THE power suit.
i love a good suit. something about it turns heads, if worn right. a lot can go wrong for a woman when it comes to suiting. and in this post i’m going to go over the no-no’s when it comes to suiting up for the 9-5 like a #bossbabe. in a nutshell, here are some general guidelines to follow when shopping, styling, and wearing a suit. these are my opinions and mine only! remember fashion is all about making it yours and expressing YOU. click the read more for my elaboration but here are my top 4 NO-NOs:
in summary, thou shall not wear a suit like a man. this means the following:
cut: do not wear anything baggy or oversized
color: do not pick solid colors of black, navy, gray, or brown (unless this is the look you’re going for)
top: do not layer the top with a crisp white button down
shoes: do not wear flats
noteable sales: i have been on a spring cleaning and organizing mode — gosh it feels so SATISFYING #old. these baskets from Target are currently 30% off until 04/30, have been helpful! not only do they not break the bank, they look good, and are functional. i love this three compartment one that uses wire enforcement so it’s really sturdy! Target bedding is also 20% off until 04/29 and i did purchase this as a duvet refresh with the black edge and a chunky oversized throw for the edge of the bed — normally i don’t like these chunky looking items but it adds really fun texture to bedding! Target is my go-to for affordable bedding..
side ramblings: i feel like a sign of age is becoming more emotional and sentimental. last week i said goodbye to my first luxury vehicle i purchased a couple years ago with my father who went through the grueling car-buying process with me and taught me how to negotiate a car. i won’t lie. there were some tears. 😊 last friday i finally checked out @tikitatsu_ya and it was a FULL SENSORY experience (food, lights, sounds, staff, decor). like i was about to buckle up and go for a ride. lol, it’s worth checking out at least one time!
currently on my playlist: jerro by Demons ft. Sophia Bell
here, i’ve style it with a crop top. but of course this top doesn’t work in most work environments but some depending on how fashion-forward the company vibe is. my greatest advice in workwear is, “if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it.” 😁
top c/o | J.Crew puffl sleeve organic cotton cropped top in white (also avail in blue and prints!, wearing size S)
jacket c/o | J.Crew parke blazer in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 0)
pants c/o | J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea (wearing size 2 and it doesn’t need hemming either for a 5’2” shorty)
earrings | Mejuri charlotte bold hoops in gold vermeil
shoes | Ann Taylor azra pumps in snakeskin (old) — similar in suede // similar in leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)
tips on how to wear a power suit like a #bossbabe
01 | cut
the cut can make of break your look. so pick places that offer custom tailoring. on the other hand, knowing a good tailor is also a good idea! i get all my suits from @AnnTaylor and @J.Crew because these places not only offer suiting, but they a range of sizing such as petites and tall. for someone like me, a petite cut is crucial. tailoring can get expensive so i try to purchase something that will come fitted as is. as much as you can, you’re going to want something with a more fitted/tailored fit vs. baggy. it just looks more professional and streamlined. i like the combo of a one or two button blazer with straight or skinny pants. wide leg pants can work as well. once you get into more loose fitting blazers, it makes the look more casual for me and i opt for jeans for those vs. matching suit pants. here are my suit picks at the moment:
J.Crew kate straight leg pant in stretch linen in gentle sea with matching jacket (pictured above)
J.Crew wide-leg eco cupro pant in zinna floral with matching jacket (i recently discovered this cupro fabric and i’m in love. it’s so luxe, almost like a suede-satin feel to it!)
Ann Taylor high rise ankle pant in bi-strech in soft violet with matching jacket (really fun one wo the traditional lapels!)
Ann Taylor straight pant in cross weave in dusty willow green with matching jacket
02 | color
the right color is so essential. for the love of the fashion gods, please do not pick the following colors: black, navy, gray, or brown. solid colors resemble suits men would wear and that is not the look i am going for. we’re women and should represent ourselves differently! pick FUN colors, prints, or play with texture! unsure? start with a neutral-ish blush. my first real suit from @theory was a step into what an adult-woman should be wearing and i think blush is a good starting point. from there, i’ve purchased lavender, and tan gingham suits.
03 | layering
now to get down to the actual styling! keep this power suit feminine with layering the suit with a camisole (even better if it has a little lace that adds feminine details), anything silk, anything v-neck, anything that occurs and strikes you as feminine. just do me a favor, please do not wear a white crisp button down. here, i’ve styled it with a crop top which can work in some fashion-forward work environments, but not much else. it goes very nicely with the high rise pants = minimal skin showing. use your discretion! remember, if you have to ask, you probably shouldn’t wear it to work.
04 | shoes
elevate the power suit. literally. with heels! anytime you add heels to an outfit, it gives it an instant polished look, which is what we’re going for here! wearing flats doesn’t typically give the suit the “elevation” that it really needs to take it to the next level #punintended. men wear suits with flat shoes so we’re going to take it and make it our own by adding pumps/heels. personally, i love a good pointed toe pump — it goes with all leg-type pants (skinny, straight, wide). here are some great styles i recommend: suede d’orsay // leather // similar by Sarah Flint (use code: SARAHFLINT-BAJANNAD for $50 off your first pair)
rock the female power suit & fully embody it!,
JD
