Zac Posen, Derek Lam, and More Fashion Insiders Talk Power Style
Power Style
Sarah Rutson, VP of Global Buying “For me power style is when you’re wearing something you are not fiddling with. You don’t want to be constantly tucking something in, adjusting, or maybe walking around in uncomfortable shoe. You can only be powerful as a person when you’re present without distractions. I personally don’t want distractions with my clothing; that would make me too conscious of what I’m wearing or whether it looked okay! That’s a critical thing for me. And that’s why I always tell anyone when they are trying something on, if you keep fiddling with it and looking at yourself from twelve different angles then frankly you will never be happy or confident in it and therefore not able to really focus . For me, power dressing relates to self confidence and the comfort that comes with that. It isn’t just reserved for the work week either. It can be happening on a Sunday afternoon as well as a Tuesday morning board meeting! When you’re in the right thing and feel good you present that to the world. That is power!” (Photo: Courtesy of Net-A-Porter)
Balenciaga Shopper “What I’m loving this season, whether I’m walking my dogs on the beach in Dorset on the weekend or in a board meeting, is an item that in both scenarios works and is powerful. I’m obsessed with my Balenciaga Bazar striped leather shopper because it fits everything I need: my iPad, phone, notes. I can take it with me when I go into a board meeting, or I can wear it cross body on the weekends and throw in dog leads and treats for them (and for me!) That’s a very powerful item in my wardrobe, thus in my life. Things with duality give me comfort in every scenario, and that is powerful to me.”
Jason Wu, Boss Artistic Director “The sharp silhouette of the suit. My aim is to contrast that with a softness and femininity, to create a mix that feels relevant for a modern woman” (Photo: Courtesy of Hugo Boss)
Hugo Boss Fall 2016 suit
Zac Posen “My custom made and tailored Brooks Brothers suit is my ‘power style.’ It immediately sets a confident tone to my day.“ (Photo: Getty Images)
“There are several cocktail dresses from my Spring 2017 Collection that take on a new approach to a ‘power style.’ They still maintain the classic architectural draping but in new structured cotton and other looks play with transparency and embroideries to keep it light and feminine for Spring.”
Derek Lam "Powerful style is a combination of confidence, strength, and femininity.”
“This look from my fall 2016 collection is all about a woman striding out to meet the world with a powerful identity.”
Lauren Santo Domingo, Co-Founder of Moda Operandi “Almost always, it is my mood and the weather that determine my outfit. Depending on the day’s agenda, I may dress up denim or go more traditional with a tailored trouser for the office. I’ve found it is more about being comfortable (and confident) in what you’re wearing than the actual pieces. That said, as with everything it’s important know your audience, coffee with a girlfriend allows a different look than meeting with a group of investors!”
Style suitable for the boardroom.
Kimora Simmons “The notion of 90’s power dressing really appeals to me. I modeled during that era and have since been drawn to the emphasis on the waist, angular lines, and slim sheath dresses – silhouettes that feel sensual without being overt.”
Dress from Kimora Simmons’ Fall 2016 collection
Rebecca Minkoff “The ultimate power style is what makes you feel the most confident in your own skin.” (Photo: Getty Images)
Rebecca Minkoff Jacket
“For me, my go to power piece is a leather jacket because I can throw it over any outfit and automatically have the confidence to conquer the world- or at least whatever the world decides to throw at me that day!”
What better way to get to the bottom of what power style is than to ask the designers themselves? What do Derek Lam, Zac Posen or Jason Wu say their power looks are? Can it be broken down to something as simple as a pair of shoes, a dress or even a handbag? Click through the slideshow above to find out.
What do you get when you combine perfect style with perfect fit? Perfect confidence — and an outfit that’s your #PowerLook. Find yours with Yahoo Style’s complete guide to fashion that makes you feel invincible, and post your #PowerLook to be featured on our feed!
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