STYLE AND CULTURE

THE STAR OF PARTY SEASON? THE POWER SUIT

By Flo Bellinger, 3 November 2025

Halloween is behind us, and the festive countdown is officially on. Between office dos, friendly catchups and family gatherings, this busy time of year tends to demand a lot from your wardrobe. And let’s face it, shopping for gifts is enough of a challenge without sweating over your next ensemble.

Skepta at the Burberry runway show | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: Getty

Do you opt for crisp and formal? Colourful and trendy? Is repeating an outfit okay? It’s enough to make you throw the towel in and head for hibernation. But fear not, we caught up with Senior Tailoring Designer John Little Pang – and turns out there’s one must-have piece propping up party season this winter. Straight from the 80s and ready to reclaim its status as life of the shindig, the power suit is your new sartorial secret weapon – a nod to 80s style men everywhere who aren’t afraid to make a statement.

Picture: Getty

'We’re seeing a focus on 70s and 80s-style suiting right now. It’s about classic silhouettes in unexpected shades. Brown instead of black, and subtler fabrics like geometric jacquards or thin metallic yarns' – John Little Pang, Senior Tailoring Designer at ASOS.

Whether you go all-out and oversized or lean more understated, there’s a tailored look for everyone – and they’re sure to turn heads. Keep scrolling if you fancy earning best-dressed credentials (or you’re just out of ideas for your next big outing).

OVERSIZED HERRINGBONE

Topman herringbone suit in stone | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

Topman herringbone suit in stone, £170

When we asked John what silhouettes we should be looking out for this party season, his first response was ‘double-breasted.’ There’s a reason this style has been favoured by icons from Bond to Beckham. It’s timeless, stylish, and makes you look aloof in that ‘I bet he has a really cool job’ kind of way. The only downside to the double-breasted number is its tendency to lean too formal for your regular get-together. That’s where this oversized suit comes in. Balancing the roomy fit with the classic cut makes it feel casual and modern. Plus, the heavyweight herringbone is perfect for this time of year – and a welcome nod to tailoring heritage.

BOXY SILHOUETTES

ASOS DESIGN boxy suit in charcoal twill | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN boxy suit in charcoal twill, £120

‘Wider and tapered trousers are massive right now,’ says John. Much like the aforementioned suit, boxy tailoring is leading the party season pack. We love this charcoal two-piece for both its unexpected shade and striking silhouette. The exaggerated leg feels effortlessly wearable despite the crisp fabric – and we’d happily style these with a plain white T-shirt and trainers for off-duty outings.

ANYTHING BUT BLACK

ASOS DESIGN regular pinstripe suit in navy | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN regular pinstripe suit in navy, £110

According to John, the key to nailing the modern suit – particularly during the festive period – is avoiding classic colours. ‘It’s a good time to experiment with different fabrics and shades, whether it’s swapping black for greys and browns or going all-out with a vibrant palette.' This navy set is the perfect way to branch out if you’re feeling apprehensive. Not only is the dark colour scheme a whisper away from true black, but it also pairs well with pretty much everything. The unique lapel is just a bonus. ‘Matching the colour of your shirt or tee with the suit itself is very on-trend right now,’ says John. We’d style this co-ord with a simple black or navy T-shirt for a more relaxed look that wouldn’t feel out of place at your next dinner party.

SPINS ON PINSTRIPES

ASOS DESIGN metallic pinstripe slim suit in brown | ASOS Style Feed

Picture: ASOS

ASOS DESIGN metallic pinstripe slim suit in brown, £120

Another way to inject some new life into an old favourite is to spice up your pinstripes. On first glance, this might look like a relatively demure suit. But come a little closer and you’ll see a metallic yarn woven through the chocolate brown fabric. This delicious nod to party season is a great way to dip your toes into more expressive dressing – without turning up in something that feels entirely ‘not you’. Plus, it’ll catch the light beautifully while you’re swanning around sipping cocktails and confirming everyone’s assumptions about your impeccable dress sense.