Becoming the Duchess of Sussex in the wedding of the year, Meghan has undergone a lot of scrutiny in the weeks leading up to her wedding and has handled it with grace and class (as Harry reportedly confirmed in the wedding speeches). One thing we’ve been keeping our eye on is her style story, how she’s evolved her choices and made sure every outfit was a power dressing champion.
Everything she wears from ripped jeans to her wedding gown is carefully chosen to present an image to the world. Who better to take some serious style lessons from than the woman who broke tradition and gave a speech at her own wedding and who’s feminist views are now declared loud and proud on the Royal website? In recent months, Meghan has proven that power dressing isn’t just dark suits and court shoes, she’s reinvented the art of power dressing.
Here are a few modern power dressing rules we can learn from Meghan right now…
1. POWER UP A SUMMER DRESS
This Self Portrait dress sold out almost as soon as Meghan was pictured in it. Although traditionally this could be more of a summer dress, when paired with heels and a structured blazer this becomes an instant classic.
The shape and pattern of this dress is the right combination of formal and playful, it reflects Meghan’s position in the Royal Family as youthful and different. If you want to incorporate a summer dress into your office attire, it’s entirely possible. Choose one with a flattering yet well-cut structure. Depending on your figure, a straight cut dress is usually the best option when power dressing in a summer dress. You want to avoid anything with too much movement or too loud a print, as this will not look professional, especially when paired with a blazer. Be sure that your chosen blazer is breathable and light, therefore not uncomfortable to wear all day, as Meghan did.
2. MAKE A TAILORED SUIT MORE FEMININE
There is nothing that says power dressing more than a classic suit. With a tailored pair of trousers and the right shoes, you will exude confidence as soon as you walk into the room. As Meghan’s style often deviates from the classics, she has opted to incorporate the playful, feminine element into her shirt. This upgrades her outfit and makes it more interesting while keeping those power dressing elements. Read Meghan’s lessons for success here.
You can add movement to a shirt when paired with the right co-ord, you don’t have to stick to a plain button down. Pussy-bow blouses are still professional and chic and can be purchased in a variety of fabrics from silk to cotton.
3. POWER DRESS NO MATTER THE WEATHER
As it gets warmer, it can be difficult to feel your powerful self at work. The heat should not stop you from having your power dressing on point, as the weather got warmer Meghan proved that power dressing in the summer is possible.
The pinafore dress she wore is long enough to be professional and modest, but the structure, fabric, and cut of this dress are perfect for the summer. She stays cool while looking professional and power dressing too. For the cooler mornings, you can drape a boxy blazer over a dress like Meghan’s, as she did with her Camilla + Marc blazer. It looks fashionable and will also keep you cool.
4. DON’T BE AFRAID TO STAND OUT
Meghan is bringing cream coats back. Pairing a cream coat with suede Stuart Weitzman boots might have seemed like a risky move, but in a sea of black and blue, Meghan stands out. Nude and cream colors are nothing to shy away from, and as Meghan showed, the right combination can be a power dressing hit. Find out what Meghan eats in a day for more energy here.
Don’t be afraid to stand out or break the rules a little bit, power dressing doesn’t have to mean sticking to one color or shape. The basic principles, as Meghan has shown, are in choosing the right cut and colors for your body shape. This outfit works well for Meghan, not only because she stands out from the crowd, but because the color combination is very neutral and works well with her skin tone. The classic cut of this coat is underplayed with modern accessories like the Chloe bag and knee-high boots. A perfect modern power outfit!
H&M Trench Coat $99 available here
Stuart Weitzman Highland Suede Over-The-Knee Boots $885 available here
Chloe Pixie Bag $1945 available here
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Photo: Reitmans
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