HARRIET STYLES IT

@HARRIETSTEWART

I’ve never actually worn pinstripes before. Prints, yes. Tailoring, sort of: I love shirting, can appreciate the usefulness of a blazer, and own several pairs of high-waisted trousers. But as far as sharply cut tailored suits go, they aren’t really in my remit. I’ve never felt I’m tall enough to carry one off properly, and have always looked enviously upon anyone who is – although perhaps I’ve just never found ‘The One’.

So with that in mind I’m embarking on a trouser-suit mission, determined to find the ham to my cheese. I was drawn to the relaxed fit of this French Connection one, riffing on its boyishness with a hoodie worn underneath (yes, another Vêtements reference). The blazer is slightly fitted (good for petite figures) and the trousers are wide and slouchy. You could team it with flats, but I cheated a few extra inches with some silver block heels and further subverted its boyishness with a slinky lace slip top (genuinely the most useful basic you can buy). For a sharper take, try a crisp white shirt tucked-in at one side, and left to hang loose down on the other.

If you’re looking for something a bit more feminine there are endless options too, from midi dresses to short skirts, which would look great mixed in with slouchy knits and this season’s white boots. A mannish three-quarter-length coat in navy is perhaps the most classic approach, and very easy to weave into your existing wardrobe.

Forget all connotations of Eighties

power dressing. The new pinstripes are relaxed, undone

and make for great layering

Cotton jacket, £150, and matching trousers, £90, both French Connection. Cotton hoodie, £48, American Apparel. Silk top, £42, Intimissimi. Rings, Harriet’s own

Pinstripes aren’t only for tailoring. Just add white skate shoes to this asymmetric dress. Cotton-mix dress, £400, By Malene Birger

Wear this waistcoat on its own or over a T-shirt, paired with true blue denims. Cotton-mix waistcoat, £50, River Island

Don’t be alarmed by a bralet. Think of it as a shape definer and layer over a loose shirt or tee. Wool-crepe bralet, £295, Joseph. Silk-crepe shirt, £89, Hobbs

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