Although many of us were not around at the time the women on Wall St. “power fashion” movement started to initiate its unrelenting momentum back in 1988 with trailblazers like Sigourney Weaver and “Tess McGill” in the film “Working Girl” and has only picked up steam since then. Since then we have seen it evolve from obtuse lines created by bulky shoulder-padded blazers and long heavy skirts that were so layered you had to be in great shape to make it through the work day. Looking back its no wonder the aerobics movement started at about the same time! We have all evolved since then, with powerful women accounting for a higher percentage of C-level positions than ever before and their professional attire has evolved as well. Today’s executive both in real life and on screen have forgone suits in favor of more form-fitting, on-point dresses with power players like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and Laura Dern’s character, Renata Klein, in “Big Little Lies” paving the way. Making the statement that just because you hold a position that years ago was only suited for a man doesn’t mean you have to dress like one today and here are some of the statements being made in boardrooms today.

Red has always been a color synonymous with stop, caution, and negative. Now Red is the new “go”, the new forward, the new proceed. With power players like Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg not only foregoing the slightly baggy, and dare I say highly unflattering pant suit that leaves everything to the imagination, and going with fitted dresses and they don’t stop there. No more just black, blue, and grey. How about a bold red to make a statement that says “I’m in charge”, and not because it represents your political affiliation. Michelle Obama changed that narrative a few years ago with her short sleeved fitted dress that accentuated her sculptured arms setting the tone that red is not just for parties anymore. Since then it’s not just Sandberg, but Megan Markle, Julianna Margulies, and many others that announce their presence with authority not just in dress rather than a suit but in the color red and letting others know that you don’t have to be suited up to mean business. “No No, not a question”, as Miranda Priestly would say.

 

 

 

 

Ladies don’t be afraid to come out guns a’ blazin’ in a sleeveless dress. Once only reserved for the young, now its for the young at hear as well. Megan Markle’s official title may be the Duchess of Sussex but she could also be known as the “Countess of Hip” as not since Lady Diana has a member of the Royal family been such a trend setter. Without a doubt among her favorites is the sleeveless dress and several variations of it. True, she’s got the biceps to pull it off but also does it elegantly. If there are any doubts about the appropriateness or formality of the situation then a sleek blazer will address those concerns quite nicely. Then watch the eyes drop when it’s removed for lunch or cocktails. Lastly, go bold or go home. Blues, greys, and black always work but don’t hold back when it comes to color, stripes, or even a print.