The Skinny on Suits

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A suit is one of the most versatile--and probably one of the most expensive--pieces in a woman's wardrobe. Work, church, speaking engagements, club meetings, and even out for a special night on the town are all possibilities for a suit, which lasts for years if well cared for.

The Favorite Suit--Black and Slimming

Ask women to name their favorite suit, and as often as not she'll tell you it's black, and that it makes her look slimmer. It's an incredibly versatile investment--one woman says she can wear it to lunch with her friends who have all morning to get dressed, then with a funky, younger crowd, and then with her most conservative male clients.

In addition to the slimming effects mentioned above, the right black suit camoflages stains, looks equally chic and professional, mixes with anything, and transcends the seasons. You can even wear it to most weddings.

Shopping for a New Suit

We've all had at least one suit disaster--maybe the leopard-print and gold trim suit that seemed like a good idea at the time, but made you feel like Catwoman on a bad day when you got it home, or the fuschia one with the peplum and the big skirt? Fuschia?! Here are some tips for finding a suit that's current, practical, and absolutely smashing.

Look for small shoulder pads (or none at all, if you have a broad shoulder line). Larger, fullback style cuts are dated, but shoulders usually need a little bit of padding in order to fit well.

• Pay attention to cut and fit. The key word is fitted--even longer jackets look best if they're nipped in slightly at the waist.

• Sleeves should come to just past your wrist.

• Armholes should be roomy enough to comfortably fit a flat-knit sweater beneath, but not much bigger, or you'll look lost in it.

• Skirts should be slightly tapered, or A-line--the boxy, rectangular fit can look dowdy--especially if it hits at mid-calf.

• For pants lengths, fuller trousers look better if they break on the top of your instep; tapered pants should be slightly shorter.

Choose a substantial fabric. Acrylic and wool are often blended with spandex, which helps the material retain its shape and adds life to your investment. Crepe in any fabric hang well and flatter just about all body types.

Avoid gimmicks that will date your suit--appliques, voluptuous peplums, any exaggerated feature. One standout, elegant detail is plenty.

How Many Suits Do You Own?

A Glamour magazine survey found most women between nine and fourteen suits (including pantsuits). Most fall into three categories:

Old Reliables--suits you wear at least once a week

Special Occasion Stunners--those you save lovingly for big events

Virtually Unwearables--those you consider embarrassing mistakes, those you hope come back in style, or those in a size you no longer are. Come on. Let's clean out that closet and get rid of this last category. Organizations like Dress for Success recycle good suits as interview wear for low-income women struggling to improve their lives.