There’s just something about a tailored silhouette that seamlessly exudes power. While confidence is more about a state of mind than a trendy outfit, women all over the globe have turned to ‘power dressing’ to display strength and authority. With women entering the corporate field, the 1970s and 80s are widely considered the dawn of women’s power dressing . Designers began to subvert menswear into empowering garments such as skirt suits and blazers with shoulder pads. In recent years, power dressing has evolved past the confines of corporate environments and into the mainstay of everyday wear. Nowadays, challenging the norms of womenswear can look like swapping a gown for a double-breasted suit or opting for a cropped blazer paired with heels.
As modern interpretations of the classic blazer continue to dominate the runway, wading through all the trends to find the most flattering look requires some executive decision-making. In celebration of this month's theme of women and power, we’ve put together a style-guide to help you take command of this trend and transform you into the CEO of business-casual dressing.
1. River Island Double Breasted Blazer
Brightly-coloured suits are projected to be one of the biggest spring/summer 2022 trends. This message has since been received loud and clear by celebrities such as Zendaya, who stepped out in a hot pink suit for Valentino’s fall/winter 2022-23 show. Take a page out of Zendaya’s style book and give your wardrobe a colourful lift with this lime co-ord from River Island. This ensemble is the perfect fashionable rejection to the seriousness of corporate style whilst still maintaining a chic aesthetic. Pair this suit, with a white or black bodysuit for a muted look or dare to turn heads by wearing a clashing green top underneath.
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2. Maje Vie Oversized Suit Jacket
Nothing says “effortlessly cool” like a structured, oversized blazer. The oversized silhouette has been a fashion favourite with both high-end and ready-to-wear brands over the last five years – and 2022 is no exception. Now that Spring is in sight, this Maje oversized suit jacket is the perfect transitional outerwear to add to your closet. This versatile blazer can be worn over anything. For an everyday attire, wear this over an oversized tee and biker shorts while you're running errands. For the ultimate date-night look, wear this over a mini dress and fasten the belt to accentuate your waist.
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3. Vince Camuto Washed Twill Cropped Blazer
Cropped blazers are the modern woman’s response to smart dressing. If you’re the style enthusiast that finds themself gravitating towards midriff baring styles, you’ll love this cropped interpretation of the classic blazer. This ivory Vince Camuto cropped blazer is a wardrobe must-have. The sharp cut of its hemline would dramatise any high-waisted pair of pants, from black flared trousers to blue denim, depending on the occasion.
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4. Topshop Deconstructed Pinstripe Blazer
As designers continue to creatively incorporate daring gaps in the most unusual places, clothing with cutouts can often feel impracticable. While keeping up with this ever-evolving trend seems like cut-throat business, the most polished way of incorporating this trend to your wardrobe is through a reworked blazer. Break up the monotony of tailored looks with this deconstructed pinstripe blazer. It’s got a sensual cutout just below the bust that simply exudes high-fashion.
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5. Rag & Bone Margot Sleeveless Plaid Blazer
The latest fashion trend turning heads comes by way of sleeveless blazers. They’re the fashion-forward paradox that maintains an elegant look while keeping things on the lighter side during the hotter seasons. This sleeveless blazer from Rag & Bone, covered in windowpane checks, is definitely business-casual approved. From the office to the nightbar, there’s no limit to styling this charming piece.
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6. AFRM Leather Blazer
Most clothes are definitely cooler in leather, and a leading example of this is leather blazers. This fashion staple has lived through evolving fashion trends, so its resurgence in 2022 Spring streetwear is most welcome. Besides its edgy appearance, incorporating a good-quality leather blazer into your closet is essential as leather outlasts other materials. Keep up the leather renaissance with this sleek faux leather jacket from AFRM.
