Skirt suits are a timeless professional staple, but they don’t have to be boring. With a few alterations, you can update the fit and style of your skirt suit to reflect your personal taste. Whether you’re looking to enhance the fit or add some unique touches, our professional tips can guide you towards a skirt suit that you’ll love to wear.
Key Takeaways:
- Skirt suits can be updated with alterations to enhance the fit and style
- Common alterations include adjusting the waistband and shortening or lengthening the skirt
- The jacket can be tailored with options such as taking in the sides or adjusting the sleeve length
- The skirt can be modified with alterations like hemming or adjusting the waistband for a flattering silhouette
- Customizing details such as replacing buttons or changing the lining can add a personal touch to your skirt suit
- Updating the overall look can be achieved with small changes like accessories or experimenting with new colors and patterns
- Seeking professional help can ensure high-quality craftsmanship and achieve the perfect fit
Common Alterations for Skirt Suits
If you’re looking to update your classic skirt suit, there are several alterations that can be made to achieve the perfect fit and style. Here are some of the most common alterations for skirt suits:
| Alteration | Description |
|---|---|
| Shortening or Lengthening the Skirt | Adjusting the length of the skirt is a simple way to update the look of your skirt suit. A tailor can take up the hem to make the skirt shorter or add fabric to make it longer. |
| Adjusting the Waistband | A tailor can alter the waistband of the skirt to achieve a better fit. This could include taking in the waist or adding fabric to make it larger. |
| Taking in the Sides of the Jacket | If the jacket of your skirt suit is too loose, a tailor can take in the sides to achieve a more flattering fit. |
| Altering the Sleeve Length | If the sleeves of your jacket are too long or too short, a tailor can adjust the length to achieve a better fit. |
| Adjusting or Removing Shoulder Pads | If the shoulder pads in your jacket are too bulky or don’t fit correctly, a tailor can adjust or remove them to achieve a better silhouette. |
| Hemming Pants | If your skirt suit includes pants, a tailor can hem them to ensure they hit at the right spot on your ankle. |
These are just a few of the common alterations that can be made to a skirt suit. Depending on your individual needs, a professional tailor can make more specific adjustments to achieve the perfect fit and style.
Tailoring the Jacket
The jacket is the centerpiece of a skirt suit, and tailoring it correctly is essential to achieving a perfect fit. Here are some tailoring options to consider:
- Taking in the sides: If the jacket is too loose around the waist, taking in the sides can create a more tailored look. This alteration can also improve the silhouette of the jacket.
- Altering the shoulder pads: Shoulder pads affect the overall shape of the jacket. If they are too big or too small, it can throw off the balance of the outfit. Altering the shoulder pads can improve the fit and make the jacket more comfortable to wear.
- Adjusting the sleeve length: The sleeves of the jacket should end at the wristbone, and the cuffs should be snug but not too tight. Adjusting the sleeve length can make the jacket look more polished and professional.
It’s important to note that tailoring the jacket can be a complex process, and it’s best to seek professional assistance for the best results. A skilled tailor or seamstress can assess the fit of the jacket and determine the best adjustments to make.
Modifying the Skirt
The skirt of a skirt suit is just as important as the jacket and can be modified to achieve the desired fit and style. Whether you need to shorten the hem, adjust the waistband, or add or remove darts, there are several alterations that can be made to ensure a flattering silhouette. Here are some common modifications for skirt suits:
| Alteration | Description |
|---|---|
| Hemming | Shortening or lengthening the skirt, depending on your height and preference. |
| Adding or removing darts | Adjust the darts to fit your body shape and provide a smooth appearance. |
| Adjusting the waistband | Taking in or letting out the waistband to achieve the perfect fit around your waistline. |
When making modifications to the skirt, it is important to consider the overall balance of the outfit. For example, shortening the skirt too much can affect the proportion of the suit and make it look unbalanced. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the help of a professional tailor or seamstress to ensure that the alterations are done with precision and care.
