Wardrobe Oxygen: The Multi-functional Black Pantsuit

I believe that every woman, regardless of her career (or lack of one) should own a black pantsuit of  simple cut, quality fabric, classic silhouette.

A simple black pantsuit will be your best friend when you have a last-minute public speaking engagement or job interview, however that is not where a black pantsuit stops being useful. Switch out a button-down shirt and pumps for a silky camisole and strappy heels and you have an ensemble appropriate for a cocktail party or hot date. With a ruffly pastel blouse and snakeskin heels, your black work suit is now lovely for a luncheon or daytime wedding. Pair the blazer with jeans for a classic Casual Friday look or with a sheath dress for a switch to the classic corporate attire; the trousers can be paired with most anything in your wardrobe for a look that is appropriate for day or night. Once you own a simple black suit, you will be amazed at how many events in your life warrant its existence.

I acquired my black pantsuit piece by piece by scouring the clearance racks of Ann Taylor and shopping when they had a promotion or I had a coupon--the blazer one season, the trousers another--a complete suit for less than $75 when it originally would have cost more like $500. I know Ann Taylor is a brand that fits me well and has a certain fabric they use for their suiting year after year--the silhouette may change but the fabric does not. This means you can have a better chance of slowly building up your suit at a price that makes your wallet happy. Other retailers such as J. Crew, Talbots, New York and Company and Express do the same thing with a signature fabric for their suiting line. As that pantsuits do not change their silhouettes too drastically from year to year, it is also a wise choice to search for suiting at discount retailers like Filene's Basement, TJ Maxx and Marshalls.

When looking for a pantsuit, you want a very classic look--three buttons, single-breasted, straight trousers, fully lined, no fancy buttons or trim. The more simple it is, the more versatile it will be. Make sure the lining hangs well, the waist doesn't dig into your torso, the pants and jacket cuffs are long enough. The important places to look for a good fit is in the shoulders (not tight but not so big it makes you look wider than you are), and it curves in at the small of your back. The rest can be fixed by a seamstress.

Most alterations can be performed by your local dry cleaner--if you haven't used them before for alterations, check out their tailoring skills with a less-costly piece from your wardrobe. They can nip a jacket in that is too full at the torso, shorten sleeves, hem and adjust the waist and hips of trousers. When taking in your suit to be altered, come with the shoes and blouse you plan on wearing with it--this will help the tailor or seamstress give you a custom fit.

Before wearing your suit, be sure to snip the "X" of stitching at the vent at the back of the jacket--these threads are only to keep the suit from being crushed during shipping. If the pockets seem to not work, take a seam-ripper or cuticle scissors to a thread at the pocket--you may find they too were basted shut for transit, but are fully working once opened.

When not being worn, store your suit on proper hangers--a curved hanger will help your jacket keep its shape and support the weight of the garment. Many stores from Target to The Container Store carry hangers specific for suits. A clamped hanger is great for the trousers--hang your pants from the cuffs, with the trousers folded seam-to-seam and this will help the legs of the pants stay wrinkle-free and with a slight crease down the center (elongates the leg).

Many garments state that they are Dry Clean Only but in fact can handle the gentle cycle of your machine--your suit is NOT one of these items. If you wear a shell with your jacket, you should not need to launder your suit after every wear--air it out after each time, use spot-treatments for minor stains, and take to a dry cleaner when really dirty, or at the end of each season. Doing this may seem as though it costs more, but will extend the life of your garments.

No matter the price for your pantsuit, taking good care to ensure it fits like a glove and remains looking like new will preserve your investment and will give you many many years of stylish wear!

Alison Gary has over ten years experience as a personal shopper, stylist, and visual merchandiser. Her blog Wardrobe Oxygen provides fashion advice to all women, regardless of age, size, budget, or lifestyle. She is a full-time working mother, blogger, wife, and frugal fashionista located in the Washington D.C. area.