vcb VINTAGE: Happy Birthday, Three-Piece Suit!

Well dressed men (and women embracing the menswear trend) light a candle and sing happy birthday because the three-piece suit turns 347 years old today!

King Charles II issued a declaration on October 7, 1666 that his court was to wear what was known as a vest, based on Persian styles. The waistcoat put an emphasis on fabrication and cut, rather than the busy visual attention ruffles and elaborated detailing which dominated the most popular European fashion at the time. Prior to the Restoration, Charles had spent his exile in France spending much time in the court of Louis XIV in Versailles. When the monarchy was restored and Charles welcomed back to the throne, he knew he and his courtiers could not come back to an England that had suffered through war, plague, and dictatorship with the flashy and foppish fashions dominating The Sun King's court.

In addition to restoring England, we have Charles II to thank for what eventually morphed into the modern day suit. The Victorians deserve credit for shortening and shaping the waistcoat and for trading the fussy pantaloons for what is close to our modern day trousers.

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Albeit the standard for hundreds of years, post World War II took the three-piece suit out of American fashion. While scary concepts like recession and business casual offices continue to threaten its existence, happily the three-piece suit is making a come back! Countless well-dressed celebrities are photographed in them and modern choices abound, such as the ones below:

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And ladies, it's time to take part as well! Erase the thought of the hideous 90s power suit and embrace the continuing menswear trend.

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And the three-piece suit can go feminine:

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While plentiful vintage choices do exist, sizing could be an issue. Taller or larger men will find a challenge for sleeve and pant legs in a proper fit. Specialty vintage shops can assist you but the cost can be high. Otherwise, if you opt for a new suit, select made to measure or a brand that is vintage inspired, such as Paul Stuart. Opt for vintage fabric classics like tweeds or chalk stripes.

All fabulous and vintage inspired new suits

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Ladies may have more luck - small sized suits will stick around thrift and vintage shops. Wearing it all together can feel costumey, but as long as you own the look, it would fit the right occasion.

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Or, take a jacket and vest that fit you and discard the pants. Wear them with denim or leggings for a look that could go edgy or relaxed, depending on the suit fabric.