Keep it MBAchic: power dresses for back to bschool
We posted about it on social media, but it’s worth repeating: the power dress is the new pantsuit, and we are here for it. Last weekend, the Wall Street Journal’s Off Duty section published a piece entitled, “The Most Powerful Women in Business Wear Dresses, Not Suits,” and that’s inspired this week’s Workwear Wednesday. Personally I much prefer a dress (then a skirt and shirt) to pants or suits at the office, and I was surprised by the overwhelmingly #TeamPowerDress response to a poll in Instagram Stories (84% percent of you prefer dresses and skirts!).
Isn’t there something so confident and strong, but still powerfully feminine about a power dress? It’s also so unfussy: throw it on and focus on the task/day at hand – no fidgeting with a shifting skirt, or tucking a shirt in – it’s easy, versatile and strong. While working in banking, I invested in a few key dresses that continue to last me for years. These eight dresses aren’t cheap (although two are rentable on RTR), but certainly worth the investment if you plan to own the boardroom for years to come.
Keep it MBAchic: power dresses for back to bschool
We commented that this look is serving DC realness but I can think of a dozen female leaders in Washington who would wear this. It’s classic, the gathered waist is slimming, and the color is perfect for fall. Find this dress at Of/Mercer, where they’ve named it the DuPont. Perfect.
This is an excellent dress to invest in. It’s polished and perfect for the office. It’s also not too tight or form-fitting which is perfect on days where you’re just not feeling it (or when Aunt Flo decides to pop in). Throw this on and you’re ready to take on the world. This textured popover midi by Proenza Schouler is on Rent the Runway.
Keep it MBAchic: power dresses for back to bschool
I’ve been excited for the hot pink trend this fall, but I am absolutely in love with this confident, punchy red number. This L.K. Bennett Vena dress (on RTR), worn to a huge meeting or presentation, makes sure you stand out for all the right reasons, and allow you to focus on owning the room.
This tweedy houndstooth sheath by BOSS is giving off major investment banking vibes. Picture yourself rocking this while walking into a paneled boardroom; this is the kind of timeless dress that has you feeling like a million bucks. It’s certainly an investment, but a dress that you’ll have for years to come.
Keep it MBAchic: power dresses for back to bschool
Dresses like the Kensington by Black Halo are some of my favorites: a stylish, versatile power dress. A dress like this allows you to run around the office between meetings and clients, while keeping it chic and polished – haven’t worn this [yet] but looks super comfortable as well.
This is such a powerful silhouette. The sleeves are absolutely perfect, it’s form-fitting, but the ruffle on the side adds interest to the entire look. The Belva by Shoshanna is a dress that easily takes you from summer to through fall; zoom in to check out the texture of the fabric — gorgeous.
Keep it MBAchic: power dresses for back to bschool
This classic power dress is made of an exquisite stretch, wool-enriched fabric, straight from Italy. The tailoring is impeccable and the graphic print adds just enough texture to the look. This is another investment dress here, but this Judith & Charles Phoebe Check Sheath will take you through, season-to-season.
The clean lines of this dress are so modern and chic, and the sleeve length is perfect. The Heidi dress by MM.LaFleur is made in a textured ponte and features a seriously flattering, face-framing V-neck (ripped that from their description). It is elegant and form-fitting, without being too tight.
What are your go-to power dresses or brands? What other industries or what fashion staples / style icons would you like us to cover? Let’s collab!
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Pictures from store websites
