How should you dress when you want to convey power and authority? An important business meeting or daytime social engagement is the time to be bold, and to strike the right sartorial balance between safe and standout. Basically, you need to dress like a boss. The good news? This fall, there are lots of looks that will more than meet that need. Here are some of the “boardroom” looks that caught our eye in the fall-winter 2018 designer collections. Wear any one of these to your next big meeting, and you’ll own the room.
Nothing helps project power better than a strong coat, and this gorgeous Valentino black leather trench will definitely get the job done. Made of lamb leather, it features silver-tone studs, epaulets, buckled cuffs and a belted waist.
Valentino Leather Trench Coat – $9,600
Outerwear is going over-sized this season, and this austere Balenciaga coat is a classy way to incorporate the trend.
Balenciaga Panelled Virgin Wool Coat – $4,100
Black and navy blue is a hot color combination this fall, and this perfectly-tailored Azzedine Alaïa fit-and-flare black metallic jacquard knit dress interwoven with shimmering navy threads is an excellent way to incorporate the palette into your wardrobe. Perfect for long work days and travel, a dress like this easily goes from day into night. Power dressing, indeed.
Alaia Dress – $4,240
Here’s another way to play black and blue, with the added benefit of picking up on the omnipresent animal-print trend. We love this cobalt blue and black Valentino blouse – pair with it a black skirt or skinny pants for instant chic.
Valentino Mixed Animal Print Shirt – $2,590
FENDI has some spectacular pieces in its fall-winter collection this year that are perfect for the board room, like this army green Grisaille long-sleeved wool dress with a fitted waist and flowing pleated skirt.
FENDI Dress – $2,890
By the way, if you haven’t rocked a pair of white boots yet, it’s time. This sleek pair from Balenciaga will make it as easy as pie.
Balenciaga Slash Heel leather ankle boots -$1,090
Refresh a blazer or overcoat lapel with a new brooch from Gucci – this one will definitely channel your inner Sasha Fierce.
Gucci Angry Cat crystal-embellished head brooch – $1,420
Animal prints, especially leopard, are just always in style – so why not invest in a great leopard bag? We love this one from Christian Louboutin – it’ll definitely help you get your swagger on.
Christian Louboutin Cabata Patent Leopard Tote Bag $1,590.00
This Givenchy faux fur coat is featured in “look of the season” editorials all over the world, and head designer Claire Wight Keller is the woman of the moment (having designed the dress for the Royal Wedding) – so you might want to consider it. Seems like a sound investment.
Givenchy Faux-fur coat – $3,730
Or have some fun this winter by adding just a touch of animalia with Gucci’s leopard-print faux fur turban – it’s very Norma Desmond, in a good way.
Gucci Leopard Print Faux Fur Turban – $590
A pair of red gloves will add energy and authority to even your most austere outerwear. If you want red, you gotta go with Valentino – no one does that hue better.
Valentino Garavani The Rockstud leather gloves – $695
A strong shoe can enliven even the most sedate tailored business suit. Aquazzura’s pointed-toe zebra-print pumps will bring some animal spirits to your next big meeting. And they’re so comfortable that you can do your victory dance afterward without changing your shoes.
Aquazzura Candance suede-trimmed zebra-print calf hair pumps – $875
If you’re in the market for a new classic bag for the office, we love this tote from Gucci (it comes in both black and red versions). It’s really lightweight, and sufficiently large to hold everything you need. But it’s sleek and slim enough to make a strong statement that all the really important stuff is in your head.
Gucci GG-Marmont-matelass-medium-tote $2,250
If you already have one of the stunning bags from luxury leather goods company Delvaux, add a pop of color and fun to it by adding one of the brand’s limited edition bag charms, Les Miniatures So British, to celebrate the opening of two new boutiques in London last month. We love the Buckingham Palace version, but there are four cheeky options from which to choose.
Delvaux Miniatures So British, Buckingham Palace
Finally, if you love strong color and tradition, this oversized Miu Miu tartan wool coat is a fantastic statement topper that you can have fun with straight through to spring.
Miu Miu Oversized Tartan Wool Coat – $4,410
There you have it – some ideas and possible inspiration for your fall shopping spree. For even more ideas, we love the shopping sites MyTheresa, MatchesFashion, and Net-a-Porter. Enjoy the season. And wield your power wisely, boss.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.