Modern Suiting – Judith & Charles

Suits for women can be so hit or miss. I’ve found that predominately there are two options on the market for women’s suits – bulky ones that fit like men’s suits and so do not flatter our body shapes and ones that I call ‘made for TV’. ‘Made for TV’ suits are those ones that look great on your fictional business women and lawyers (I’m looking at you Rachel from Suits), but are far too low cut, short, or tight to wear to an actual office or work day event.

Thankfully, in the past few years more designers have been coming out with practical, fashionable suits for women. One brand I have found whose praises I cannot sing highly enough is Judith & Charles.

suit: Judith & Charles (sold out at the moment) // metallic oxfords (on sale!) // navy camisole

This gorgeous aubergine pant suit was my first Judith & Charles suit. Judith & Charles, if you don’t know them, is a Canadian based brand (love!) created and designed by husband and wife duo, Judith and Charles.

Before I go on – let me just say this in case there is any confusion: this post is in no way sponsored by Judith & Charles. As always, if I work with a brand on a post you will always be made aware of that. In the first few paragraphs I will also say something like “thank you to brand xyz” for collaborating on this post. That is not the case with this post, I am just bringing you my review of Judith & Charles because if you are a working woman, you need to know this amazing brand.

*photos by May Minard

Judith & Charles describe their brand as “feminine softness and strength” integrated with “inspirations of well-structured menswear”.

…. Ie. they’ve basically summarized my entire fashion mantra into one sentence. 🙌

They also manufacture & design 80% of their collection right here in Canada – which gives me a lot more comfort in supporting them knowing that they are paying fair wages, ensuring safe work conditions, etc. The price point for Judith & Charles is by no means cheap; but knowing that I am supporting a brand who is producing garments in a positive way makes me personally comfortable with a higher price point.

This aubergine suit is definitely my favorite set from Judith & Charles. I love the longline of the blazer and the slim leg pants. The aubergine color is also a nice change from the sea of black and navy in women’s suiting.

To stick with the menswear inspired look of this pant suit, I opted to style it with metallic oxfords instead of heels. If you’ve been around LLB for a while, you know that I am a major heels woman. (Hence this entire guide ranking the most comfortable heels to wear to work). It is really unusual for me to not wear heels, but oxfords are definitely making their way into my wardrobe more and more.

While I’m still not a fan of a basic flats with a work day look / suit I am on board with oxfords. Oxfords are a great option if you are trying to branch out in your shoe collection and wear to work looks! Plus these metallic oxfords are currently on sale for 60% off, making them under $70!

Last thing about Judith & Charles – let’s chat about the fit of their clothes.

I find that Judith & Charles clothing fits ‘true to size’ without the ‘vanity sizing’ that many brands now employ. Ie. in brands like J Crew or Banana Republic I am 4. I know that I am not a ‘true 4’ but that fashion designers/brands have started labeling their clothing with this vanity sizing so in most affordable fashion brands I am a 4.

In Judith & Charles I am a 6/8. This blazer is a perfect ‘true to size’ 6. I’m also wearing a 6 in the pants, but if they did not come with a long line blazer I probably would have sized up to an 8, as they are quite tight through the thigh/butt.

Overall: when shopping Judith & Charles go up one size from your standard in stores like J Crew, etc., but stay true to size of higher end suit designers like Theory. One thing I do find a bit difficult with Judith & Charles fitting is that their pieces seem to be designed for more straight body shaped women. As someone with a lot of curves, their dresses are great but their suits (like these pants) do require sizing up one more size.

If you are interested in shopping Judith & Charles, you can do so on their website, but they also sell in Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom online. Below are my favorite Judith & Charles pieces that are currently available:

If you have any questions about fit or anything I can answer, please let me know in the comments below! Have a great day at work everyone!