“More than anything, it’s important to be you, and let your personal style speak for itself." -L. Irby, Editor
If you want to be taken seriously as a professional, then it's important to convey your authority and power in everything that you do. Clothes have always played a major role in how professional women (and men) in traditional office settings have expressed their personalities, credibility, and level of authority at work. The color and style of a fashion piece combined with the personality of the individual has always been key, along with the overall culture of the workplace.
In this new era of hybrid work, the structure and culture of many business environments have changed. Dressing for the office has become more casual. The conventional power suit is no longer the supreme symbol of what it means to be a professional with high-ranking authority. As many companies begin to transition from being less rigid, structured and job-focused, and more flexible, dynamic and skills-focused, the old way of dressing for success has also changed.
While this has especially been the case for many entrepreneurs and other business owners, this fashion reset is also becoming more common among other professionals, as well.
Women today want to express their own unique personal style without constraints and without apology. They want clothes that are more functional, and make them feel confident. They want quality, stylish pieces that provide comfort and flexibility, as they adjust to the new hybrid work model, shifting them from the office to home.
This fashion roundup includes a list of my favorite picks from Nordstrom. These statement power pieces can be easily incorporated into your wardrobe this fall. Think- luxe cashmere sweaters, printed tailored blazers, loafer pumps, tote-style clutches and hobo bags. And don't forget to add shawl collar coats, and wide-leg jeans for an office casual look that feels more conventional.
Use these sophisticated, neutral-colored, timeless pieces as a template for reinventing your professional look this season:
1/ The Preppy Power Suit
- Classic Wool Scarf, Rag & Bone, ($225)
- Eelise Check Double Breasted Blazer, Ted Baker London, ($550)
- Eelise High Waist Slim Flare Pants, Ted Baker London, ($295)
2/ Fashion Accessories
available at: nordstrom.com
3/ Statement Pieces
- Benitot Corduroy Wide Leg Pants, Ted Baker London, ($235)
- Roller Ring, Madewell, ($26)
- Cora Block Heel Penny Loafer, Coach, ($165)
4/ Monochrome Shift
- Ridley Funnel Neck Wool & Cashmere Sweater, Allsaints, ($259)
- Wide Leg Flannel Pants, ($89)
- Black Embossed Leather Clutch, ($895)
5/ Office Casual
- Visko Leopard Print Blazer, Zadig & Voltaire, ($698)
- Le Palazzo Wide Leg Jeans, Frame, ($268)
- Tery Leather Hobo Bag, Thacker, ($248)
6/ Back to Basics
- Perforated Tan Tote, (available at: tjmaxx.tjx.com)
- Shoulder Button Recycled Wool Blend Sweater Vest, Ganni, ($195)
- Jessa Horse Hardware Loafer Pump, Tory Burch, ($348)
7/ Key Essentials
available at: nordstrom.com
- Plaid Shawl Collar Coat, Avec Les Filles, ($279)
- The Director Leather Tote, Marc Jacobs, ($450)
Photograph by Gabrielle Henderson
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