The Power Outfit, Revisited

When I started my first professional job, the “power suit” was a thing. It may still be, for all I know, but my suit-wearing days are, thankfully, behind me. The concept of a “power outfit” has stayed with me, though. What is that, you might ask?

For me, a Power Outfit is what you put on when you want to feel powerful, confident, kickass. It’s the outfit that makes you feel like you can take on any challenge, succeed without breaking a sweat and looking like a million bucks in the process. It’s a stylish battle armor.

For the last few years, my go-to Power Outfit was this one:

I’ve worn this to important public speaking engagements, hearings, the first day at my new job, and the list goes on. I’m not sure, precisely, what made it so powerful in my eyes, but I do know that it was one of the outfits that bridged the gap between my old style and the new. It’s quite a Princely outfit, long before I had any concept of the Prince. Classic and polished enough to be suitable for a variety of (professional) occasions, but with enough interesting details to feel fresh and fun to wear.

Lately, I’ve been wearing pants less frequently (in part for health-related reasons) and this outfit hasn’t seen the light of day in some months. Thinking about what I enjoy and feel comfortable wearing these days, I realized that the time may have come for a new Power Outfit. There were a few contenders:

This Dries van Noten dress is one of my favourites, and it’s beautiful and comfortable and work-appropriate. Close, but no cigar. While I feel great in it, its vibe is Bohemian, not Princely. The floral print is more romantic than bold, and softened by the silk ruffle at the bottom.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, and far closer to Machiavellian, is this combo. I love the silhouette, the texture contrasts, the Corporate Noir feel. But as much as I adore the faux leather crop top, it might be a bit too edgy for some occasions.

I feel like this is getting warmer, though perhaps it errs a little too far in a conservative direction. You guys know how much I love me a turtleneck and any outfit with some good architectural lines. Speaking of which …

My quest for a new Power Outfit recently came to a sudden end. Friends, let me introduce you to The Dress:

Pictures do not do justice to this Issey Miyake stunner. It’s architectural in all the right ways – it has interesting lines without being constrictive, feels and moves like a dream. In fact, it looks better in motion than still. If it stands out in a crowd, it’s all thanks to impeccable tailoring, because there is not one gaudy or look-at-me detail anywhere. I can wear it on its own, or paired with any number of toppers from my closet. I can wear it with heels or flats. I can wear it pretty much anywhere.

Power Outfit.