I hopped aboard the suit trend and it made me feel seriously sassy

This is a sponsored post in collaboration with intu Chapelfield

“What’s the most *extra* item I can possibly find?” I thought, when deciding what I wanted to style for intu Chapelfield’s S/S 2018 Blogger Challenge. I assume that was the thought process anyway, since this is the result – and also since the shopping trip where I chose this bad boy passed very quickly and it’s all a bit of a blur. I went in, I carried armfuls of stuff into changing rooms, I got hungry and had to pause for McDonalds chips, and two hours later I emerged, triumphant and exhilarated, with none other than a wide legged red and blue stripy pant suit and no memory of what had happened. BUT OF COURSE.

I jest – when the lovely people at intu Chapelfield challenged me to style up a Spring/Summer trend in two different ways, I knew immediately that a suit was what I wanted to feature, having seen them springing up in the ‘new in’ sections of some of my favourite high street brands. Frankly, I consider my choice to be nothing short of glorious, and I genuinely think these may be my favourite outfits I’ve ever featured in a blog post.

This little blazer and wide legged trouser combo is from H&M, and comes in at a very reasonable £60 for both pieces. It’s comfortable (and roomy) enough to have a leisurely brunch in, tailored enough for work attire, and fantastic enough to make me want to wear it every single day.

Anyway, as I’ve said, my task was to style my new purchase two ways, and as someone who loves a styling challenge – I have a whole blog series of them – I was more than happy to oblige. Plus, the fact that a suit is basically your entire outfit makes the challenge that bit more challenging, doesn’t it? I’d never worn a suit in my life before, so we were definitely in unchartered territory, but here’s my go at it.

Look one

This is the outfit I had in my head from the outset so it quickly became my first look. The white H&M tee and white trainers dress down the overall ensemble for a little hint of that LFW street style thing, and it wouldn’t be spring without a basket bag now would it? I think this bag has probably featured in half of all of my outfit posts, although not for a while because it’s been winter for around 200 years now I believe.

Still, when spring does finally grace us with it’s presence, this is what you’ll find me wearing to lunch dates, to work, and probably to loiter in the street in as well. I also think this would be great with a slogan tee rather than a plain one, and potentially even some flatform espadrilles in summer.

What I’m wearing

Trousers: H&M* | Blazer: H&M* | T-shirt: H&M* | Necklace: H&M* | Sunglasses: Primark | Trainers: Carvela | Bag: Zara

Look two

Since I was feeling all fancy and strong and sassy in my suit, I decided to dress it up for my second look. I’m not generally a crop top kinda gal, but the high waist of the trousers and the blazer thrown on top made it feel a little less terrifying than usual. I really wanted this to be a party-ready look, so heels that were less than sensible for walking on cobbles were an essential and I popped on this playful little fur bag too.

…really, it’s a shame I’m a twentysomething grandma and am not often found out on the town of an evening, but friends’ birthdays can often get me out of my dressing gown, so this is my get up sorted next time there’s something to celebrate. I can’t help but feel that as well as the big earrings, mesh strap watch and silver necklace, a glass of prosecco would be a pretty good way to accessorise this look.

What I’m wearing

Trousers: H&M* | Blazer: H&M* | Crop top: New Look | Necklace: C/O Thomas Sabo | Bag: C/O Pretty Little Thing | Shoes: Primark | Watch: C/O Adexe | Earrings: Marks & Spencer

The final couple of photos in this post were taken for intu Chapelfield‘s Norwich Loves Fashion event, which takes place on 17th and 18th March. I’ll be popping down for the event and if you’re local I’d love to see you there!

Anyway, it’s official; I’m a suit convert, and next on my list is a checked one and a bright block colour one. Of course, the beauty is that the blazer and the trousers are also gorgeous in their own right too – imagine the blazer with jeans and red boots! I know what I’m putting on tomorrow…

How do you feel about the suit trend? And which look is your favourite?

Photography: Rob Poor

*Thank you to intu Chapelfield for collaborating with me on this post. Items marked with an asterisk were purchased from stores within intu Chapelfield with a gift card that I was given for this purpose. All styling, imagery and suit adoration are my own.

C/O denotes an item that has been gifted to me.

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