Single-breasted: Single-breasted suits provide a stylise look that will work with men and women of any size. It is a slimming look for both business and formal occasions.
Double-breasted: Double-breasted suits will always be stylish, and they can look very distinguished. The only people who may want to avoid double-breasted suits are young men and women, who may be overpowered by the width, and customers who want to avoid looking wider.
If you opt for a single-breasted suit, you'll need to decide how many buttons you want.
One button: If you are going for a retro look, then a one button suit will look very cool. If you only plan to have a few suits in your wardrobe, this may not be the choice for you since it lacks versatility. One button suits can look very good on women's suits however, particularly 'cropped' jackets.
Two buttons: Double buttoned suits are a classic and look good on nearly everyone. You can't go wrong with a two button suit as long as you wear it with the top button buttoned only.
Three buttons: Three button suits have become popular in the last few years and are now widely available. Wear these with either the middle button buttoned or the top two buttons buttoned.
Peaked lapels: Peaked lapels (which look like an upside down "V" at the tops of the lapels) are more common on double-breasted suits, or as a way of adding 'formality' to a single-breasted suit.
Notch: Notch lapels (which have a cut-out "V" on the sides of the lapels) are common on single-breasted suits and suit all occasions.
Shawl: Shawl lapels are not very common but can give a softer feel to a jacket, rather than the hard lines of a notch or peak lapel, a shawl lapel is rounded all the way down and is suited to more casual suits or 'smoking' jackets.
The opening at the back of the jacket is called a "vent", and you have a few styles to choose from.
Side vent: Side vents are the most functional because they allow you to sit and stand up with the least amount of restriction. This style is also very flattering.
Single vent:The single centre-back vent is a typical American suit style that allows for moderate movement.
No vent: Classic Hollywood actors often worse sits without vents because they look good on film. However, unless you are very slim, it can be restrictive while sitting in a car or at a desk.
The fit selected can affect how the jacket looks when buttoned.
European 'slim' fit: This European style fits closely around the waist and has a slightly narrower shoulder. A 'slim fit' suit looks more tailored and may be more flattering for customers.
American 'regular' fit: The suit jacket falls straight from the underarm to the hem. This fit is better for larger sizes, whether as a result of muscles or weight.
Boot cut: Generally boot cut pants are used by women who want to accentuate the shape of their legs by having a slight flare at the cuff off the pants. Goes particularly well with a high-heel shoe/stiletto.
Straight cut: The most common trouser style with a suit, the straight cut is just that, cut straight all the way down. Looks good on both men and women and due to its classic look, will never go out of style.
Skinny cut: The skinny cut is a modern style that is being worn by younger generations. It tapers towards the cuff of the trouser to give a 'tighter' more streamlined look. Couples well with a European fit jacket, but should never be worn with an American fit.
Miniskirt: Generally worn by the younger crowd, the miniskirt can be worn both by itself or with an accompanying jacket in a suit fabric. While this type of skirt can look professional with a hint of sexy, it is not recommended to be worn to job interviews. Save this one for after the job has been landed!
Pencil skirt: The pencil skirt is a staple for any professional woman's closet — and rightly so. A well-tailored pencil skirt looks sexy and professional at the same time.
Often paired with a suit jacket, a pencil skirt in a suiting fabric is appropriate for business formal dressing, and an appropriate top would be a formal button-down shirt or a silk shell to be worn underneath.
Tuxedo skirt: A great skirt to wear when you want to look professional but still stand out from the crowd. The tuxedo skirt is perfect for all sizes and ages and looks great with boots or heels. Its versatility means that you are prepared for the working day as well as ready for after-work drinks on a Friday too!