Dressing like a leader?

We’ve got a lot to thank the 1980s for: rock music, the rise of Apple Inc, Madonna’s debut album, and the introduction of the ‘working women’ era. Great strides were made in the crusade for women’s rights in the 70s, enabling women of the 80s to leave their housewife lifestyles behind and thrive in the male-dominated world of work. 

It was around this time, the phrase ‘power dressing’ came into play. At the time, power dressing referred to a fashion style that enabled women to establish their authority in a professional and political environment, traditionally dominated by men.

Initially, a power dressing wardrobe consisted of sexless pinstripe suits, jackets with padded shoulders, roll-neck sweaters and below knee length skirts (remember the film Working Girl with Melanie Griffiths?).

Modern day power dressing

Thankfully, power dressing has evolved. We no longer have to dress like men to earn respect in the workplace. Today, individuality is the name of the game.

Here are some pointers from three highly influential women in the public eye, with very different power dressing styles:

Christine Lagarde

From her silver hair, to her boldly patterned scarves, Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, sets exactly the right tone for a woman in a position of power: elegant, modern, and dignified. The foundation of her power look is the impeccable suit, usually in neutral colours of black, navy or grey.

She often wears long scarves in bright colours or bold prints to assert her individuality amid the conformity of the black suits that surrounded her. Whether the scarves are carefully knotted or casually thrown around her neck, she wears them with great confidence, ease and style.

It’s no surprise Lagarde has posed for Vogue and made it on to Vanity Fair’s International Best Dressed list several times.

Victoria Beckham

Love her or loathe her, former pop star Victoria Beckham has had one of the most successful style transformations ever known. Since launching her self-titled fashion label in 2008, she’s carefully transformed her image from tacky Spice Girl-WAG to a powerful influencer in the fashion world. And she’s done it by adopting a glamorous but simplistic style. She opts for minimalist tailoring, clean lines and block colours. And she’s never spotted without obligatory six-inch heels - perfect for asserting her authority in the fashion business.

Angela Merkel

German Chancellor Angela Merkel is famous for her clean, no-nonsense streamlined pantsuits, bold colours and investment accessories such as pearls or classic studs. Merkel makes a clear effort to keep the spotlight focused on her message rather than her look, which makes her go-to wardrobe that much more powerful. She opts for shades of blue, red and black to convey leadership and power.

Her look may not be the most cutting-edge but she’s the been voted most powerful woman in the world, so she can wear what she wants!

What’s your power look?

You’ve seen how the rich and powerful assert their authority, but what about you? What’s your power look? Here are a few things you can do to establish it:

1. Pick your power outfit

Have a look in your wardrobe and find something that you feel totally confident in, whether it’s a dress, top and skirt, or trouser suit. This is the item to choose when you have an important meeting or a key decision to make at work. The litmus test is when you put it on, you should feel sassy, sexy, and in charge. A power outfit has to be complete. So make sure your shoes and accessories complement your look and enhance the way you feel.

2. Be authentic

Your power outfit is an extension of you. It should strengthen your image and be an expression of your true self - so don’t force it. Whether it’s a wide-legged trouser suit, or a little black dress, it should make you walk into the office feeling poised and ready to take on the day. Also, power outfits should be comfortable. Try not to wedge your feet into stilettos that require an hour’s foot massage by the end of the day.

3. Remind yourself how powerful you are

Power dressing is not just for show - you actually have to believe it. Feeling you’re dressed for success is connected to confidence, self-esteem and mood, Remind yourself of the special skills and qualities you possess. What’s going to help you take on the day? It could be your excellent communication skills, technical skills, or anything else that’s uniquely you. Power dressing helps to remind us of our competency, and that’s a powerful thing.

Discover your power look

Power dressing isn’t just about what you’re wearing; it’s about how your clothes make you feel.