Forget dresses - Emma Willis proves a sharp trouser suit works perfectly for party season
With a silk shirt bringing in one of the season’s most unexpected colour trends, this is a very chic look
It’s almost time to start saving the looks that will inspire our festive party outfit, and Emma Willis has just taken the top spot wearing one of the best trouser suits during Strictly Come Dancing’s Halloween weekend.
Emma and her stylist Leah Binnall created a striking look for the occasion, pairing Bella Freud’s David trouser pinstripe with a matching pinstripe blazer to create a sharp and chic look.
Layered underneath the jacket was a silk Minnelli shirt by Bella Freud, with its pastel hue paying homage to the sugared pinks that are dominating autumn/winter fashion colour trends for 2026. The colour, alongside the silky fabric of the shirt, made it the perfect party-ready alternative to a crisp white button-up. And the black tie detail added a striking finishing touch (see Emma's look in image 2 below).
A subtle kick flare at the base of these trousers has the effect of elongating the leg for a flattering finish, while the pinstripes highlight this further and lean into a timeless look.
Made from 100% silk for a luxe, high-shine finish, this shirt is easily styled with trouser suits, as well as alongside denim for a textural contrast that can really elevate party wear and smart casual outfits.
This blazer boasts a shorter hem length than your classic style, so it will be perfectly proportioned with high-waisted trousers. Especially if you gravitate towards wide-leg silhouettes, this blazer is the key to looking balanced.
Wool blazers are a great investment, not least because the fabric is both breathable and naturally insulating. The fibre also holds a tailored shape very well, which highlights the sharp lines that instantly elevate suit separates.
There are endless options when it comes to styling tailored trousers, with the wardrobe staple looking just as chic with T-shirts, oversized shirts and the best cashmere sweaters as it does when worn with its matching blazer.
Think of a shirt like this just as you would a classic white button-up, as its soft hue means it can be styled in exactly the same way. Pair it with your most comfortable jeans and some ankle boots, or even leave it unbuttoned over a T-shirt.
Trouser suits are a particularly great investment piece when building or expanding capsule wardrobes, especially as we look ahead to the upcoming party season – brands like M&S and Zara are already doing festive fashion early buys.
Styled with a silky shirt and some classic court pumps, a co-ordinated blazer and tailored trousers take out all the guesswork when it comes to pulling together polished party look. Don’t forget you can style suits as separates too; day-to-day, a two-piece can boast a more casual feel when styled with your best white trainers for an easy and elevated option when it comes to autumn outfit ideas.
Elsewhere over the weekend, Emma was spotted in a red Victoria Beckham gown. With long sleeves, a luxuriously draped skirt, and a bold red finish, if trouser suits aren’t your thing, Emma’s still the celebrity to turn to for party wear inspiration.
