When an occasion arises when you want to portray authority, power, strength, and confidence, there is no better way than with a dark suit. But this does not mean dressing like a man like some of us did in the 80’s….it does not mean you can’t look feminine, even subtly sexy….what will make or break your ‘power suit’ is style and fit….the suit in above pic has a vintage feel that fit perfectly after I had the jacket cuffs shortened – no, rolling cuffs back would not be a good look with this style…it was well worth the trip to the tailor. This suit would retail for $350-$500 – paid under $100 (for both pieces) at Revolve.  I love how the skirt hugs the rear end, but doesn’t look trashy because the hem flounces out and hits well below the knee. There are many options for shoe style and color with a navy suit….I worethese blue suede pumps because I love them and  they are super comfy –  but definitely no need to match….a camel or nude pump would look nice, a black boot or bootie, or how about this great ruby red shoe from Ann Taylor?   As long as the shoe is not too casual or chunky which would be too heavy for this suit…

A silk sleeveless blouse or a camisole would certainly work with this suit, but to give it a dressier, more sophisticated look I wore it here all buttoned up, nothing underneath, with piled on pearls – very ‘Chanel’! The pearls are really three separate pieces: one chunky choker, one strand of faux pearls, and one is a strand of real cultured pearls that belonged to Ginger….haha! The dramatic brooch is actually an oldie but goodie bought years ago at Banana Republic….. What to wear for a coat? On a mild day, like here, a simple hot pink cashmere wrap does the trick….another nice option would be a cape – camel, black,  cranberry, even plaid!   Capes are so versatile, perfect for New England fall weather……

Off to work for me, but maybe for you it is off to lunch with the ladies, off to a charity event, off to a bridal shower, off to court………off to __________?     Fill in the blank!  Where would you wear this?