Give Your Cocktail Dress the Night Off

When we say suit, we'll forgive you if your mind automatically goes to something ill-cut, unflattering, and better left untouched in the recesses of some store in the mall. But the matched set is having a major style moment, thanks to certified bombshells like Scarlett Johansson and Stacy Keibler, as well as cerebral style stars like Emma Watson. If you're ready to give the cocktail dress the night off at your next ritzy engagement, consider stealing this look.

Jennifer Connelly in a Saint Laurent Suit
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Jennifer Connelly in a Saint Laurent Suit

Instead of a cocktail dress, Jennifer picked a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane suit with a satin lapel. For a feminine flair, she wore a lacy blouse underneath the jacket, with some cuff peeking out, and picked green tourmaline studs and a diamond ear jacket, both by Jacquie Aiche.

Shailene Woodley in a Dolce & Gabbana Suit
Getty | Michael Tran

Shailene Woodley in a Dolce & Gabbana Suit

To accept her Female Star of Tomorrow award in Vegas, Shailene picked a satiny black suit from Dolce & Gabbana, set off by cherry red pumps and worn with a lacy black bra peeking out.

Emma Watson in a Saint Laurent Suit
Getty | Ray Tamarra

Emma Watson in a Saint Laurent Suit

For a stop at The Late Show with David Letterman, Emma Watson picked a Saint Laurent by Hedi Slimane suit, worn over a white button-up done all the way up to the throat and Christian Louboutin Apostrophy slingbacks. The look is menswear for her at its best: there's nothing obviously sexy about the fit, but it still has a sizzle you can't deny.

Scarlett Johansson in a Michael Kors Suit
Getty | Francois Durand

Scarlett Johansson in a Michael Kors Suit

A little theme dressing never hurt anyone! Scarlett Johansson picked a red Michael Kors jacket and matching pants for the Paris premiere of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, wearing them with a black tank, also Michael Kors, and a pair of metallic silver sandals.

Ashley Benson in a Black Suit
Getty | Mike Pont

Ashley Benson in a Black Suit

With a ruffled neckline and floppy black bow, there was nothing subtle about the suiting look Ashley Benson picked for the finale screening of Pretty Little Liars. Her tuxedo jacket, by Max Mara, could be worn solo or over a cocktail dress, but we love it with dark pants, a white blouse, and a mini Edie Parker clutch.

Stacy Keibler in a Bright Pink Suit
Getty | Jason LaVeris

Stacy Keibler in a Bright Pink Suit

For anyone who was doubting the sex appeal of the tailored set, look no further than an expectant Stacy Keibler! She made the look superfeminine by picking a bold pink color — and wearing no shirt underneath.

Cara Delevingne in a White Suit
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Cara Delevingne in a White Suit

One of the many reasons we love model-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne? She skipped a mini for a recent night out in London, instead opting for a sexy white suit. While she didn't pull a full Stacy move, the black top she wore underneath her jacket was buttoned way down, flashing enough skin for a very sexy look.

Jordana Brewster in a Red Suit
Getty | JMA/Star Max

Jordana Brewster in a Red Suit

While suits for both him and her are typically done in neutral shades like black and navy, we're beginning to realize just how much we love them in bright colors. Jordana Brewster picked a matched Sachin + Babi set for a taping in LA and kept the look on the casual side by wearing it with a white tee.

Naomi Watts in a Suit
Getty | Chris Weeks

Naomi Watts in a Suit

If skinny legs aren't your preferred silhouette, copy Naomi Watts's style from a Los Angeles event last month. The actress, hanging here with fashion favorite Lupita Nyong'o, picked roomy slacks cropped above the ankle and a matching black jacket.