With summer sun comes a hefty social calendar booked up with weddings, rooftop gatherings, backyard parties, and fancy events galore. Usually, we’re reaching for our trusty cocktail dresses to serve us through these soirées, but sometimes they just don’t cut it — often, unpredictable weather and outdoor venues call for something a bit more covered up and practical; or occasionally, we hanker after an outfit far more versatile (one that we can whip out for casual events, beach holidays, and even work meetings). We’re, of course, talking about the fancy pantsuit; a late summer savior, champion of all those with uncommonly cold knees and worries of sudden downpours. After all, what’s better than one piece? Why, two separates that can be mixed, matched, and individually repurposed into other ‘fits. Not to mention, pantsuits are also immensely comfortable while still making a bold sartorial statement.
The trick to nailing your choice is picking your material wisely. Light, breezy linen is ideal for beach and tropical weddings and parties, and best reworn as summer workwear, whereas luxurious satin, velvet, or brocade are safe bets for evening events and more wintery climes. Likewise, your accessorizing. Most pantsuits can appear simple when worn alone, but a statement shoe, color-clashing bag, or conversation starter cocktail jewelry takes it to the next level.
To help narrow down your search, we’ve pulled together a guide to the best party-appropriate pantsuits on the market. Whether you’re a wedding guest, bride-to-be who wants an unconventional look, or just after a new dancefloor ‘fit, we’ve got you covered.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.
Mango 100% Linen Suit Blazer, $179.99 $79.99, Linen Bandeau Top, $79.99 $59.99 & Linen Suit Pants, $129.99 $99.99
Nothing exudes summery vibes more than linen in a tropical-bright shade like this beautiful watermelon pink. The perfect catch for your next beach or poolside festivity.
Mango 100% Linen Suit Blazer, $, available at Mango
Mango Linen Bandeau Top, $, available at Mango
Mango Linen Suit Pants, $, available at Mango
Anna October x J.Crew Corset Top in Stretch Satin, $248, Wide-Leg Trouser in Textured Satin, $298 & Side-Tab Blazer in Textured Satin, $398
If you’re a bride-to-be looking for an alternative, cool-as-cucumbers, ‘can’t wait to show my grandkids how chic I was’ bridal look, then look no further than J.Crew’s collaboration with Anna October.
J. Crew x Anna October Corset Top in Stretch Satin, $, available at J.Crew
J. Crew x Anna October Wide-Leg Trouser in Textured Satin, $, available at J.Crew
J. Crew x Anna October Side-Tab Blazer in Textured Satin, $, available at J.Crew
ELOQUII Double Breasted Shirt With Lapel, $89.95 $53.97 & Pull On Printed Wide Leg Pant, $89.95 $53.97
A graphic, monochromatic print will have you winning all the best-dressed lists.
Eloquii Double Breasted Shirt With Lapel, $, available at Eloquii
Eloquii Pull On Printed Wide Leg Pant, $, available at Eloquii
Tahari ASL Colorblock Peak Lapel Blazer, $169 & High Waist Wide Leg Pants, $109
Match the sunset (or at least your Malibu sunset cocktail) with this bold color-blocking design.
Tahari ASL Colorblock Peak Lapel Blazer, $, available at Nordstom
Tahari ASL High Waist Wide Leg Pants, $, available at Nordstom
KSENIASCHNAIDER Denim Blazer, $548 & Wide Patchwork Jeans, $504
Got a casual affair planned? Take the Canadian tuxedo to a whole new level with another of 2024’s top trends: patchwork denim. This would work wonders for rooftop drinks, music festivals, or a relaxed, destination wedding in a rodeo-inspired spot (sure, super niche but we like to cover all bases).
KSENIASCHNAIDER Denim Blazer, $, available at Free People
KSENIASCHNAIDER Wide Patchwork Jeans, $, available at Free People
ASOS LUXE Curve Tailored Suit Blazer & Pants Set in Lemon Floral Print, $144.98
This light butter yellow suit in a subtle floral and lemon print is perfect for brides with a European destination wedding in mind (or who are bringing the European summer vibes home).
