The power suit look is a bold choice, but it offers a near-infinite variety of styling choices: opt to go big and bold, subtle and slick, or feminine and floaty. However you prefer to express your personality, there’s a way to wear a power suit that’s perfect for you. Use the tips below to put together an epic ensemble that’ll take you from the boardroom to the bar.
Choose Your Suit
Firstly, decide whether you would like to pair your blazer with trousers or a skirt. If it’s the former, then opt for a tailored cut, either long or short. Pencil thin trousers work well with most types of blazers, although wide-legged trousers are a great option for waist-length fitted blazers. If you opt for a skirt, then the ideal lengths are short or knee-length: check which works best with your blazer.
Alternatively, you may decide to go for a tailored dress with a structured blazer worn over the top. Jackets that cinch in slightly at the waist will give the illusion of an hourglass silhouette and can be particularly effective when worn with dresses.
When it comes to colors, remember that a power suit is a put-together look, so shades need to complement or coordinate with each other; although it’s fine to incorporate splashes of color that may not feature in the rest of your ensemble, but that match with the hue of your handbag, for example. Choose, for example, a burnt orange tailored skirt, add a moss green blazer and wear with earrings and a bracelet featuring the same shade of green.
If you like your clothes to stand out from the crowd, then consider a patterned matching trouser or skirt suit, and pair this with a simple white blouse or shirt.
Matching Eyewear
If you wear glasses, these can make up one of the key components of your epic power suit look. Consider investing in a new pair of frames that will work perfectly with your suit; depending on the style of your garments, choose blocky and bold or lightweight and sleek. Designer glasses are a great option for durability and a classic look, and they’re often more affordable than you may think. This retailer features frames from big names, including Ray-Ban, Michael Kors, and Oakley, in a huge variety of styles, so finding eyewear that will take your power suit ensemble to the next level is both easy and affordable.
When choosing your frame color, you can either opt for a shade in a hue that’s close to one of the key colors featured in your garments (if your blazer is mustard color, for example, choose light brown frames) or to a shade that is on the opposite side of the color wheel – in the case of mustard, this would be a light blue tone. The former is a great way to create a put-together look, while the latter will give your outfit a pop of color and add a bit of dramatic edge, so opt for the style you feel most comfortable with.
Accentuate With Accessories
Next up, you need to choose the perfect accessories. Whatever style you go for, your power suit ensemble should look professional, so keep this in mind when choosing your earrings and a handbag, for example. Logos and brand names should be avoided – or extremely subtle – and boho styles of jewelry are not usually the best option, either.
Instead, concentrate on finding elegant, timeless pieces, such as a watch with a silver band, pearl stud earrings, and a patent leather handbag with minimalist detailing. Consider incorporating a silk scarf, a matching bracelet set, or a discreet brooch into your outfit, too.
Stepping Out
Choice of shoes can make or break a power suit look. Traditionally, women’s power suits have been worn with stiletto heels or court shoes in black or neutral tones. While either of these choices will work well with virtually any design of suit you put together, there is now scope to wear a wider range of shoe styles and still look like you mean business.
If your job requires you to be on your feet or running from one place to another all day, then high heels may be an impractical (not to mention uncomfortable!) choice. Instead, opt for flat-heeled black or brown leather shoes or a pair of smart flat ankle boots.
Corporate Cosmetics
To perfect your power suit, be sure to choose the right cosmetics: your choice of colors can make a huge difference to the whole effect of your entire outfit. The idea is to look polished and professional so steer clear of any garish tones or glitter effect products. You also want to seek out cosmetics that will last through a long day of boardroom meetings or site visits, and it’s worth paying more to be sure of this.
Shade-wise, think nudes, bronzes, browns, and greys for eyeshadow, and find a blusher that offers a natural-looking, rosy glow. When it comes to lipstick, avoid a high-shine gloss; and for colors, pinks and nudes are your best bets.
