This lady, from my street style round-up this week, reminded me of how fabulous a woman in a suit can look. Of course, Yves St. Laurent and Marlene Dietrich knew this a long time ago.

Left: 1967 photograph by Helmut Newton of Yves St. Laurent’s le smoking. Right: Marlene Dietrich from the film Morocco
We’re not talking about boring business suits here. With the right fit and unexpected accessories, suits can be far more fun than I ever thought.

Clockwise, from top left: 1960s Biba suits; Carey Mulligan – AnOther by Craig McDean, Fall/Winter 2012-13; Peony Lim; unknown

Esther Quek, the group fashion director at the menswear magazine The Rake, practically re-wrote the book on marrying classic menswear elements with feminine accessories.

Clockwise, from top left: 1 (uknown), 2, 3, 4

While I’m sure I couldn’t pull off a suit as stylishly as Esther, I’d love to give it a try.
How about you, would you wear a suit? How would you dress it up?