Outfit Details: Blazer // Trousers // Shoes
Why hello there,
For the past three years, female empowerment and advocacy for equality has become a highly publicized societal evolution. This has been a fight for centuries, but it’s no secret that in these last few years, women’s voices are louder and more forceful than ever. Although it may seem trivial, when you’re fighting the good fight, you also have to look the part. I feel the same way for when you are wanting to be taken seriously in the workplace. As modern, professional women, we are constantly fighting to deserve a seat at the conference table, not to take notes, but to lead passionate discussions and make big decisions. In order to be taken seriously and in order to present yourself as a professional, you need to dress the part.
In my personal opinion, every modern, professional woman needs to own a suit. If you work at any sort of establishment, you need to own a suit. If you want to be taken seriously at work when big business meetings are taking place, you need to own a suit. Period, end of discussion. The evolution and right to “power dress” go hand in hand with the work that the women before us have done in order for us to have that right. Remember, not that long ago, women weren’t even allowed to wear pants. Women’s suits are the amalgam of a women’s determination, her willingness to show up and the stereotypical masculinity. Suits makes me feel confident, intelligent, powerful and empowered.
Interviews are the perfect time to wear a classic suit. I also think it’ super important to always have a good suit in hand if you have an important business meeting coming up. Quarterly business reviews or annual planning presentations are a few prime examples of these. Always read the room. If your client is younger and more laid back, perhaps wear a suit in a different color or with a cropped pant, but if you’re meeting with someone who tends to fall more on the traditional side, I’d stick to the classic tailored suit in a neutral color like navy or dark charcoal.
The power suit trend has been with us for so long, nothing in fashion is ever really new but rather born again. This time around, the suit is gaining traction in regard to oversized blazers and bold shoulders. That’s right ladies, the shoulder pad is making a comeback, but I encourage you to embrace it. With the suit standing in the spotlight recently, I thought it’d be fun to share some easy and fun ways to wear a suit this season. Whether it’s for work, holiday parties or events, suits can be professional and trendy.
1. Wear a fun color. I found this amazing Robert Rodriguez suit (above) on Rent the Runway and knew that I had to wear it. The powdery blue was just the perfect feminine touch I needed to take this oversized, should pad adorned blazer from menswear-inspired to totally chic. Find a soft, yet eclectic color for a dreamy monochromatic look.
2. Find a classic plaid. Don’t go crazy, but the way I would wear a head to toe plaid ensemble to work and to happy hour would be to stick with a muted print in a neutral color. The gray plaid is the epitome of this kind of look. A classic gray checked suit can be worn from day to night especially if paired with a pop of color shoe.
3. Inspired by the men. I’m talking oversized blazers. The bigger the better as long as they are tailored properly. Everything should not be skintight, that just isn’t in anymore. Hailey Bieber pulls off this look flawlessly. Go for a more fitted pant and an oversized blazer for that effortlessly cool vibe. Make it look like you just grabbed it out of your boyfriend’s closet.
4. Turtleneck undershirts. I am a sucker for a good turtleneck. If I could have only one piece of clothing in my closet for the rest of my life, it would be a classic black turtleneck. Layer your suits over a traditional neutral turtleneck for the perfect wintery aesthetic.
5. Mix and match. Under the right circumstances, funk up your suit look by mixing and matching the blazer and trouser with contrasting patterns, colors or fabrics. Wear a plaid with a cheetah print, a green with a red or a sequin with a cotton. If you have multiple matching suits in your closet, experiment one day by taking one jacket and pairing it with a different pant. It will totally elevate the whole look.
As long as your look is tasteful, professional and puts you in a confident mindset, it really doesn’t matter how you style different suits. There is no tried and true guidebook, but these are a few ways that I like to rock a suit for work. I hope after reading this, it inspires you to try something a little out of the ordinary. If you are looking for a sign, well honey this is it.
Sincerely,
