I want a suit in a colour, fabric, fit and style that will look current but also last

The question

"This fall I want to invest in one perfect suit in a colour, fabric, fit and style that will look current but also last. Suggestions?"

The answer

A suit is the armour of modern times; it will make you look better and feel stronger.

One challenge I have in advising you, though, is that I don't have a sense of your body shape or size and – let me be frank – you're setting the bar high here.

It is possible that your stylish-yet-enduring fantasy suit does not exist. If you select a fabric that lasts a decade, the silhouette might be dated after two years (the average time it takes for shoulder, waist, collar and length ratios to shift). Black is obviously your default colour option; but, for currency, the deepest navy will make more waves.

The renewed interest in Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking means you'll see suits that resemble tuxedos; know that these are better suited to evening.

Without a sense of whether you are petite or tall, long-legged or short-waisted, I can only recommend you seek out a suit that has been tailored to flatter your body in the best material you can afford. In fashion, perfection is never clear-cut.

Amy Verner is The Globe and Mail's Paris-based style reporter. Have a fashion question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.