Jolie sources much of the cast’s wardrobe from vintage and department stores in Toronto, where Suits is filmed, and makes trips to New York and Los Angeles, visiting consignment stores for one-off pieces and details like ties, cufflinks, collars or shoes that make the characters feel invested, she says. “It’s harder and harder to find really great pieces but I scour those stores all the time to see what’s different, to see what I’ve missed.”
For the women on Suits, Andreatta says she uses a lot of consignments. “The clothes are recycled, which is wonderful, and they’re insanely good quality. I find Dior, Chanel—and I use a lot of it—but it’s consignment.”
Andreatta suggests scouring vintage stores and online sites to add personality and to find designer pieces at a fraction of the cost. “Never be afraid of tailoring: Don’t be afraid to take it in and cut it up. If a jacket is too long, don’t be afraid to cut 5 inches out of it. Or you could cut a lapel down” to update a look and fit, she says.
Andreatta began her career styling attorneys more than 20 years ago, when she and a friend would take racks of clothes into law firms and talent agencies. She says times have changed—the palette has expanded, allowing lawyers more license to inject fun elements into their wardrobes.
“Women lawyers I meet want to wear the items from Suits,” Andreatta says. “You want to look beautiful but not provocative. Even seven years ago, women were dressing to fit in, to challenge men—and that was their way to compete with their colleagues. Now, it’s stronger and more to their benefit to just be women.”
Female attorneys aren’t the only ones who can find areas of self-expression through fashion. On Suits, Andreatta allows the personality of the male characters to shine through in a variety of ways. She adds romanticism with a decorative pocket square; others are dressed in vintage ties or bespoke, Savile Row-style suits.
