Getting the ‘Suits’ Look on a Summer Associate’s Budget

Our Shop It To Me team is obsessed with “Suits,” the USA Network and Universal Cable Productions hit series. In honesty, we tune into this addictive legal drama as much for the incredible clothing as for the kickass characters and sizzling dialogue.

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Photo credit USA Network and Universal Cable Productions

Because we lust after Jessica’s (Gina Torres) Giambattista Valli dresses and Rachel’s (Meghan Markle) Alexander McQueen pencil skirts, we sought out Jolie Andreatta, the show’s costume designer, to learn how to get the look she uses to tell the Suits story.

**SITM:  We drool over Jessica, Rachel and Donna’s amazing wardrobes. Any advice for summer associates who are just starting out? **

JA: Start with a pencil skirt — a few if you can afford it – because it will never go out of style. You just have to find the right proportion: for the show, we like the below-the-knee length.  Add a classic white shirt, and any kind of jewelry — like a statement necklace or a locket — and you are ready to fit in anywhere.

SITM:  What type of shoes and bags should we invest our hard-earned cash in this summer?

JA:  It’s important to invest in quality shoes! You’re wearing them a lot, so it’s worth it to spend the money. You need black, but I love a sexy brown pump.

I buy beautiful bags for the show, especially Prada. If you can only afford to purchase one bag, go for a medium-sized bag–something big enough to slip an 8×10 file and your flats into. As for color, I love, love, love taupe. It’s fresher than black and can go from winter to summer.

**SITM: Any suggestions on how to achieve the Suits look without breaking the bank? **

JA: Services like Shop It To Me, that find beautiful designers like Dsquared2, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Reed Krakoff and Rachel Comey on sale in your size. Consignment stores–like The Cat’s Meow or Revival Couture in Toronto, where we shoot, or Decades in LA. Zara—for insane knockoffs of designer stuff. The Room, at Hudson’s Bay, also in Toronto is another of my favorite haunts.

Learn your proportions. I can’t stress this enough for building a great wardrobe. It’s important to try things on and see what works best for your body. Avoid oversized clothing, go with things that are fitted but have a little bit of stretch. Start a file of things you love – cut pictures out or pin things online.  And don’t buy something just because it’s on sale; buy on sale because it’s the right thing!  Especially shoes!  Invest in good quality shoes!

Some of our favorite Suits-inspired picks:

  1. Jimmy Choo Pumps now $277.81
  2. Mulberry Bag now $1,500
  3. Vince Pencil Skirt now $94.99
  4. Ann Taylor Tweed Pencil Skirt now $64.88
  5. Equipment Blouse now $99
  6. J.Crew Pencil Skirt now $79.99
  7. Kenneth Jay Lane Necklace now $78.52
  8. Miu Miu Pumps now $269
  9. Neiman Marcus Tote now $44
  10. Vince Pumps now $191
  11. Ann Taylor Button Down Shirt now $59.99

And don’t forget to watch a new “Suits” tonight, at 9/8C, on USA. It’s never too late to join the firm!