When it comes to inner confidence, fashion has always been a catalyst for self-empowerment. There really is no denying that the right outfit can work to give you that extra boost to conquer a strenuous meeting, an important presentation, and even that long-awaited interview. The concept of using fashion as a sleek secret weapon or suit of armour is often referred to as 'power dressing', and here at MC HQ, we are big fans of using fashion as a way to positively influence our everyday lives.
Power dressing is a simple derivation of using an outfit to support your inner confidence. It has been a concept that has long inspired street-style icons, celebs, and women worldwide, with the power dressing movement coming to the fore in the 1980s, when women were taking the corporate world by storm. Reflections of voluminous shoulder pads inserted in blazers, silk shirts, bold-coloured suits, and sharply tailored silhouettes became the workwear norm as a means to support women and assert their authority in the workforce.
Over the last couple of seasons, power dressing hasn't been limited to the workplace exclusively but has also quickly become an integral part of our every day wardrobe. Blazers became key players in our capsule wardrobes - paired with our everyday jeans, and laptop-friendly XL bags - and have surpassed their mundane duties of navigating meeting-heavy days to being chic everyday staples when running errands and or even over a simple slip dress for a low-key weekend stroll.
This year, it's all about incorporating power dressing motifs into your everyday wardrobe. Allowing these classic investments to work beyond the office and become part of your daily routine. Not sure where to start? Why not take inspiration from the likes of Saint Laurent, Max Mara, Bottega Veneta, Coperni, and Dries Van Noten, all of which incorporate power dressing into their Spring/Summer 2024 collections.
So if you're looking to invest in classic power dressing staples or are on the hunt for new ways to rework their wardrobe, we have curated an expert edit below of the key new season buys and styling tricks that are equally as empowering as they are chic.
The Sculptured Blazer
One of the easiest ways to inject your wardrobe with a large dose of authority, is with a blazer - and not just any blazer. This season, it's all about the sculptured blazer. Taking a slightly different approach whilst still paying homage to the 1980's oversized silhouettes, this new season style is cinched in at the waist to form a killer silhouette.
Previously to create this look you would need to belt your blazer, but this season designers like Max Mara, Saint Laurent, and Jacquemus played with this shape and presented their own iterations through conceptual materials and designs that featured built in corsetry and lacing. Take inspiration from these fashion houses and pair them with wide-leg trousers, the perfect summer-heeled sandal, or a size up for a sleek mini dress. The possibilities are endless.
Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2024
The blazer iteration of the brand's adored waistcoat. This buttery yellow blazer the must-have colour of the season.
Known for their blazers, The Frankie Shop's Colette sculpted blazer is a must-have. Pair over a white vest and trousers for the perfect office look.
A white linen blazer is a classic power dressing staple for the warmer months. Breezy enough to wear over dresses and tops during spring, or under coats during the colder months.
Slowly taking over our IG feeds, this incredible Mugler blazer is definitely worth the investment for ultra-power dressing that will create a killer form.
Made from Lenzing fibres and Ecovero materials, this orange blazer features a nipped-in waist silhouette and padded shoulders. Style with tonal separates.
This pinstriped blazer is a classic option if you're looking for a cinched-in blazer with a pared-back, timeless design. Pair with a sleek midi skirt and sling-back heels. Chic!
The Modern Suit
Over the past couple of seasons, the classic suit has continued to be reworked into various iterations from the oversized mannish suit to the more feminine midi skirt suit. But for Spring/Summer 2024 its all about the short suit.
Adapting a comfortable approach, as seen at Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2024 show, the luxury house paired a classic blazer with slightly longer shorts, AKA bermuda shorts. A much more spring-friendly variation to trousers, we can expect various members of the fashion team to sport this chic pairing over the coming weeks.
Dries Van Noten Spring/Summer 2024
This metallic blazer is one of the most versatile of the season. Paired with its matching culottes, I'm eyeing this number for a couple of upcoming weddings I'll be attending this summer.
These matching shorts are the perfect length and can be worn with their matching blazer or alone. Whatever the case, these are bound to make a statement.
