Time to sharpen up — power dressing is one of the biggest fall 2023 trends here to embolden you like your Monday morning coffee order. But hold on to your boxy blazers and wide-leg trousers because there’s more to this trend than the slouchy, precision-cut silhouettes you’ve swathed yourself in for the past few seasons. This new height of strength and refinement oozes with gripping modernity while nodding to nostalgic ’80s and ’90s shapes that utterly thrill.
Tailored coordinates are, indeed, part of the equation, rendered in heritage-inspired plaids and pinstripes, but sculptural silhouettes and statement shoulders are RSVPing to the power party, too — there’s nothing quite like the impact of shoulder pads that could rival the wingspan of a small plane.
Saint Laurent and Luar’s sharply exaggerated coats and dresses make for a great visual. Likewise for Bottega Veneta and Stella McCartney’s sleek suiting curvatures rounding out blazers, pencil skirts, blouses, and more. Then, perhaps most invigorating, are the season’s modernist combinations, like Brandon Maxwell’s peplum tube top-and-pant paring — a styling concept that turns the rules tailoring on its head, enhancing even certain potentially club-tastic pieces with the polish and poise of your most sophisticated sheath or trim blazer.
So whether you’re all in on daytime refinement or revel in the concept of sophisticated separates moonlighting as party attire, it’s time to embrace the power dressing revival, starting with the 10 pieces ahead.
The Slouchy Suiting Blazer
Master the art of making a poised statement without saying a word in this slouchy suiting blazer. If you’re aiming to transform your workday lineup, pair it with pretty much any bottom, from a pencil skirt to the coordinated trousers.
The Coordinated Wide-Leg
Speaking of coordinates, these wide-leg trousers are a power-player must. The pleats give off serious polish, whether you size up to rock the super slouchy look or prefer them sitting comfortably at your natural waist.
The Power Peplum Top
For a refined daytime look, embrace unexpectedly powerful silhouettes like this peplum top. On the bottom, a pencil skirt or trousers for sure.
The Pinstripe Maxi Skirt
To pair with your sculptural tops and blazers: A maxi pencil skirt, ideally in an iconic pinstripe motif.
The Hourglass Blazer
This hourglass blazer is proof that curves are equally captivating and strong; your go-to layer with built-in confidence.
The Ultra-Tailored Trouser
A high-rise, pleated trouser is the ultimate in polished. Ooze modern strength by pairing yours with a structured tonal top, pointed-toe pumps, and sculptural earrings.
The Elegant Evening Vest
Behold: The typically day-centric vest transformed for evening moments like an event or date. Pair yours with roomy wide-leg trousers and strappy-heeled sandals for a result that’s daringly sleek.
The Dynamic Midi Dress
With a peek-a-boo panel of pleats and an overlapping halter neckline, this midi dress is a seriously stunning day-to-night dress that commands attention. Style with a blazer and the office, then shed it for cocktails.
The Confident Poplin Shirt
Cropped poplin tops have been a dime a dozen as of late. This tuxedo-inspired version is the ultra-crisp fall version your closest is begging for.
The High-Impact Plaid Pant
Heritage prints like plaid are key in the power dressing realm. While polished on their own, style these pants with graphic black and white pieces for mega-impact.
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