Phil Oh
Phil Oh
What’s sharp, timeless, and worn all over? Immaculate tailoring, of course. Whether that’s via the style set’s go-to fall layer—the waistcoat—tailored slacks, or do-it-all blazers, there’s no denying it: pleats and darts have become the foundation of a solid capsule wardrobe.
There’s a reason why the upper echelons of the fashion world have taken a liking to tailoring. The antidote to the current Y2K-obsession, tailoring has the ability to pull together any look with minimal time and effort. Brands that are best known for their purism—think Jil Sander and Totême—have long paved the way for a perfectly pressed wardrobe, delivering clothes for those who are too busy to think about what to put on in the morning.
Runway collections, too, were awash with delectable styles. Razor-sharp asymmetric tailoring was seen at Alexander McQueen, a show that took place in New York this season, Ann Demeulemeester, meanwhile, delivered a masterclass in how to loosen up our Savile Row-inspired separates.
It’s a trend that doesn’t have an expiry date, but how do we wear it? The main takeaway from years of searching for the perfect suit is thus: whether slim-fitting over oversized, tailoring needs to fit perfectly. A well-fitted piece—regardless of whether it’s high-street or high-end—will elevate your wardrobe to no end. This is why alterations are worth considering, even for small ticket items.
How do you style a tailored wardrobe?
There are infinite ways to style a tailored wardrobe. Needless to say, blazers et al are a sensible choice for any corporate environment. They are, however, just as impactful outside of office hours. Whether worn with a T-shirt and kitten heels or simple white trainers, anything tailored is a true workhorse. Lacking inspiration? Take a leaf out of the street stylers’ book and separate blazers and trousers to increase the number of styling options.
Where do you buy the best tailored clothes?
When it comes to purchasing tailored pieces, the infinite offering can feel overwhelming. Our go-to brands here at British Vogue include Raey (great for oversized fits) and Ukrainian brand Bettter.us, which is founded by fashion editor Julie Pelipas and upcycles vintage suits and shirts into covetable fashion catnip. On the high-street, meanwhile, Arket delivers strong two-piece options.
Vogue’s top picks of the best tailoring for women
- Best oversized blazer: Raey Exaggerated-Shoulder Wool-Blend Tux Blazer
- Best tailored trousers: The Row Two-Tone Pleated Trousers
- Best trench coat: Totême Double-Breasted Trench Coat
- Best wide-leg trousers: Frankie Shop High-Rise Wide-Leg Trousers
- Best blazer on the high-street: Arket Double-Breasted Blazer
Here, find Vogue’s edit of the best brands for contemporary tailoring, no matter your budget.
Filippa K
The Swedish fashion house Filippa K has recently undergone a facelift under the direction of its new creative lead, Liisa Kessler, who joined from Saint Laurent. Nordic craftsmanship and sensibilities are slashed with a razor-sharp edge. The outcome? Comfort meets cool, and the same applies for its tailored offering.
Alison Cool Wool Blazer
Totême
Founded in 2014 by Elin Kling and Karl Lindmann, the Swedish brand Totême has become eponymous with the universally-loved Scandi minimalism. From oversized trench coats to the perfect shirt, you’ll find it here.
Double-Breasted Trench Coat
Organic Cotton Shirt
Raey
Known for its classics-with-a-twist approach, Raey is an undeniable source for foundational staples. The tailoring, of course, is no exception. What we love? The exaggerated shoulder wool-tux blazer.
The Frankie Shop
A stratospheric success story, the Frankie Shop has become the cool-girl’s one-stop-shop for anything tailored. At the top of our wishlist? The brand’s oversized, reasonably-priced blazers.
High-Rise Wide-Leg Trousers
Oversized Blazer
Joseph
Joseph is an easy sell for minimalist-lovers. Clean lines, superb materials and carefully-constructed details have propelled the brand to become a household name since it was founded in 1972.
Crepe De Chine Blouse
The Row
Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row has garnered a fanbase of big-name celebs, including Kendall Jenner and Zoë Kravitz. And rightfully so. The label sings of time-tested luxury, perfecting the cut of the most basic of wardrobe staples. If a pair of trousers that will stand the test of time is what you’re after, look no further.
Wool-Blend Coat
Two-Tone Pleated Trousers
Arket
Chances are, you already have several Arket designs hanging in your wardrobe, but have you tried its tailoring yet? You can’t go wrong with the wool hopsack blazer with matching trousers, whatever the occasion.
Double-Breasted Blazer
Tailored Wool Trousers
This article was originally published on British Vogue.
