Discover made-to-measure fashion for women. Personalize your female suits, shirts, jackets and skirts at the best price.
In this interview series, Sumissura talks with the ambitious woman behind the suit. Who are they, what are they doing and where did their love for wearing a suit start. This time we are talking with Viivi Vajavaara. With her Instagram account @vogueingatwork and corresponding blog, Viivi inspires working women to create the perfect office wardrobe. You can describe her style as work proof, casual and dressy the Scandinavian inspo. Because Viivi lives, studies and works in Finland. Let’s start our talk with this Finnish fashionista.
Hello Viivi. Let’s start at the beginning: who are you and what do you do?
I'm Viivi Vajavaara, 24 years old, and I live in Finland. I'm a third-year international business student, blogger and marketing intern. I have been working in the fashion industry my whole career, from more creative roles to the business side.
When did you start wearing a suit?
I started to wear suits more often a couple of years ago, around the same time as I started my blog. During that time, my style also began to define more, and I realised that wearing suits is not dull. I had always admired people who were wearing suits because I thought they looked super cool and powerful. Nevertheless, I had this assumption in my head that if I started wearing suits, I would look really dull cause my idea of a suit was a light brown unfitted suit. However, the more I worked in fashion and saw different types of suits at work every day, I realised that I could wear suits and not look like a boring old lady. I understood that I can play with different colours and patterns to express my style more while still wearing a suit. The modern suits look great, and still, today, when I see a person wearing a beautiful suit in the street or in the metro, I need to admire the beauty of a well-made suit. Nowadays, I think I have a good balance in my closet of on the one hand classy and timeless black and grey suits and on the other fun and colourful suits to keep my outfits versatile.
What are the moments/occasions you love to wear a suit the most?
I love wearing a suit when I need an extra boost of confidence. For example when I meet someone new for the first time in a professional setting or when I hold an important presentation. Sometimes, especially in summer, a white suit is a perfect option for cocktail bars or celebrations with friends and family.
Describe your perfect suit
My perfect suit would be a navy blue suit with a skirt. The blazer would be slim fitted and tailored to my measurements, with golden buttons. I prefer my blazer to end at my hip level. The skirt should be a knee-length pencil skirt.
 |
 |
What feeling does a suit give you?
I strongly associate suits with power and confidence. For me wearing a suit gives me the extra boost of confidence that I sometimes need. But wearing a suit is more than just wearing a piece of clothing that makes me feel confident. The suit represents professionalism, capability, and it is like armour that makes me ready for my next adventure.
What tip would you give to people who want to start wearing suits and/or create their own suit? What style of suit to choose from? Is there a basic that every woman should have, and why?
I would encourage you to think about your style and think about what clothes you like to wear otherwise. If there are some materials or patterns you feel drawn to, use them. Do you have a favourite colour, then pick a suit in that colour. For the suits to feel like part of your personal style, they need to fit your lifestyle and wardrobe. Don't overthink what type of suit you should own, but it never hurts to own one black or blue suit in a classic style that flatters your body type.
Thank you Lauren for this inspiring interview!
Get inspired by Vivii!