Reader DB asked for light colored summer suits

Now - since this was a question from a personal friend I don't actually have a traditional "question" to put here but the question really got me excited; I am actually going to give her recommendations via e-mail, but the request inspired me to do a post on the subject.  When the weather gets warm but you work in a line of work that requires suits everyday (or even just sometimes), nothing beats a summer weight light suit to keep cool but still give off an air of authority and put-togetherness.  Though I will note that I personally would not wear a light colored suit to court or to an interview (unless the court was a more casual court - like for example probate - where practitioners are there frequently - it seemed the wardrobe for lawyers was maybe slightly more laid back.)  But for meetings or depositions or something a little less formal, they can be a great option.

One last big plus, in my book, is that I think light colored suits can be used as separates MUCH more easily than other suits - I use the jacket from my tan/beige Talbots suit to wear over dresses all the time (see this post from yesterday on Tumblr) and I find the skirt is great for pairing with other jackets or cardigans because it reads as just a neutral tan skirt (which admittedly most black skirts from suits can as well, the jackets are usually the problem.)

Okay - that was a digression that I didn't mean to take - lets move on to the suits!
Linen One-Button Stellita fit Jacket at Brooks Brothers ($328 - all my best suits come from BB [factory outlet though] and I love the color of this suit, pencil skirt is here, its the perfect, conservative tan linen suit for summer.  If you have the cash that is.)
All-Season Stretch Seamed Sheath Dress at Ann Taylor ($99.99 - okay only one size is available currently in the dress - but here's the rest of the "cedar heather" seasonless suiting.  I think the color is lovely for a spring/summer suit for a "serious" office.)
Mario Matteo Women's suit in gray at YOOX ($485 - sizes 4-10 available. I really like this suit because the zoom view on the website shows that there is actual a slight check or herringbone design on it.  It's lovely - though I know nothing about the designer so can't comment on price vs. quality.)
Factory linen suiting blazer in pearl at J-Crew Factory ($111 - most sizes still available - this is the odd situation where this goes with the item next to it.  I personally LOVE the dress/suit combo and this pearl color is beautiful.  I know some people have objections to J-Crew Factory quality (I've never bought there, their stuff doesn't work for my body shape) but this is so lovely maybe its worth the risk?)
Factory linen Button Tab Shift Dress at J-Crew Factory ($96 - I *love* the shape of this dress.  In fact, I'm wearing a Tahari dress today in this exact shape.  Together with the blazer this would make a lovely, lovely suit for meetins, depositions, maybe even court for more casual motions sessions.  I just...love it.  I know quality may be an issue - but the pricing is decent and they're both linen so great for summer.)
Step-Twill Jacket  ($199) to be paired with the Heritage Fit Straight Leg Trousers in Khaki from Talbots ($119 - not shown - I may own this precise suit, I'm not sure, but I like it - the step-twill which you need to zoom in on the website's picture to see is a lovely detail.  Talbot's standard seasonless wool also has a nice tan suit - but I'm not in love with the length of the blazer - unless you happen to be long waisted and then high-six for you.
Linen-blend logo button suit jacket at Calvin Klein ($79.99 - now, I don't wear white suits and I know a lot of people won't wear full white suits, but this blazer is lovely.  I love the structure and the way the bottom curves outward and the lapel is lovely.  These are the pants meant for the suit and the jacket also comes in a one-button varietal.  Honestly though, I'd wear this as a separate, either with something safe like navy trousers or to turn up the volume a bit, these red logo linen pants that go with the same suit, but in red.  The combo would be fab I think.)
St. John's Collection Fitted Tweed Jacket and Pencil Skirt in lilac multi at Nordtroms ($ALOT$ - but what is life if we can't fantisize about owning a fabulous tweed, purple suit?  Really?)
Tahari ASL Two Piece Pants Suit with shawl collar at Lord & Taylor ($125.99 - the colors are listed as ivory and beige, though it reads darker and the jacket is linen but pants are poly - though that may be a good way to avoid pant wrinkles while still staying cooler.  This suit is sort of suit separates really, but I liked it so much I picked it anyway - and shawl collars are great for my bustier ladies.
Tan-Tor Seamed One Button Jacket and Seamed Pencil Skirt at Reiss - US ($360/$180 - if you had told me a year ago that I'd be taking you to the nearest mental institution to be checked out.  But this is beautiful and for the long of waist it would look amazing - there are pants as well btw.  I think its also a nice way for younger persons to rock the colored suit; plus, each separate would be GREAT on its own.  Basically, high five Reiss - well done achieving the near impossible of making me want a SALMON suit.)
Anne Klein Suit, Four Button at Macy's ($139.99 on-sale - available in all sizes up to 14 - I don't personally like four button suits, but I know for those who do, they are very hard to find.  My biggest worry with this suit is it may be polyester - so it may not breathe great for summer but the price might be worth it.  Also I swear I don't work for Macy's but they're having a suit sale this week.)
Summer Wave Suit Skirt from White House Black Market ($88 - available in all sizes up to 16.  I'm highlighting the skirt in this suit because I love the piping on it that gives it interest.  The blazer with this suit is a little - odd - like what you might wear to a business formal safari where you'd be the most boringly dressed person there? Maybe I'm being harsh - has anyone tried it on?
Tahari by ASL Chain Trim Tweed jacket and skirt at Macy's ($114.99 - this may be the item that makes you all think I've gone batty, but this pink and white tweed is lovely.  And I amazingly (mind-blowingly frankly) love how the chain trim is executed here.  It is delicate and worn with minimal gold jewelry and nude or brown or light peach/pink shoes, I think it adds interest to a conservative suit.)  
So that's all she wrote for now folks.  Go forth and lawyer or doctor or banker or computer/civil/mechanical engineer (or robotics...can't forget them or a friend of mine from college would be sad) or politic or activist in nice light colored suits for summer.  Because here's my thing about light colored suits - and actually all slightly non-traditional clothing choices - especially for younger women.  I think bright colors and big jewelry, as long as its still within the professional sphere, is a huge powerplay for a professional woman.  It says "I'm here, I'm me, I wear feminine/androgynous/colorful/punky clothes, and I'm still going to kick your ass because I'm better than you."  

Anyway - that's my theory.  Wear what you want with enough confidence - following the basic rules of decency and dressing to flatter as best you can - and you will be perceived as more powerful.  At least in my experience.  I L.O.V.E. seeing female execs or partners or whatever who rock fashionable chic looks that are just a little edgy* - it works for me.  Does it work for you dear readers?  Let me know in the comments.

And by "edgy" here I don't mean the shameful display of "punk rock fashion" that we all saw at the Met Ball - I mean business execs or partners at law firms who have wardrobes that are just outside the "business" norm - so they don't wear all black, navy, and gray or they DO wear all black, navy, and gray but in interesting ways - and they have fabulous or artsy or hippie jewelry.  And they wear interesting shoes.  That sort of thing.  Things that differentiate their wardrobe from the corporate uniform.  I love it. Especially when it tells me something about them as a person.



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