V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Apr 19, 2017

Borrowed From The Boys: Suit Up

Borrowed From The Boys: Suit Up on vickiarcher.com

I like borrowing from the boys

Especially when it comes to the suit.


I wax and wane about blazers, jackets and the prescription of a suit but I always end back in the same place.

They work.


A suit is ageless, a suit flatters most women and above all else a suit is confidence inspiring. If our dressing motivates and buoys us then we feel fabulous and that makes every difference.

A power suit is not called power for nothing.


When I wear a suit, whether classically tailored, slightly oversized or even tuxedo style, I like it. It may not be as extravagant as the women next to me or as outrageous as the one behind me but wearing a suit makes me feel elegant and of the moment. Yes, it is a classic and yes it is a style I have worn for years but the suit never ever lets me down.



Borrowed From The Boys: Suit Up on vickiarcher.com


Recently on my Japanese adventures I packed a suit, a pin striped version. I wore both the jacket and the pants separately and together. Two pieces allowed me to style them in a variety of ways. I wore the jacket over a very feminine blouse by night, larger sleeves and a ruffle front and by day I paired the jacket with a tee or a fine cashmere sweater depending on the weather. I added the pants and a pair of trainers with the tee and I swapped into more elaborate mules for the evening. The combinations worked and more importantly I felt well dressed.


I wear the same suit to meetings to press shows and anything fashion related. Sometimes working in this game at my age can feel daunting and nudges the confidence. “Digital Influencers” or “fashion bloggers” as we were once called are generally in their 20’s and wear all that is current and covetable. Yes, I have age on my side and a confidence in my own abilities but it would be untruthful not to admit to a slight nervousness at times. We are human and not always 100% on the up. The questions of “what to wear” and “how to look of the moment without seeming ridiculous” inevitably rear and as much as I don’t buy into all that, let’s just say it does cross my mind from time to time.



And that is where a suit saves the day.

I wear the classic and own it; make it mine. Fashion must be about that for fashion is universal. Age is no longer a negative when it comes to dressing. We wear what we love and what makes us feel fabulous about us; the rest is irrelevant.


Add the amazing blouse or the extravagantly fantastic shoes. Wrap the wrist in layers of bracelets or go crazy with an over-the-top handbag and dingle dangle pair of drops to die for. Personalise, personalise and personalise again.


The suit let’s us get away with everything. And I’m ok with that ;) xv



Borrowed From The Boys: Suit Up

**boss jakinala pinstripe  ||  pinstripe pants  ||  boss jabina wool jacket  ||  boss ankle pants  ||  theory gabe blazer  ||  theory stretch pants



rag & bone club wool blazer  ||  stella mccartney one button jacket || akris long blazer



p.s

A little “suit” trick that works for me and allows a corner or two to be cut.

Invest in a better blazer where possible and co-ordinate with a lesser pair of pants. If the blazer is well fitting and in a classic wool pinstripe or plain then a match with pants is easy. I often wear a J.Crew inexpensive pair with my very best. We don’t always need all stars and no chorus line. Know what I mean?



Thank you Nordstrom for partnering with, Borrowed From The Boys: The Suit

images annie liebovitz for jones new york, 2010

Edit by: Vicki
In This Post: Fashion , Shopping Stories