As the Princess of Wales Kate Middleton recently demonstrated, a sharp power suit never truly goes out of style. Here’s how you can tailor its fit to look your sharpest
(L) The Princess of Wales’ plum suit is perfect for a social evening. Pic Courtesy/Oficial Fecar Valho; (C) The pop of yellow adds vibrancy; (R) Kate Middleton in the olive green suit from Victoria Beckham’s Spring 2025 collection. Pics Courtesy/Catherine Princess of Wales
There's hardly an item of clothing that doesn’t sell out within hours of being worn by Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. And her latest turn in a tailored olive green pantsuit is unlikely to prove any different. The sharp two-piece ensemble by Victoria Beckham joins the ever-growing list of solid-hued suits that the royal has recently been partial to — she has been spotted in several iterations of the look, including a pinstriped navy double-breasted blazer with matching trousers, a fiery red blazer with wide-legged trousers, and even a pale pink number broken up with a simple white tank.
“Sharp, structured, and understated, Kate’s suits have become a global obsession, with this particular design out completely in every size and colour, within 24 hours! Kate’s pick signals the return of the iconic power suit, a fashion mainstay since the late 1970s. Today, it has evolved into something modern, versatile, and empowering, just like the women who wear it,” explains fashion designer Aanchal Bubber-Mehta. If you, like Kate, want your inner girl-boss to shine, here are a few simple dos and don’ts to keep you well-suited in Mumbai’s sultry weather.
Pooja Hegde’s muted grey suit combines style and substance. Pic Courtesy/Tanghavri on Instagram; (right) Malavika Mohanan sports a suit with a fit-to-flare silhouette
Do: Go bold
A power suit is all about making a statement and colour plays a huge role, says Mehta. Pick a colour with pop cobalt blue, tangerine, a deep magenta, plum, bright navy or bottle green. These, she explains, are perfect for evening events, panels, or occasions when you want to stand out. When picking a suit for the office, opt for a smart but slightly muted palette, which includes blue-grey, deep olive, navy, charcoal, grey or khaki. These colours command respect without being too loud, Mehta notes. Blogger Dollie Solanki suggests block prints for a uniquely Indian touch, worn in rich jewel tones.
Don’t: Wear pure cotton or linen
For a suit to survive an Indian summer, it has to keep you cool without compromising on structure. And this can be achieved with fabrics that have a good fall and are lightweight. Mehta suggests lightweight wools, crepes, linen blends (with viscose or wool), seersucker and fabrics with a slight stretch. “Fabrics with a two-three per cent of lycra are a game-changer as they offer ease and comfort, especially when seated. Avoid 100 per cent cotton or linen suits: although breathable, they wrinkle fast and lose the suit’s sleek, powerful silhouette. The fall of these materials is also stiffer,” she elaborates.
Aanchal Bubber-Mehta
Do: Focus on fit
Much of a suit’s impact lies in its fit, and tailoring can make or break a look. Mehta offers a few simple guidelines — in terms of your jacket, a slim fit with slight ease around the waist is the most flattering. The length should hit right at the hips or slightly below: a shorter length detracts from the power edge of the look. “Wide lapels, notched or peaked, a two-button closure, and patch pockets — ditch the flap for a sleeker look — are other elements that you should look for. Double back vents or a single centre slit both work to add ease, comfort and slickness to your jacket,” Mehta explains. In terms of your trousers, a fit-to-flare silhouette is flattering and dynamic. The hem should sit just an inch above the floor. Wear heels to elongate your legs and amplify presence. An ironed-down front pleat creates a razor-sharp line that adds authority. Unless you are very petite, avoid patch pockets on your pants as they add bulk to your hips. Instead, stick to cross pockets on the side seams.
Don’t: Neglect the inner shirt
While Kate wore a ruffled Chinese-collared blouse that softened the suit’s edge, an off-white or ivory shirt with pintucks, pleats, or soft ruffles can add feminine flair and visual interest, while letting the suit shine. “Stick to neutral tones for the shirt. Let one element — jacket or blouse — take the lead. When selecting the fabric, opt for either a satin-cotton blend or stretch cotton. The shirt should be fitted but comfortable,” says Mehta.
Dollie Solanki sports block prints on her suit; Avoid heavy accessories while styling the suit. Pic Courtesy/Tanghavri on Instagram
Do: Remember that less is more
While wearing a power suit, the suit itself should be the focal point of your look. Your accessories should be understated. For earrings, stick to classic studs or tiny hoops. Avoid chunky or statement pieces. Always wear your suit with high heels — pumps or block heels — that enhance your posture and elongate your frame,” advises Mehta. Finally, pick a neutral coloured, structured handbag or clutch that complements the outfit without overpowering it.
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