Why You Need a Cocktail Pantsuit

Hey there, my fellow grown-ass women. Do you have occasions coming up where you need to be dressed up and don't want to deal with heels and hose and Spanx and cold legs and entering and exiting cars in a graceful manner and having the right coat for the length of you skirt? Same, friend. Same. That's why I love a cocktail pantsuit. They're comfortable, stylish beyond one season, very chic right now, and it's, IMO, why you need a cocktail pantsuit.

Halloween hasn't even happened, yet stores are slowly seeking out occasionwear for all the social events between Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve. Usually, the first items to be shared from retailers' holiday fashion are cocktail pantsuits.

Why You Need a Cocktail Pantsuit

Back in the day, a cocktail pantsuit for women was usually a three-piece set of crepe or chiffon-overlay palazzo pants, a beaded shell, and then a “jacket” of beaded chiffon. But these days? There are far more variety, style, color, and options, whatever your personal style. What's great about a cocktail pantsuit is it can be dressed up and down, used as separates, and is more likely to look appropriate beyond the month of December.

Where to Buy a Cocktail Pantsuit for Women

I am already on the hunt for a new cocktail pantsuit so I wanted to share the top 10 cocktail pantsuit winners I have found recently in misses, petite, plus, and tall options, along with styling tips. These are in alphabetical order by retailer name, and when applicable, I share photos of me or other individuals not modeling for the company wearing the cocktail pantsuits.

Ann Taylor Fluid Crepe Suiting Collection

Fluid Crepe is one of those super versatile fabrics that can be dressed down with sneakers and a blazer or glam up with heels and sparkly jewelry. It's not too heavy for early summer but also looks at home in the dead of winter.

collarless “cutaway” blazer | wide leg trousers (curvy fit option) | skirt | dress | belted blazer | straight leg trousers
All pieces are available in Misses to 18 and Petite to 16

This season, Ann Taylor has their Fluid Crepe suiting separates in a color called Gingham Red. It is that perfect lipstick red that feels holiday in December or February but can also be paired with navy, ivory, black, white, olive, hot pink, and berry to create a completely different effect the other 10 months of the year. Even better, pieces of the Ann Taylor Fluid Crepe are machine washable! I added the skirt and dress because if this is a color or fabric you like, you can create a mini capsule wardrobe to mix and match.

• Wrap blazer and either style of trousers with black mesh turtleneck and sleek black ankle boots or leopard kitten heels.
• Cutaway blazer with either trousers and white button-front shirt, loafers or oxfords, and a brooch in place of a tie
• Wrap blazer, wide trousers, velvet smoking slippers, and a scoop-neck silky or velvet tank. Go with black, or use shades of pink or purple
• Cutaway blazer with trousers or skirt and a printed blouse and black pumps or flats
• Wrap blazer, ankle trousers, metallic heeled sandals, and silky camisole in black, red, even green or the same metallic as the shoes
• Shift dress or skirt with cutaway blazer, black tights and boots
• Shift dress over a white button-front shirt or black turtleneck with black tights and boots
• Shift dress with a red cardigan with sparkly buttons and dressy heels
• Blazer with denim trousers and a Breton striped shirt and trendy sneakers
• Trousers with cashmere sweater and ankle boots or loafers
• Trousers with black “going out top” and ankle boots or pumps

These are just a few ideas on how to style this type of suiting. These ideas would also work for other colors and similar suiting fabrics that have drape and a dressier finish as well as the other cocktail pantsuits featured below.

Ann Taylor Satin Suiting

I own two satin pantsuits from Ann Taylor. Each season, it seems Ann Taylor has a variation of a satin pantsuit in a different color, a different cut of blazer, a pull-on trouser one time and a proper button and fly the next. I was hoping Ann would have one this season in a festive color and I love the red! This is suiting in a weight that can be worn all year long.

blazer | trousers
Both pieces are available in Misses to 18 and Petite to 16

And did I mention that it is machine washable? Yes, even the blazer can be washed (though it will need a good steaming and ironing after to reset the shape). The color is also Gingham Red like the suit above which means lots of c coordinating separates. My favorites to wear with this suit or the pants alone: this boatneck (with a metallic belt and flats), this shirt (with pants or whole suit), this top with the pants, and this tie neck top under the suit.

