The five fits to know this winter

1. The peplum suit. A short jacket that flares out from the waist, worn with a slim skirt or straight trousers. It’s the catwalk’s favourite shape this season and a gift if you want to create a waist.
   

   (Image: Balardi)

2. The bouclé skirt suit. The Chanel-inspired classic: a collarless, textured jacket with a matching knee-length skirt. Look for it in cream, black, pink or a rich jewel tone. Balardi stock the Gucci Multicolor Bouclã© Skirt (£690), pair this with a black blazer and gentle accessories for a city chic finish.
3. The cropped jacket and midi skirt. A boxy or rounded jacket that ends at the waist, over an A-line or pleated midi. Brilliant if you’re petite, as it shows off your middle and lengthens the leg.
4. The belted suit. A longer, softer jacket cinched with a belt over wide-leg trousers. The most forgiving of the lot, and the easiest to wear to the office.

 

How to wear them, day to night

Weekend. Split the suit. Wear the jacket with dark jeans and loafers, or the skirt with a chunky knit and knee boots. Nobody needs to know it’s half a suit. This Boohoo Everyday The Label Oatmeal Single Breasted Elegant Suit Jacket is giving suit blazer but make it ‘everyday comfies’.

Office. Keep it simple, as the catwalks did: a fine-knit polo neck or crew neck under the jacket, opaque tights and a low block heel or ballet flat. A structured top-handle bag finishes it off.

House Of Fraser is a must visit for statement suit jackets to pick up at a really reasonable price point. This Boss Women’s Jakua Structured Tailored Formal Jacket, £98.00 came up on our Hey Savi search and what a beauty it is. Throw on pinstripes with a pop of colour for a stylish, sophisticated everyday look you can dress up for the evening.

Evening. Lose the top altogether and button the jacket, or swap in a lace or sheer blouse. Add a slingback, statement earrings and a red lip.

Tip: fit is everything with this trend. If the waist isn’t sitting at your natural waist, a quick nip-and-tuck at the tailor will make a high-street suit look designer.

Ready to suit up?

The new ladylike suit is softer, prettier and far more wearable than the power suits of old. Start with one piece, perhaps a peplum jacket or a bouclé skirt, and wear it with what you already own. Which fit are you trying first?