In the past, power dressing was much more conservative and predominantly comprised tailored suits, jackets with padded shoulders, roll-neck sweaters, and knee-length skirts. “The idea was to de-emphasise the female body, as the jackets covered women’s breasts while the skirt was a very patriarchal take on what women in the workplace should wear,” explains fashion designer Sanjana Bubber. She notes that it’s now increasingly acceptable and even preferable to swap out boring skirts with well-tailored pantsuits, a style often sported by US Vice-President Kamala Harris. “Padded shoulders and smart tailoring can immediately elevate your visual presence. Instead of a set formula, mix and match elements from the male and female wardrobes to create your personal visual brand,” she advises.  

Greeshma Thampi and Sanjana Bubber

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Colour and fit

While it’s now acceptable to incorporate more colour into your looks instead of the typical palette of neutrals, blues and greys, Greeshma advises sticking to jewel tones so that the colour doesn’t come across as distracting. “With power dressing, the focus is entirely on you; your clothing should be streamlined to focus attention on your presence, rather than compete with it.” Fashion designer Nikhil Thampi echoes the importance of picking timeless pieces instead of bowing to trends. “A good suit should be an investment piece that lasts you a good decade or so. While it’s nice to be experimental, remember that anything that’s too trendy will age quickly and badly, making your look seem dated,” he adds. 

Skin isn’t in 

“Outfits that are very body-hugging can be inappropriate, as can sloppy cuts. Find a middle-ground and look for subtle details such as shoulder pads or lapels,” Bubber explains. She points to former American First Ladies Melania Trump and Hillary Clinton as classic examples of what not to do — while Trump attracted criticism for her bodycon styles, Clinton’s penchant for fluorescent colours can make her outfit seem tacky. “In her most recent outing, Priyanka Chopra, for instance, converted what could have easily been a forgettable, sexy look into an outfit that commands attention. A high neckline and a conservative hemline helped, as did her simple strappy sandals and minimal jewellery,” she explains.

Eveningwear chic 

Thampi explains that power dressing elements can cross over into casual and semi-formal wear, unlike in the past where they were reserved for professional environments. “Even with a sedate outfit, you can incorporate fun elements such as cut-outs and metallic embellishments, to add to the drama. Make sure your outfits are comfortable and flatter your body type — while shoulder pads, for instance, can make petite women seem more statuesque, the style isn’t as suitable for broader women as it can add bulk,” he says. Colour-blocking can make a strong style statement, as can monotone looks. If you wear patterns, stick to an otherwise monotone look, as Chopra did, and avoid accessories, Bubber concludes.