The Suit, Reimagined
We have spent decades watching tailoring move in and out of fashion, and we can tell you the suit is having a moment again, just not in its old form. The suit used to mean one thing: office wear, a set jacket and trouser, worn the same way every day. That rule does not apply anymore. The rules have relaxed, and that is what makes suiting interesting again.
Break Up The Set
The biggest shift we point customers toward is separation. A Marella by MaxMara blazer no longer needs to be worn with its matching trouser. We often suggest pairing a tailored jacket with a simple knit and jeans, or matching trousers from one suit with a soft, unstructured top instead of a shirt. Once you stop treating a suit as a fixed set, you get twice the wardrobe out of it.
Fabric Over Formality
Fabric choice matters more than people expect. We both notice that a wool or wool blend suit in a slightly softer construction, rather than a stiff, heavily interfaced one, moves better on the body and suits both a boardroom and a long lunch. Marella Sport offers a more relaxed take on tailoring for exactly this kind of flexibility, while Marella ART 365 pieces are built to travel well and hold their shape through a full day.
Texture Changes Everything
Texture is where 2026 tailoring earns its point of difference. We like pairing a smooth wool trouser with a textured Gran Sasso knit rather than a traditional shirt, which softens the formality of a suit without losing its structure. A suit does not need to look severe. The right knit underneath changes the whole feeling of it.
The Finishing Details
Accessories finish the look. A leather Anderson belt in a colour that contrasts gently with the suit, rather than matching it exactly, adds a considered touch that customers often overlook. Jimmy Choo sunglasses do similar work for a daytime look worn outside the office.
Fit Is Non-Negotiable
Above all, fit remains non negotiable. You can update every other rule, but a suit that does not fit will never look modern, no matter the year.
Christine Davis, Lejose Fashion House
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to wear the jacket and trousers together?
Not anymore. Separating a suit into its individual pieces and mixing them with knitwear or other separates is one of the easiest ways to modernise tailoring.
What fabric weight suits Auckland's climate best?
A mid weight wool or wool blend works year round here, light enough for warmer months and substantial enough to layer in winter.
Can a suit be worn casually?
Yes. Pairing a blazer with a knit top or trainers instead of a shirt and formal shoes softens the look considerably while keeping the structure of the tailoring.
How do I know if a suit fits properly?
The shoulder seam should sit exactly at the edge of your shoulder, the jacket should close without pulling, and the trouser should skim rather than cling. We are always happy to check this for you in-store.