The Return of Tailoring: Business Casual Is Back
Photo courtesy of Gucci (A$AP Rocky Tailoring Campaign)
Just a few years ago, a global lockdown issued a universal dress code consisting of neutral track suits and tie-dye sweat sets. As people adjusted their closets to afford themselves maximum wearability and comfort, designers formally and informally integrated the idea of “athleisure” into their brand’s DNA—birthing the concept of a daily uniform that’s rooted in casual attire.
Today, in spite of the movement’s humble beginnings, the world is beginning to take the notion of a daily uniform more literally. We’ve traded in flare pants for tailored trousers, active tops for suit vests, and Dunk sneakers for suede loafers. Somehow, in an exceptionally short period of time, we’ve gone from elegantly casual to casually elegant. But at what point did this crossover even take place?
Photo courtesy of Getty Images (Harry Styles at Music Awards 2023)
The way I see it, it all started when Gucci’s former creative director Alessandro Michele put “geek chic” back on the map. Bringing retro patterns and the double-breasted jacket to the foreground, she revolutionized the idea that suits aren't exclusively for the workplace. They’re also a strong alternative for streetwear, evidenced by the blazer’s recent ubiquity among young people. The overall embrace of tailoring has pushed brands to produce contemporary everyday suiting, reminding us that work and play don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Photo courtesy of Balenciaga (Fall 2023)
Now, let’s get this straight: suiting doesn’t always mean fitted. The revival also includes oversized tailoring, posing a serious threat to hoodies and sweatpants with more wearable alternatives to the trend. From slouchy suit jackets to relaxed trousers, casual tailoring has taken the industry by its helms just in time for Fall.
As we transition to a season defined by layering, shopper demand for 80s and 90s inspired suit elements is sure to increase. Surely, this will manifest in the form of suit vests over button-up shirts, pleated pants, and refreshed variations on the classic loafers. I guess you could say that dressing corporate is (gasp!) in style. Personally, I’m curious to see how this trend evolves and brings on new meanings to the phrase “business casual.”
Photo courtesy of Jill Sander (Spring 2023 RTW)
Photo courtesy of InStyle
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Article by Meyme Nakash, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
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