How Women Are Power Dressing Now
Modern Day Power Dressing Tips for Women
When it comes to power dressing, we all have this idea of a woman wearing a pastel pantsuit that just doesn’t look right through a modern lens. However, even though pantsuits haven’t gone anywhere, there are several ultra-sophisticated tips and tricks you can use to take your power dressing looks to the next level.
The Fit
The first thing you need to think about is how your clothing fits. Not only is the fit critical to how stylish you look, but clothing that doesn’t fit properly is very noticeable, and will take away some of that “power” you are looking to gain. Women’s work suits, in particular, will stand out for the wrong reason when they don’t fit properly or if they aren’t tailored to your shape.
The Blazer
The blazer is the most crucial part of a pantsuit and a must for anyone looking to power dress regularly. When it comes to choosing a blazer, there are several things you need to consider, including the size, fit, color, and material. Be sure to choose a blazer that fits perfectly, and choose a color that is neutral enough to match with other clothing in your wardrobe. You aren’t always going to wear it with matching pants, therefore, it needs to be a bit more versatile than you think.
Power Colors
Speaking of colors, there are several that are seen as more “powerful” than others, or at least, give you a stronger look of authority. These days, those colors include black, navy, charcoal, and camel. These colors are not only neutral enough to be paired with almost anything, but they give your look a strong sense of professionalism, and give you a brilliant canvas to add pops of color through accessories, your shoes, etc.
Accent Colors
In addition to your base colors, accent colors are the perfect way to prevent your outfit from looking boring, while keeping it ultra-sophisticated and professional. An example would be pairing a dark pantsuit with a pair of cobalt or bright heels. Not only will your look still be formal and professional, but the pops of color make it more modern and sophisticated, and take your look out of the “business formal” lane and put it in high fashion.
Shoes
When it comes to shoes, simpler is always better. For power looks, opt for heels, simple boots, or Chelsea boots, or a pair of loafers. As mentioned before, you can add some color to your look with a pair of heels, but keep other types of shoes neutral. While sneakers have become very common in corporate environments, the context of where you are wearing them matters. For instance, if it is a day at the office, they could be acceptable, but if you are meeting clients, it would be better to avoid them.
Accessories
For accessories, you don’t want to go too overboard, as that can easily make your outfit look less professional. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t, or shouldn’t, accessorize at all, as they are parts of your outfit that will bring the entire look together. Choose two or three pieces, but make them be standout pieces. A bold necklace, a great bracelet, a ring or two, etc, are all perfect accessories that don’t take away from the professionalism of your outfit, but instead, enhance it.
Classics > Trends
While the old-school style pantsuit may seem outdated, and the same can be said about many styles of formal “power dressing,” that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t, or can’t be modernized. Always opt for classic silhouettes as opposed to trends, as the one has stood the test of time and has never gone out of fashion, while the other may be old news in a matter of months and you will quickly go from looking super-stylish to looking out of place.
Avoid Overly-Slouchy Items
As mentioned earlier, the fit and tailoring of your clothing are important because they exude stylishness. On the other hand, slouchy clothing has become very popular lately, and it can be tempting to include it in your power dressing wardrobe rotation. However, the downside of slouchy clothing and clothing that looks too big for you, is that it can come across as more casual than formal. For instance, when you see someone wearing an amazing, oversized blazer, your first thought usually is not “they look ready to strike a multimillion-dollar deal for their company.”
Dress for the Context
Finally, power dressing can be fluid, and there are multiple ways to achieve the same overall goal without wearing the same clothes over and over again. This should be something to remember, as you should also dress for the occasion. For instance, if you are meeting with people from an accounting or law firm, two sectors where formal wear is expected, you wouldn’t wear the same thing that you would wear to a meeting with a creative startup run by half a dozen 20-something year olds. Dressing for the occasion helps you avoid standing out for the wrong reasons or leaving the wrong impression with those you are meeting.
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