This preppy longline denim blazer is the perfect length to pair with a pair of chino bermuda shorts. Just add your favourite shirt or polo underneath for a Spring/Summer 2024 catwalk-inspired look.
A longline pair of chino shorts is far chicer than you would think. Pair with a polished dark denim blazer and kitten heel sling backs for one of the chicest takes on modern summer suiting.
It wouldn't be spring without a bright yellow piece. This blazer is perfect on its own or with its matching set of shorts. You can't go wrong.
Pair these shorts with your favourite slingbacks. They're so good that it doesn't take much to make them stand out.
The Slingbacks
The humble slingback heel is a true wardrobe icon. Featuring an ultra-feminine silhouette at the heel with a smidge of added height, you can't go wrong with them. Popularly adorned by French girls and French fashion houses alike. Chanel, Christian Dior, and Saint Laurent are just a few to look at for quick inspiration.
This season, the slingback heel has been imagined in voluminous silhouettes by Bottega Veneta and its traditional figure by Prada. Perfectly paired with a midi satin skirt or wide-leg trousers, you can't go wrong with a slingback heel.
Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2024
These Prada slingbacks continue to be at the top of most fashion girls' wish lists. The perfect shape and height they are the perfect everyday pair for the office and beyond. Most definitey worth the investment.
A coloured shoe is an easy way to add a pop of colour to a more neutral colour palette. Pair these slingback heels with your favourite dark-wash jeans and matching denim blazer for a seriously stylish look that is very of the moment.
Dark denim heels will add an edgier touchy to tailored looks. These denim heels from COS are the best on the high street.
Playing with textures and finishes is a key focus for Spring/Summer 2024. This pair from Gucci is a classic naughties throwback and cult new season buy.
From shoes to blazers, buckle detailing has been everywhere this season and is a simple way to add some character to your look.
Finding a shoe that feels modern, sexy and comfortable to walk in, is forever on our mind, so be sure to snap up these ecru sling backs immediately - they're guaranteed to sell out fast.
The Do-It-All Dress
The do-it-all dress is one of the hardest working pieces in your wardrobe. From crisp shirt dresses to cinched-in structured options, and my personal favourite, the asymmetric dress. A do-it-all dress really does it all. For those days when you're in a rush and want to reach for a quick and effortlessly chic outfit option, they are there to save the day.
On the runway, brands like Prada, Max Mara and Jacquemus are opting for khaki dresses, all-white linen ensembles and some sleek denim options that are not only modern but extremely versatile. Pair under a blazer and strappy sandals and you're good to go in less than five minutes.
Prada Spring/Summer 2024
Sculptured details continue to dominate this season, and this Jigsaw number is one of our favourite dresses right now. Featuring super elegant pleats stitched down at the waist for a sleek and hourglass look. Wearing with boots and sandals alike.
This midi dress features a classic silhouette made from Italian tweed. With flattering panelling along the bodice, it was made for every occasion. Pair with elegant heels for the perfect look.
A classic relaxed-fit dress, this piece is light and breathable and will last many seasons. With a cleverly designed silhouette, you can't go wrong.
Featuring the trendy cinched in silhouette, this contrast dress is a sleek option that can be perfectly paired under a blazer and with fishnet flats. A true must-have.
You can always count on Marks and Spencer to provide great transeasonal pieces. This dress is the perfect textured bodycon that is comfortable and breezy for the office and beyond. Wear with elevated sandals or ballet flats.
Often its the simplest and most understated of dresses that will be the most hard working in your wardrobe. Despite the paired back design, the buttery yellow colour gives this dress a new season feel.
The Modern Heirloom
This season's jewellery trends are all about key pieces that will live on for generations. From Bottega Veneta's infamous teardrop earrings to Saint Laurent's edgy geometric shapes, these pieces are true works of art in their own right.