ASOS LUXE Curve Tailored Suit Blazer and Pants Set in Lemon Floral Prin, $, available at ASOS
Staud City Blazer Periwinkle, $425 $298 & Long Luisa Short Periwinkle, $275 $193
Shorts suits are perfect for summer ‘dos and more casual affairs.
Staud City Blazer Periwinkle, $, available at Staud
Staud Long Luisa Short Periwinkle, $, available at Staud
Banana Republic Silky Tie-Waist Vest, $120 $72 & Silky Pleated Wide-Leg Pant, $100 $60
Amp up the glamour in this silky two-piece set. The bold, Barbie-esque shade of hot pink is sure to turn heads on and off the dance floor.
Banana Republic Silky Tie-Waist Vest, $, available at Banana Republic
Banana Republic Silky Pleated Wide-Leg Pant, $, available at Banana Republic
Marina Rinaldi Organza Blazer, $295 $177 & Crepe Envers Satin Trousers, $185 $111
Crafted in the lightest flounces of organza, Marina Rinaldi has completely flipped the script on ‘boring’ black pants suits (just look at that gorgeous puffy sleeve!).
Marina Rinaldi Organza Blazer, $, available at Marina Rinaldi
Marina Rinaldi Crepe Envers Satin Trousers, $, available at Marina Rinaldi
A.L.C. Mavis III Pinstripe Jacket, $595, Woodson Pinstripe Vest, $275 & Alfie Wide Leg Pinstripe Pant, $495
Pinstripes mean business but are softened for summer in this creamy colorway.
A.L.C. Mavis III Pinstripe Jacket, $, available at A.L.C
A.L.C. Woodson Pinstripe Vest, $, available at A.L.C
A.L.C. Alfie Wide Leg Pinstripe Pant, $, available at A.L.C
House of Holland Ombre Shimmer Blazer in Blue and Silver, $327 & Ombre Shimmer Trousers in Blue and Silver, $164
If any pant suit screams “‘party time,” then it’s this one.
House of Holland Ombre Shimmer Blazer in Blue and Silver, $, available at House of Holland
House of Holland Ombre Shimmer Trousers in Blue and Silver, $, available at House of Holland
Whistles Rita Luxe Waistcoat, $249 $104.30, Rita Luxe Elasticated Trouser, $259 $108.50 & Rita Luxe Blazer, $365 $153.30
This light sage, almost sea foam green shade is made even more beautiful when cut in shimmering satin.
Whistles Rita Luxe Waistcoat, $, available at Whistles
Whistles Rita Luxe Elasticated Trouser, $, available at Whistles
Whistles Rita Luxe Blazer, $, available at Whistles
Reformation Taryn Two Piece, $298
This rich, warm berry-red hue will see you right through into your fall and winter social calendar.
Reformation Taryn Two Piece, $, available at Reformation
Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Premium Crepe Corset Set Top, $60 $42 & Curve Love A&F Harper Tailored Premium Crepe Pant, $100 $85
The trousers say “business”, but the corset top says “turn up the music.”
Abercrombie & Fitch Strapless Premium Crepe Corset Set Top, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A&F Harper Tailored Premium Crepe Pant, $, available at Abercrombie & Fitch
Farm Rio The Kiss Multicolor One Shoulder Romper, $200 $180 & The Kiss Multicolor Cut Out Blazer, $260 $182
Go all out groovy with a shorts set in a psychedelic-inspired pattern.
Farm Rio The Kiss Multicolor One Shoulder Romper, $, available at Farm Rio
Farm Rio The Kiss Multicolor Cut Out Blazer, $, available at Farm Rio
Karen Millen Plus Size Tailored Crepe Mono Floral Single Breasted Blazer, $394 $315.20 & Plus Size Tailored Crepe Mono Floral Slim Leg Dress Pants, $238 $190.40
You can’t go wrong with a classic print like this.
Karen Millen Plus Size Tailored Crepe Mono Floral Blazer, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Karen Millen Plus Size Tailored Crepe Mono Floral Slim Leg Pants, $, available at KAREN MILLEN
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Be Best Dressed In A Black-Tie Wedding Guest Dress