A few ways I have worn my satin pantsuits from Ann Taylor: buttoned up with a strategic safety pin and just a plain black satin bra, with a mesh crewneck and matching bra, with a Breton striped fitted knit top, with a camisole Ann carried the same season of the same color/fabric, with a Chico's microfiber tank in a complementary color, the pants with a cashmere turtleneck in the same color, the blazer with a fitted turtleneck, coated/faux leather jeans, and ankle booties.

CityChic Suiting

CityChic is known for dresses and tops, but the plus size fashion retailer (sizes 12-24) also carries suiting separates that can be dressed up for cocktail occasions. This season, CityChic has two options I think could make good cocktail pantsuits: the belted Yasmine jacket and matching pants, and the oversized Alexis blazer and matching pants.

double-breasted jacket (pink and black) | matching trousers | belted jacket (navy and black) | matching trousers
All pieces are available in plus sizes 12-24

Both suits in black, with the Yasmine also in navy and the Alexis also in hot pink. I think to make these suits feel like cocktail, accessorizing is necessary. Choose a shell or camisole in a silky, shiny, or bedazzled fabric. Whether they are flats or heels, your shoes should be of a dr4essy fabric (satin, velvet, metallic, rhinestones). A clutch purse instantly makes a look feel “after five,” and some sparkle at the ears will finish the look!

Eloquii x Kate Spade Lady Tux

This season, Kate Spade and Eloquii partnered for a collection of occasionwear in sizes 14-32, and within the collection is a “Lady Tux” of a double-breasted tuxedo jacket and matching wide-leg trousers that look super chic yet relatively timeless. But hurry as this collection was restocked, but supplies are limited and it won't be around forever.

jacket | trousers
Both pieces are available in plus sizes 14-32

There was a big influencer push on social media for this collaboration, and I saw folks wear it buttoned up with no visible base layer, but also opened the jacket and paired it with this white bow blouse, a silky camisole, a black silky button-front shirt, a strappy bra, and this strapless statement top.

I could also see it open with a white t-shirt and sneakers, with a black sequined tank, and with both pieces being tailored, I bet they would look good as separates (imagine the blazer styled with faux leather slim pants, a pair of white jeans, high-waisted denim flares…).

J. Crew Tuxedo Wool Suiting

J. Crew is one of the first places I go to when seeking occasionwear, and this retailer often has one or two cocktail pantsuits each holiday season. This season, J. Crew has a collection of pieces in tuxedo wool that would make a stylish and timeless lady tux or cocktail pantsuit.

double-breasted blazer | shrunken blazer | straight trousers | wide-leg trousers
All pieces are available in Misses 00-24 with the blazers also available in 000 and the pants in Petite 00-12 and Tall 0-16

Offering a double-breasted blazer in two colors, straight-leg trousers in three colors, and a shrunken blazer and pair of wide-leg trousers in black, you can create a “Lady Tux” to your specifications. I am partial to all black as it will prove the most versatile and classic. This is a three-season fabric, not appropriate for summer or very warm climates. With the double-breasted jacket, I would wear it closed with the straight pants and either open or closed with the wide-leg. The shrunken blazer can be open or closed. I would style it with a black camisole or shell in a dressy fabric (sequin, beads, silk, satin, lace) and shoes can go from patent loafers to metallic strappy heels.

J. Crew Velvet Blazer and Trousers

I love a velvet pantsuit; while together it screams winter, the pieces work great as separates and the fabric can glam up or dress down with a change of shoes and base layer. To create a velvet cocktail pantsuit, J. Crew has the Alexandra Blazer and Kate Slim-Fit Pant, both available in four colors of velvet.

Blazer | Pants
Both pieces are available in Misses 00-24, Petite 00-12, and Tall 0-16 (the blazer is available up to 20 Tall)

Sure, black is classic but the lilac, navy, and dark green options are also super chic and fun without being corny. Style with one of J. Crew's lightweight cashmere sweaters or tissue turtlenecks in the same color, pair with a crisp white shirt and add a black ribbon bow at the neck, even consider a denim shirt underneath with a blingy bolo tie or an extra button unbuttoned. Style the pants with a sweater in a complementary color; the blazer will look chic with denim trousers and a lightweight knit top or sparkly tee.

