Neha Mehrotra
27-Jan-2025
Outfits that Miranda Priestly (Devil Wears Prada) would approve!
During one of those mindless Instagram scrolls, I stumbled upon a post that claimed, “Power dressing is the ultimate way to ace your work life.” and I found it absolutely absurd. How could the way you dress possibly influence your work performance? Whatever happened to good old-fashioned intelligence and efficiency? Intrigued (and a little sceptical), I decided to put this theory to the test.
My little experiment began with first aggressively researching power dressing. A flurry of browser tabs later, I had pieced together the essentials: power dressing is a chic offshoot of the corpcore trend. It’s all about wearing tailored pieces with sharp silhouettes—think blazers, high-waisted trousers, and structured skirts—or opting for bold, solid colours that exude confidence. Armed with this newfound knowledge (and some hastily purchased wardrobe upgrades), I decided to dress the part for an entire week and here’s how it went!
What Should You Wear?
I started off by replacing my regular jackets and jeans with blazers and pants. Start with a structured blazer that fits perfectly—sharp shoulders and clean lines are key. Pair it with tailored trousers for a polished look or a pencil skirt for a more classic vibe. A crisp white shirt is a must-have, but you can also experiment with bold colours or subtle patterns to keep things interesting. Jumpsuits are another great option if you’re looking for something modern yet professional. A tailored sheath or wrap dress in solid, striking colours like red, royal blue, or deep plum will help you go all Devil Wears Prada. The idea is to dress like the best version of yourself and here are a few recommendations :
1. The Bordeaux Stripe Blazer by Drawn
2. Zero Moon Cutout Dress by 28 Moons
3. Medisa Jacket Bustier & Pant by Rana Gill
4. Eris Jacket MD by Nouria
5. The Sculpted Double-Breasted Waistcoat and the Tailored Column Skirt by QUA
How to Accessorise?
Accessorising my outfit turned out to be a game changer. I kept it simple with minimalist jewellery—tiny stud earrings and a dainty bracelet that added just the right amount of shine without being too loud. You can also add a bold statement piece with a layered necklace—but keep it to one focal point. Cinch your outfit with a structured belt and don’t forget a classic watch. You can also pair them with a structured handbag in neutral tones or a pop of colour. The goal is to complement your look without overpowering it—polished, powerful, and perfectly you.
6. Pearl with a Bow Studs by SimSum Jewellery
7. Silver Necklace by Shaya
8. Chérie Crossbody Bag by Mirragio
9. Lucky Charm Pavé Butterfly Pendant by Kate Spade NewYork
What About Your Footwear?
The right shoes can truly complete the look. Pointed-toe pumps are a classic choice, adding sophistication and height while keeping the outfit professional. For those days when you want a bit more comfort without compromising style, block heels are the perfect solution. Ankle boots, particularly in leather or suede, are another great option, providing a chic, powerful vibe that’s perfect for fall or winter. Loafers work best when paired with tailored trousers or skirts.
10. Will Brown Boots by Vanilla Moon
11. Angelina Mary Jane by Coach
12. Lennoxie Black Pumps by Aldo
The Result?
Well, the impact was pretty undeniable. Not only did I feel more confident—the simple act of dressing the part invited a new level of attention. Intelligence, hard work, and efficiency will always be the backbone of achievement. Dressing with care and intention is less about impressing people and more about stepping into a version of yourself that feels confident and capable!