Customizing the details
Customizing the details of your skirt suit is an excellent way to add a personal touch and make it unique. Whether you want to replace buttons, add embellishments, or change the lining, there are plenty of options to choose from.
When replacing buttons, consider the style of your skirt suit and the overall look you want to achieve. Opt for classic buttons for a timeless look, or choose more ornate buttons for a touch of glamour. You can also experiment with different materials like metal or mother-of-pearl.
If you want to add embellishments, keep in mind that less is usually more. Adding too many decorations can make your skirt suit look tacky and unprofessional. Try adding a brooch or a scarf to the lapel of your jacket for a subtle touch of elegance.
Changing the lining of your skirt suit is another way to customize its details. Consider a brightly colored or patterned lining for a fun twist on a classic garment. Alternatively, you can opt for a luxurious silk or satin lining, which will add both comfort and style.
Remember that customizing the details of your skirt suit should always enhance its overall appearance without detracting from its professionalism. Use these tips to elevate your skirt suit and show off your personal style.
Updating the overall look
If you want to breathe new life into your skirt suit, updating its overall look is a great way to do it. With a few simple changes, you can transform your classic suit into a modern and stylish ensemble that’s perfect for any occasion.
One way to update your skirt suit is by experimenting with different accessories. Adding a statement necklace or earrings can instantly elevate your outfit, while a belt can accentuate your waist and create a more flattering silhouette. Try swapping out your traditional pumps for trendy ankle boots or strappy sandals to give your outfit a fresh and contemporary feel.
In addition to accessories, incorporating new colors or patterns is another way to update your suit. If you typically wear neutral shades, try adding a pop of color with a vibrant blouse or colorful scarf. Alternatively, try incorporating a trendy pattern like plaid or animal print into your outfit for a bold and fashionable look.
Finally, changing the silhouette of your skirt suit can also give it an updated appearance. Consider altering the hemline to create a more modern shape, or adding a peplum detail or asymmetrical hem for a unique twist. With a little creativity and some expert alterations, you can transform your skirt suit into a stylish and contemporary outfit that reflects your personal style.
Seeking Professional Help
While there are alterations that can be done at home, seeking professional help can provide the best results when it comes to achieving the perfect fit and ensuring high-quality craftsmanship. A professional tailor or seamstress has the expertise and equipment to handle complex alterations and ensure that the final product looks and feels exceptional.
Working with a professional can also save time and effort in the long run. Instead of spending hours trying to DIY alterations that may not turn out as expected, you can trust that a professional will get the job done right the first time.
It’s essential to choose a reputable tailor or seamstress who has experience working with skirt suits and understands your personal style and preferences. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family or read reviews online to find the right professional for your needs.
Remember that the cost of professional alterations can vary depending on the complexity of the work and the location of the tailor or seamstress. It’s always a good idea to get a quote upfront and discuss any concerns or questions you may have before committing to the alterations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, altering a skirt suit is a great way to update its style and fit to match your preferences. Whether you’re looking to modify the skirt, tailor the jacket, or customize the details, there are numerous options available to achieve the perfect look.
Common alterations like adjusting the waistband or shortening the skirt can make a significant difference in the overall fit. Tailoring the jacket by taking in the sides or altering the shoulder pads can improve the overall shape and style.
Customizing the details like changing the buttons or adding embellishments can give your skirt suit a unique look that reflects your personal style. Updating the overall look by experimenting with different accessories or incorporating new colors or patterns is a great way to keep your skirt suit current and fresh.
Remember, seeking professional assistance from a tailor or seamstress is often the best option for achieving high-quality craftsmanship and the perfect fit.
In summary, altering a skirt suit is a cost-effective way to keep your wardrobe up-to-date while maintaining a professional and polished appearance. With these tips and tricks, you can transform your skirt suit into a versatile and stylish outfit that’s perfect for any occasion.
