By Gracia Phang – published
In the ’60s, Yves Saint Laurent created the Le Smoking suit, which overturned the norms of masculine and feminine dressing. With that blurring between menswear and womenswear in mind, we took our cues from classic silhouettes of tailored three-piece suits, crisp button-downs and timeless extras, and gave them a cool-girl twist for 2025. The subtle details—a slight upturn of the cuffs, a flick of the collar, a cinch at the waist, an heirloom-worthy brooch—add character and nuance to create the perfect balance of masculinity and sensuality.
Up ahead, six essentials to nailing the look.
Related Article: 15 Spring/Summer 2025 Trends You Need To Know
1. The Pastel Button-down
Blazer; trousers, Ferragamo. Shirt, COS. Belt, Ralph Lauren.
Photo: Joel Low
Offset the formalness of a pantsuit with sweet powdery hues—which, might we add, pink sits very well with brown. Up your game by opting for button-downs with subtle yet interesting details such as cheeky bra details and an asymmetrical closure. Sweet and sharp is what you’re aiming for, and these shirts will make sure you’re killing it, girl.
The Pablo Shirt, about $1,102, Jacquemus
Photo: Courtesy of Jacquemus
Photo: Courtesy of Club21
Photo: Courtesy of Jil Sander
2. The Floral Brooch
Blazer; shirt, Ralph Lauren. Vest, & Other Stories. Trousers, Coach. Boots, Prada. Brooch, Risis.
Photo: Joel Low
There’s no denying that brooches are having a major moment; from the runways (both men’s and women’s), to the Met Gala, and, of course, fashion insiders on the streets. Opt for a floral version for a feminine-yet-timeless touch that provides the perfect contrast on a three-piece suit. The best part? You can pin it in more ways than one, from on your lapel to as a necktie.
Aranthera and Wee Kim Lian Orchid Brooch, $290, Risis
Aranthera and Wee Kim Lian Orchid Brooch, $290, Risis
Photo: Courtesy of Risis
SG60 Majestic Phalaenopsis Orchid Brooch in Gold and Palladium,$600, Risis
Photo: Courtesy of Risis
3. The Dressed-Up Blazer
Blazer; top, CELINE. Vest, COS. Skirt, Dior. Bag, Coach.
Photo: Joel Low
While earthy and muted-toned blazers will never go out of style, a fancy number is a must in your arsenal for a soiree, or just because. Impeccably tailored and peppered with intricate details only known to its wearer, throwing it on will make you feel as if you’ve got superpowers. Wear yours as a suit set for double the impact, or style it with a leather mini and boots or loafers for a badass vibe.
Metallic Striped Wool-twill Blazer, about $3,911, McQueen at Net-a-Porter
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Single-breasted Wool Blazer, $2,001, Balmain at Farfetch
Photo: Courtesy of Farfetch
Jacket in Prince of Wales Wool, $4,900, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello
Photo: Courtesy of Saint Laurent
4. The Statement Frames
Blazer, H&M. Shirt, Ralph Lauren. Polo top, Tory Burch. Trousers, CELINE. Glasses, Oliver Peoples. Belt, Onitsuka Tiger. Brooch, Risis. Tie, stylist’s own.
Photo: Joel Low
It’s time to bring back those classic black-rimmed and tortoiseshell glasses, because geek-chic is back in season. Go for full-on ’80s corporate power player vibes with a strong-shouldered blazer, crisp button-down shirt, pleated trousers and weighty frames; or do it with cat-eyed frames for a subtle touch of femininity.
Classic Recycled Acetate Cat Eye Eyeglasses, $640, Bottega Veneta
Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
Black Bronson Pilot Blue Block Glasses, about $758, Tom Ford at Ssense
Photo: Courtesy of Bottega Veneta
Prada Runway Sunglasses, $790, Prada
Photo: Courtesy of Prada
5. The Oversized Tailoring
Vest, Hermès. Vest (underneath), COS. Shirt, H&M. Trousers (with attached belt), Tory Burch. Hat, Ralph Lauren. Loafers, Dior. Socks, stylist’s own.
Photo: Joel Low
Tailoring is a key part of the menswear conversation. Evoke boyish charm by styling streamlined separates with oversized pieces for that playful twist on menswear with laidback vibes.
Sleeveless Trench Coat, $403, Caractère at Farfetch
Photo: Courtesy of Farfetch
Pleated Cotton Wide-Leg Trousers, $190, COS
Photo: Courtesy of COS
Gelso Oversized TENCEL Lyocell-blend Blazer, about $560, The Frankie Shop at Net-a-Porter
Photo: Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
6. The Timeless Tie
Shirt, CELINE. Top (worn underneath), Ralph Lauren. Shorts, COS. Tie, Hermès. Loafers, Miu Miu.
Photo: Joel Low
It’s 2025: time to swap your necklaces for a necktie. Take your cue from Bella Hadid and Liu Wen at Saint Laurent’s spring/summer 2025 runway show for that ‘80s vibe with strong and subdued yet playful styles—think stripes and polka dots. Or take it from Ayo Edebiri in her Loewe fit, paying tribute to Julia Roberts’ iconic 1990 Golden Globes’ look. Do yours without a full pant-suit situation by simply styling a crisp shirt and tailored bermuda shorts, with your tie tucked in—a more casual and nonchalant, cool girl take.
Tonal University Stripe Linen-Cotton Tie, about $485, Thom Browne
Photo: Courtesy of Thom Browne
Check Silk Tie, $360, Burberry
Photo: Courtesy of Burberry
Black Polka Dot Tie, about $400, Tom Ford at Ssense
Photo: Courtesy of Ssense
Photography: Joel Low
Stylist: Gracia Phang
Model: Jule Sanders/ Mannequin
Makeup: Wee Ming using Dior Beauty
Hair: Ken Hong/ Evolve
Photographer’s assistant: Eddie Teo
Stylist’s assistant: Laila Mishazira
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