LOFT Red Velvet Blazer and Trousers

Spoiler alert, I am totally getting this red velvet double-breasted blazer and matching trousers from LOFT. I see so much potential! Both pieces are available in Misses to 18 and Petite to 16.

blazer | trousers
All pieces are available in Misses to 18 and Petite to 16

The blazer with jeans and a Breton striped top and sneakers, the suit with a black turtleneck and booties (similar concept to this red pantsuit). The pants with a denim or chambray shirt and leopard calfhair belt. The suit with a low-cut camisole or just a very simple black bra and metallic ankle boots. The pants with a pink silk or satin blouse. The blazer with a floaty midi skirt and Mary Jane flats. I could go on and on…

Talbots Velveteen Suiting Collection

Talbots has been a favorite of mine for years when it comes to a “Lady Tux” or cocktail suiting. And this year's holiday collection does not disappoint. I am in love with the Talbots velveteen suiting (spoil alert, it will be featured in an upcoming capsule wardrobe!).

green blazer | indigo blazer | coordinating pants
All pieces are available in Misses to 18, Petite to 16, Plus to 24, and Petite Plus to 22

Available in Highland Green and Indigo Blue, the pieces aren't so shiny and velvety that they only look appropriate for winter occasions, but they still give off a dressy appearance.

• The suit together with a base layer in the same color (the Highland Green embellished crewneck or cashmere crew or the Indigo Blue ribbed turtleneck or soft satin charmeuse shirt)
• The pants with a sweater or blouse in a different shade of the same color; for example the green trousers with the Sharp Green cashmere v-neck or the indigo trousers with the Audrey sweater in Radiant Sapphire
• The blazer with a black shell, black trousers, and black shoes. pick up the color with your bag; for example this satin bag in Radiant Sapphire (very similar to the indigo, just brighter) or these earrings in green.
• Dress the suit down with sneakers and a graphic or Breton tee
• Switch out the blazer for a denim jacket or leather blazer
• Switch out the trousers for a high-waisted pair of jeans (I own these flares and find them pretty awesome; if in doubt size down)
• Style the blazer with a fitted turtleneck, pleated midi skirt, and boots

Talbots Stretch Crepe Lady Tux

Back in 2017, I did a paid campaign with Talbots where I was able to pick a holiday look and chose a stretch crepe “Lady Tux.” I styled it in 2019 with a crisp white shirt, another time with a cashmere turtleneck, with a black camisole, and even styled it with just a black bra. And I still own that suit. Not only is it versatile of a style, that stretch crepe offers comfort and bounce-back so it remains fitting and looking nice all night long.

This year, Talbots again has a Lady Tux in stretch crepe. It is available in black with an ivory lapel, or all ivory. I think both options are chic; the black will be one you can wear to an evening wedding but the ivory one is such an elegant option year-round. I can't recommend Talbots stretch crepe suiting enough (and if you own some from previous years, it likely will mix and match with this year's pieces).

Jacket | Pants
Both pieces are available in Misses to 18, Petite to 16, Plus to 24, and Petite Plus to 22

As I show in the links above, a lady tux like this can be extremely versatile. Beyond how I've styled mine with a blouse, a camisole, a turtleneck, and a crisp white shirt, it would be chic with a sequin or beaded shell in the color of the suit, with a pussy bow or ruffle placket blouse, a sheer mesh turtleneck, and even a graphic tee (great choice when wearing the suit to a fundraiser or charity event). The ankle-length pants mean you can wear flats, kitten heels, or stilettos, open-toe or closed. And proof from my 7-year-old Talbots Lady Tux that won't be leaving my closet any time soon, it's a choice that will remain stylish for years to come.

Wildfang Empower Suiting

Wildfang is a queer and woman-founded brand that breaks the binary fashion rules. And Wildfang is a fantastic place to find pantsuits that look as cool as they fit. Available in XS-4X or 0-30W with tall options, Wildfang carries its Empower suiting collection all year long but occasionally gifts us with new options in colors and fabrics like the current plum velveteen options perfect for the holidays and beyond.

tux jacket | vest | trousers
Blazer and vest available in XS-4X and pants available in 0-30W with tall options

The Empower collection from Wildfang has a range of jackets, pants, and even base layers to create the cocktail pantsuit of your dreams. However, I am partial to the Empower Tux Blazer, Empower Trousers, and for a bit of extra style, the coordinating Empower Vest. And check out Wildfang for coordinating base layers; I am partial to the button-up and the tuxedo button-up.