If you're looking at ways to elevate your power dressing looks with minimal effort, incorporating striking jewellery pieces is a great way to go. Opt for clean, metallic, sculptural designs if you want a more sleek look à la Bottega Veneta. Whilst those looking at statement pieces similar to the ones seen at Saint Laurent's Spring/Summer 2024 show look for exaggerated compositions or vintage pieces that will see you through the office and beyond.
Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2024.
No outfit is complete this season without a great statement pair of gold earrings. We love this retro inspired pair from Mango. I'm adding to cart asap.
Tarnished silver earrings is having a moment. The more subtle finish of the metal makes these a great workwear option.
Mismatched earrings are a jewellery trend on the rise. This option from COS features delicate pearl drop detailing to add a softer edge to an architectural shape.
Alexis Bittar has long been a go-to for timeless statement jewellery. These jumbo gold studs will give every outfit a large dose of polish.
Made from 18K gold, these clip-on earrings have the perfect vintage aesthetic with a textured heart shape.
Another sleek textured option for those looking for everyday earrings with a twist made from 24K gold-plated brass. Pair with a do-it-all dress and sandals to complete any spring look.
The Versatile Shirt
The enduring appeal of a crisp shirt lies in its versatility and endless designs. It can be paired over denim or tucked into A-line skirts, shorts, and culottes; the possibilities are endless. Over on the runway, 16 Arlington's recent collection paired perfectly tailored shirts over white and red sequinned skirts for a chic day-to-night look. Think billowy sleeves, wrap waist belts and open back lacing.
Why not borrow some inspiration for the runway and match it with statement earrings and slingback mules? Or alternatively, opt for a more colourful shirt and style it under a structural blazer and matching trousers.
16 Arlington Spring/Summer 2024
Loving this unique take from H&M, with a modern cinched-in waist detail and padded shoulders. Pair with your favourite comfy denim for a relaxed look or alongside trousers for an elevated office look.
This voluminous sleeve shirt from Jovonna is a softer way to do white shirting. Featuring ballooned sleeves with ties at the sides, pair this shirt with sleek ballet flats and trousers for the perfect office look.
If you need a shirt, British label With Nothing Underneath are guaranteed to have it. Made from 100% Tencel, it won't create so is perfect for a business or holiday trip.
British design duo Palmer//Harding are the go-to for considered shirting. These ruffle front shirt shows how much fun there is to be had with this classic wardrobe staple.
Massimo Dutti is one of our go-to destinations for smart and stylish separates. The asymmetric buttoning looks way beyond it's High Street price tag. Pair with its matching palazzo trousers or opt for an A-line skirt for added drama.
Arket's shirting options are timeless and classic whilst offering unique colourways and silhouettes. This pink shirt featuring green and red stripes is an instant add to cart, especially for this season.
The Oversized Bag
This season, forget your smaller crossbody - it's time to invest in an oversized shoulder tote that is actually practical. For seasons, a big, laptop-friendly bag that was stylish was hard to come by, however, 2024 is here to prove that practical bags can be stylish and are readily available at every price point too.
Bottega Veneta and Acne Studios are among the many brands introducing larger handbag styles and in suede, leather, canvas and woven details to name just a few - the options are endless.
Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2024.
This bag is at the top of my wish list. With its tan suede colourway and sleek tulip shape, it is the perfect chic everyday bag. Fitting a 13 inch laptop, style for the office and beyond.
This ultra-wide tote bag is big enough for a laptop and all of your essentials. Made from striped canvas with black leather straps that will sling comfortably over your arm - its a no brainer.
Demellier's New York tote is an influencer favourite. Inspired by New York City's architecture, this bag has an ultra-wide triangular base and features a zip pocket interior to keep all essentials and a laptop safe.
This suede leather tote bag is our favourite High Street option. Its light fawn colour will easily pair with lighter colour palettes and denim shades.
Its no surprise the Cyme bag by Polène is a viral hit on social media. It comes in various colourways but this brown leather and canvas version is perfect for Spring. It is usually sold out, so act fast.
A slightly smaller option for those who aren't ready to go full XL, this tote by Elleme has a unique cross-stitching pattern and comes with a pouch and key strap to secure all of your essentials.
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