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Power Dressing: Fashion as a Tool of Authority and Presence.

  • Writer: Fashion Goldding
    Fashion Goldding
  • Oct 8
  • 3 min read

The term power dressing refers to a style of clothing designed to convey authority, competence, and presence , especially in traditionally male-dominated professional environments.

A escolha da cor — lavanda, uma das apostas fortes para as próximas temporadas — adiciona frescor e sofisticação, fugindo dos tons neutros tradicionais sem perder a classe.,

The concept gained prominence in the 1980s, when women began to occupy leadership positions and looked to fashion as a way to assert their presence and professionalism.


Inspired by men's tailoring, the style incorporated structured blazers, pronounced shoulders and straight-cut trousers , creating an imposing silhouette and conveying seriousness.


The clothing functioned as “armor” , helping the woman to position herself confidently in meetings and negotiations.


Over time, power dressing has evolved, balancing sophistication and femininity .


Today, it is not limited to formal suits, encompassing styles that balance authority and personality , allowing women to feel confident and authentic in their professional environment.


The fabrics that best combine with tailoring power dressing are: cool wool, gabardine, wool crepe, premium cotton, blended linen and full-bodied viscose.

They allow for a structure without rigidity, natural movement and durability , ensuring that each piece functions in everyday life without losing elegance, adapting to different contexts and climates.


Neutral colors make it easy to combine; shades like lavender or light blue add sophistication without being overdone.


Tailoring isn't just about aesthetics: it's a tool for work, social life, and daily routine, allowing every woman to move, work, and live with efficiency, comfort, and authority. Ultimately, style is practicality applied to clothing .



Essential Pieces of the Look-


  • Impactful layers: The blazer is the centerpiece, especially in soft colors like lavender, light blue, beige, or pastel pink, lending sophistication and a quiet presence. It structures the look without weighing it down, providing the foundation for versatile combinations.


  • Bottom – fluidity: Lightweight dresses and tailored skirts balance the stiffness of the blazer, creating natural movement and elegant compositions that work both in a professional environment and in the urban routine.




  • Accessories – the finishing touch: White hats and caps add freshness and lightness, while earrings, bracelets, and anklets introduce delicate and refined details . Structured or architecturally designed bags complete the look, ensuring a balance between tradition and modernity , as well as enhancing personality and style.





  • Footwear – Base of the Look: On the feet, the idea is to blend comfort, presence, and personality . White tractor sneakers bring modernity and practicality, ideal for everyday urban life without sacrificing style. Neutral sandals ensure lightness and understated sophistication, while clear or satin vinyl pumps lend an authentic and bold touch , adding originality and attitude to the look, balancing elegance with boldness.







Style Tips


  1. Play with proportions: Pair a structured lavender blazer with a pleated midi skirt in a lightweight fabric or a flowing dress in neutral tones. The contrast between the rigid tailoring and the soft movement of the bottom creates a balance between power and lightness.

  2. Invest in strategic colors: soft hues like lavender, light blue, beige, and pastel pink work as key pieces. For example, a light blue blazer can be paired with beige tailored pants and a white shirt, or a pastel pink blazer over a neutral-toned dress creates a sophisticated look without sacrificing personality.

  3. Go for accessories: white hats and caps add freshness, while delicate earrings, thin bracelets, or anklets offer subtle details. Structured or architecturally designed bags—like a boxy tote or a geometric clutch—complete the look with personality and modernity.

  4. Blend tradition and modernity: pair a classic blazer with a metallic pleated skirt or a flowing silk dress, or add unexpected details like an oversized belt or minimalist sneakers to create a contemporary look that blends classic and modern.



How to adapt the trend to different body shapes -

  1. Triangular silhouette (more evident hips):

    • Choose slightly structured blazers that add volume to the shoulders (without exaggeration) to balance the proportions.

    • Opt for light colors on top (lavender, light blue, beige) and darker or neutral pieces on the bottom, such as tailored skirts in black or navy.

  2. Inverted silhouette (broader shoulders):

    • Opt for straight-line blazers without too many shoulder pads, and create a fluid bottom with flared skirts or dresses made of lightweight fabrics.

    • Soft, monochromatic colors help to elongate and harmonize the silhouette.

  3. Oval silhouette (volume in the central region):

    • Choose long blazers (hip-length or slightly lower), worn open to create a vertical line that visually slims.

    • Flowing dresses or softly draped skirts help bring lightness to the look.

  4. Rectangular silhouette (little waist definition):

    • Invest in belts over your blazer or fitted styles that create curves.

    • Tailored A-line skirts or light, flowing dresses provide balance and soften stiffness.

  5. Hourglass silhouette (balanced shoulders and hips, defined waist):

    • Wear fitted or fitted blazers that enhance your body's natural proportions.

    • Pair with tailored pencil skirts or flowing dresses, always preserving the definition of the waist.



 
 
 

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