Power Dressing – September’s Style Not Age

Happy new week! It’s the last Monday of the month so it’s time for another Style Not Age challenge. It was my turn to choose the theme for September which prompted me to research the key trends for A/W. One that particularly appealed to me was power dressing, or corporate style. While the rather exaggerated shapes seen on the runway are neither affordable or practical, as with all trends, they filter down on to the high street in more wearable incarnations.

Purple is associated with luxury, ambition and creativity – the ideal colour for power dressing

I have a lot of trouser suits, in fact, they make up the vast majority of my work outfits. My bold print slouchy Monki suits are more casual (seen here, here and here), but I I do love sharp tailoring too. I bought this purple suit at Zara in Madeira last year but the trousers were too long, so it has been hanging in the wardrobe ever since. I finally got around to taking the trousers up last week and wore the suit to work.

Actually, I’m not sure it is technically a suit because the fabrics are slightly different; the trousers are a bit lighter than the jacket, but you’d have to look very closely to notice. They were on display next to each other in the store so that’s good enough for me! There was also a deep forest green version and I deliberated over which colour to choose. I know green looks good with red hair but I was drawn to this vibrant shade. Purple is associated with luxury, ambition and creativity – the ideal colour for power dressing.

This silky blouse was a charity shop bargain a few years ago

A silky pussy bow blouse softens the look of a structured jacket, although you could create an androgynous look with a cotton shirt and tie. (I think ties look great on women). This silky blouse was a charity shop bargain a few years ago; there were three in exactly the same style but different prints, all £3.75 each (you can see the others here and here). I’ve since purchased three others from the Hawes & Curtis website (two orange print and one navy print). The brilliant thing about these blouses (apart from the gorgeous prints) is the little bit of stretch in the fabric which ensures a great fit.

Of course, a classic, well made handbag is key to feeling powerful and this lilac tote from Teddy Blake fits the bill perfectly. What does diminish my power is uncomfortable shoes; you need to be able stride out with confidence! Thankfully, trainers are now considered acceptable footwear in many workplaces (quite right too!). That doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style though. There are some seriously luxe trainers out there. These gold ones weren’t expensive – about £40 from TK Maxx. I’ve worn them loads. The slim design and gold knit material gives them a stylish look that makes them ideal for teaming with suits.

SHOP THE LOOK

 

 

Zara jacket (similar, similar, similar, similar) and trousers (similar, similar, similar) | Hawes & Curtis blouse (charity shop, similar, similar, similar) | Teddy Blake bag (previously gifted) | Guess trainers (old, similar, similar, similar) | SkinnyDip London sunglasses (old, similar) | Ottoman Hands earrings | Yaa Yaa London ring (similar)

Now for my blogger friends in their power dressing outfits…

Anna is wearing a shorts suit that was new in June from Primark, in the sale for £34. The fabric is a boucle knit/tweed effect and it’s lined. The shirt and belt were charity shop finds. The boots are from ASOS, tights from Number 36 boutique and the handbag from Oliver Bonas. See more of this glorious outfit at Anna’s Island Style.

Hilda is looking very much the part in this navy suit (borrowed from a boutique in Malahidewith) with red shoes and bag. You can see all the details at Over the Hilda.

Gail thought she might struggle with this theme at first but she’s looking very much in control of the situation in this colourful ensemble. The red jacket, cream skirt and top are all from Kettlewell. The vegan leather bag is by Fenella Smith (I have one too!). Gail’s scarf is by My Season Accessories and the red boots are old. Visit Is This Mutton? to catch up with Gail.

Jacqui has chosen a suit from H&M with a blouse from River island (Christmas present ages ago). She is also wearing another Christmas gift – the Valentino bag – with block heel sandals. Head over to Mummabstylish to read more.

That’s all for this month. We’ll be back on the last Monday of October with another fun theme! Do you like the power dressing trend?

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