The Hillary Clinton effect?Why colour block pantsuits are fashion's favourite new trend

Thanks to Alessandro Michele???s flamboyant designs at brand-of-the-moment Gucci, bright trouser suits have enjoyed a renaissance in 2016.Beyonce, Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson have all favoured sharp tailoring over dresses on the red carpet, at exactly the same moment that Hillary Clinton -the biggest bright suit advocate - is owning hers on the political stage.

Just this month a #Pantsuitpower Flashmob for Hillary dance video went viral, as 170 dancers sashayed around New York???s Union Square wearing vibrant trouser suits in homage to the presidential candidate.

But where once her tropical suiting inspired a rainbow-coloured pantsuit meme to spread like a rash over the internet, now Clinton???s tailoring is more refined.She has hired Michelle Obama???s former aide Kristina Schake to shape her style and team her love of bold fashion with brands that work for her, such as Armani and Ralph Lauren.

hillary clinton style in pictures

Clinton???s head-turning suit choices have not discouraged other high profile women from dabbling with hot hued tailoring.This weekend???s Rome Film Festival saw Juliette Binoche pose in a turquoise Gucci tuxedo with contrasting lapels and heart motif on the chest.It was everything we did not expect a 52-year-old French actress to wear - and exactly the reason it worked.

We???re not about to advocate swapping your work suits for something altogether more punchy, but cheerful separateswould make a chic option for winter weddings coming up.A suitavoids the problem of how to keep warm in a dress, while marking you out as a confident dresser au fait with tailoring and the proportions that work for you.

Embroidered jacket with fringe, ??2,210, Gucci

Here are fourstyling lessons to take from Hillary andJuliette for your own season of snazzy suiting.

1.Let your pantsuit take centre stage

The joy of a statement two-pieceis that is does all the hard work on an outfit for you.Keep jewellery, make-up and hair to a minimum for fear of anything competing with your colour blocking.A simple heel and box clutch (metallic or black) canbe your only accompaniments.

2.Cut is key

A sharp silhouette is crucialto frame your figure under that mass of colour.Petite women should opt for cropped trousers that highlight the ankle, and blazers that sit precisely on the shoulders and nip in the waist.Taller woman can experiment with a more relaxed cut, but keep feminine parts of the body (the collarbone and wrist) visible.A plain camisole is the safest top to wear underneath a suit whatever your shape.

3.Heels are also essential

Even if you are confident in the figure-enhancing cut of the suit, a heel will elongate the wholelook.Stick to sandals orminimal pumps so that your skin is on display - this will help draw the eye down the leg area.

4.Seek a second opinion on colour

Pale pink suiting might have seemed like a wonderful idea back in August when you had a tan, but will wash out pale winter complexions.Fair skinned women can copy Tilda Swinton???s recent burgundy suit (above)and pair with a matching lip colour, while those with darker skin might want todabble with lilac,this season???s most trendy shade (see Olivia Palermo, below).

Three brighthigh street suits to buy now

Suit, from ??65, Topshop

Blazer, ??42, ASOS; Trousers, ??28, ASOS

J.Crew Rhodes blazer, ??260, Net-a-Porter; J.Crew Patio trousers, ??175, Net-a-Porter

Celebrities wearing trouser suits