As fashion gets more and more political, the trend sees a rise in the number of women who wear the pants. Sartorially speaking, however, these women wear skirts and dresses as well. Back in the 70s and 80s in America, power-dressing meant coming to work in tailored jackets, shoulder pads, cinched waists, and pencil skirts. Fast forward to 2017, and power-dressing entails attention to details like volume and cut-outs, wearing pieces that are smart and strong, making a statement, and ensuring the attention of both your peers and colleagues.
In the name of power-dressing, Savoir Flair talks to one of the fashion industry’s most influential figures, Lauren Santo Domingo, whose pioneering vision acknowledged the demand for instant gratification when she co-founded Moda Operandi. Scroll through as LSD shares what her M.O. in the morning is, as well as her ultimate styling tips to turn your workwear up a notch.
“I have two children, so I can’t sleep in. The first thing I think about is coffee – immediately – and whether or not my iPhone is charged. I try to stay very organized, but after I wake up, the rest of the day is often a gamble. I don’t spend a lot of time getting ready. I try not to wear jeans every day, but I rarely succeed. My look is almost always determined by my mood and the weather, which I think is fair logic. In terms of my own personal style, I’d like to think that I’m both exacting and spontaneous. I enjoy the process of curating my wardrobe, perhaps owing to my days as an editor.
For the office, I try to avoid jeans and, of course, sneakers. But for when there’s no time to think and I’m running late, my go-to outfit formula for the day would be a blue and white button-down, probably flats, and high-waisted denim or a great pair of trousers – again depending on the day’s agenda. A blazer would be something I’d add on to an otherwise average outfit. I love Blazé Milano.
I enjoy the process of curating my wardrobe, perhaps owing to my days as an editor.
For Spring, I would opt for a pencil skirt with a blazer, and most likely flats. If I want to create a look around trousers, I always opt for something tailored – and definitely a pair of heels. Of course, a dress is always the simplest option, especially come warmer temperatures. I prefer a personal style with which nothing feels overworked, especially for the office! If I had to summarize it in three adjectives: classic, smart, and self-assured.
I partake in two non-negotiable activities in the morning (three if you count drinking coffee): having breakfast with my children and taking them to school. I then pop into Moda Operandi Madison, our showroom on the Upper East Side, and then downtown to the office for meetings with my team. My workdays can be busy! I find there is an assumption that those who work in the industry have days full of glamour – photoshoots, reviewing lookbooks, and designer launches. In actuality, my day is more numbers, analytics, and spreadsheets than one would assume, myself previously included.”
Lauren's Power-Dressing Style Tips
There Are No Rules
The Fall/Winter 2017 runways proved there is no one definition of what it means to dress like a woman. We saw pink emerge as the new power color, Wall Street suiting with a feminine spin, corsets not as constrictive but as decorative pieces, and pouf shoulders and cinched waists defining a strong silhouette. The moral of the story is that fashion gives us an opportunity to reinvent ourselves each season, which is really what power-dressing is all about.
You Choose
Clothes are so much more than utilitarian – they’re about how they make you feel, whether that be sexy, bold, or even secure. I find there is a sense of confidence that comes from feeling great in your clothes.
Take a Risk
There’s no harm in exaggerated sleeves – exaggerated details can still be flattering.
Why Be Boring?
Have fun with fashion – without it, it’s just clothes.
Know Your Audience
I’ve found that it is more about being comfortable and confident in what you’re wearing than the actual pieces. Having said that, as with everything else, it’s important to know your audience. Coffee with a girlfriend calls for a different look than meeting with a group of investors!
