- READ MORE: Amanda Wakeley’s new collection for John Lewis is a masterclass in middle-aged dressing. Here are the five rules to follow to look fabulous this summer. DINAH VAN TULLEKEN
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The skirt suit may be synonymous with the 1980s, but its influence has proved anything but fleeting.
Once the defining uniform of the career woman – sharp, assured and unapologetically powerful – it dominated boardrooms and redefined professional dressing.
Figures such as Margaret Thatcher set the tone, teaming structured tailoring with signature pearls and a top-handle bag, while Princess Diana brought a softer, fashion-forward interpretation through bold colours and playful patterns.
Now, the silhouette is firmly back in focus – and Melania Trump is leading its modern revival.
When she welcomed King Charles and Queen Camilla at the White House, the First Lady opted for a bespoke butter yellow two-piece by Adam Lippes.
The look featured a sharply tailored, double-breasted jacket cinched at the waist, paired with a knee-length skirt, offering an elegant nod to classic power dressing with a contemporary edge.
The colour choice was equally considered. Yellow, often associated with optimism, diplomacy and renewal, felt especially fitting for an occasion centred on strengthening Anglo-American relations.
For those inspired to channel the look, the high street offers a wealth of polished alternatives. Coast delivers a refined satin iteration, while Jigsaw offers a sharply tailored take.
Elsewhere, Karen Millen presents a sophisticated cream tweed set, complete with a cropped jacket and pencil skirt, and Boden leans into bold colour with a vibrant red and blue pairing.
For a softer interpretation, Phase Eight’s Gabriela dress delivers the same polished effect in a pastel blue midi, cleverly combining the structure of a jacket with the ease of a one-piece.
Whether in classic neutrals or statement hues, the skirt suit’s return signals a renewed appetite for confident, considered dressing – proving that true style icons never really go out of fashion.
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