Katie Holmes just wore a navy and white floral trouser suit – and suddenly, I'm considering swapping my existing occasionwear for floral tailoring this summer.
If you've ever spent too long debating what to wear to a wedding, or a garden party, or anything with a vaguely smart summer dress code, a woman's tuxedo might just be your answer. Playful floral tailoring might just be the best alternative for the best wedding guest dresses; it's comfortable, cool, and feels like a considered choice without being too over the top, plus a serious win for trouser lovers.
On Instagram late yesterday afternoon, Katie Holmes posted a series of photos that featured the white two-piece that's covered in large navy and cream botanical print. Combined with brown suede kitten heels and Prada's brown fringe suede bag, the suit's strong print does most of the talking.
Shop our Favourite Floral Tailoring & Accessories
Liven up your occasion pieces with this playfully printed blazer. It has a sleek double-breasted silhouette and a beautiful, subtle green and purple floral print set on white. Style with the matching tapered trousers and either wedge or kitten heels.
These trousers have a flattering tapered leg and smart front pleats. The styling options are endless with these trousers, from pairing with the matching blazer to wearing with a soft floaty blouse for a summer stroll.
These brown mules are made from real cowhide leather and have a suede finish. Team with sleek tailored separates, floaty summer dresses, or your favourite barrel leg jeans.
If you want to go bold, opt for this pastel green, blush pink, and muted blue printed blazer. Style with the matching tapered trousers and some slingback heels for the ultimate impact.
Add to your blazer collection with this sophisticated single-breasted jacket that's covered in a large white floral print. The beauty of this piece is that it would also work well layered over monochrome or block coloured dresses.
A sleek leather shoulder bag will see you through the season in style. This bag is made from a supple suede exterior and features an adjustable strap for versatile styling options.
Personally, I love that this kind of tailoring gives you more options. You could wear the full suit together, or you can break it up and style it with block coloured separates. For example, try pairing some floral printed wide leg trousers with a linen ecru coloured blazer, or pick up on any of the other hues within the print and find separates that match.
Our woman&home Digital Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr comments, "Tailoring was, of course, the theme of the Met Gala earlier this week, and it seems like Katie Holmes is feeling inspired. Her blooming beautiful trouser suit is a great way to wear florals if you're not a fan of dresses, particularly when it comes to occasionwear.
"And don't forget, the beauty of investing in a suit is the endless new wardrobe options it creates when you start mixing and matching!"
If you're someone who's tried on one too many floral dresses that haven't felt right, printed tailoring should be a welcome shift, and you can wear a statement blazer with your favourite denim pieces all year round.
So, if you're planning outfits for your summer calendar, weddings, christenings, or warm-weather holidays, this is a brilliant alternative to traditional floral dresses or skirts.
-
Eva Mendes' cool navy summer dress is Parisian styling at its finest – and her designer bag is top of our wishlistThe actress wowed in head-to-toe Stella McCartney
-
Kate Middleton’s remark to Prince George, Charlotte and Louis on the Buckingham Palace balcony as they waited for iconic momentEach year there are only a handful of occasions where we get to see Prince George, Charlotte and Louis out with the older royals.
-
Eva Mendes' cool navy summer dress is Parisian styling at its finest – and her designer bag is top of our wishlist
The actress wowed in head-to-toe Stella McCartney
-
Eva Longoria’s relaxed knit and tailored trousers just put sage green back on my radar for springI’ve been a fan of wearing green for so many years I’ve lost count and sage has to be one of my all-time favourite shades.
-
Amal Clooney's simple wardrobe staples make pulling together elegant outfits so easyThese are the elevated basics everyone needs in their wardrobe
-
Gillian Anderson and Kate Middleton both have this effortless denim dress in their wardrobe – so of course we want one tooThis versatile staple is all you need for an effortless summer wardrobe
-
Demi Moore confirms straight-leg jeans paired with Birkenstock Bostons is the best off-duty combinationThis outfit formula is cool, on-trend, and extremely easy to recreate
-
Who wears a little black dress better than Kate Moss? No one – here's why it still reigns as the ultimate go-toFrom special occasions to eveningwear, a classic LBD never fails to leave a lasting impression
-
I've always felt nervous to wear lace, but Sophie Raworth's elegant papaya orange maxi dress just convinced me to try itThe BBC presenter makes a strong case for the delicate fabric
-
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s chic look is a reminder that every wardrobe should include a pair of white jeansThe model styled her fresh white denim with understated separates for a timeless combination that's easy to recreate
