Power dressing

Balance the androgynous and feminine to achieve a look that’s smart, powerful and stylishly you

When it comes to work wear women definitely have an advantage. There are so many choices and so much possibility for experimentation that you can never look boring unless you seriously intend to. The key to dressing right for work lies in balancing the androgynous and feminine to achieve a look that is smart and chic but never dressy or OTT. The ‘formal wear’ prescribed is definitely not to be confused with what you would wear to a cocktail do. While most organisations do insist on following a dress code, they definitely do not require you to look tiresome or drab. Business like does not have to mean boring especially in a highly competitive environment where getting noticed definitely matters

The basics
Pants
Fabrics should be crisp; colors solid; Stay away from low waist styles. Three quarter pants are now accepted in most work places

Skirt length and slits
Hemlines at knee length. Save flared skirts for salsa nights and stick to pencil styles. Slits in the center back of a skirt are acceptable. Slips are meant to be invisible.

Shirt
In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and high neck tee shirts in solid colours are acceptable business casual choices. Look for styles that fit well but are not too tight

Shoes
Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown. Always opt for close toed styles.



DIY

• Always remember to use one fun/ style element at a time and balance it out considerably by using other more business like pieces. A bright floral scarf goes with somber trousers, ruffled tops with structured blazers.
• Swap boring black dress pants for patterned trousers (available at Esprit, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam)
• Look for blazers with ¾ sleeves or get them altered.
• Opt for structured blazers with shoulder pads(available at Westside, Ampa mall) and team with three quarter pants
• Try teaming waist coats (available at Lifestyle, Citicentre) with city shorts or long shorts (available at United Colours of Benetton, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam) instead of the usual knee length skirts if your dress code permits
• Suspenders add interest to boring pants (straps available at Dollars & Pounds, Adyar)
• High waist trousers and 80s inspired slouchy trousers (baggy, harem pant like trousers) are very interesting alternatives to done to death slim or boot cut trousers but unfortunately are yet to catch on in the city. But that shouldn’t stop you from getting a pair tailored
• Shrugs in blacks and grays (they pair well with even kurtas) work extremely well in place of jackets and blazers for a more casual work environment

Complement
these looks with simple jewellery( studs, single line bracelets) and neutral make up