Women at the workplace are increasingly taking on the roles of worthy adversaries against their male counterparts so much so that statistics have been conducted to provide facts to show that women make better CEOs than men. Yet, women at the workplace struggle to find the perfect outfit that will make her look not only efficient, responsible but even formidable.

Fashion houses, Designers and fashion stylists within and outside of India are contantly trying to find new ways of providing working and career women the kind of clothes they require. One of the complaints usually targeted against working women and their clothes are that they either under-dress, over-dress or are too severe in their choice of clothes.

In the corporate world as well as in the working world where external appearances count and where sometimes hard decisions have to be made, good dressing is essential and part of the roles we play as career oriented people. That is why there are so many among us specially women who believe in the concept of power dressing.

What is Power Dressing?

While this may evoke images of the 1980s style of women wearing shoulder-pads, today it generally means to dress in a way that exudes confidence, competence and assertiveness but at the same time stylish and comfortable.

How do you do it?

One of the first rules of power dressing is to keep it simple, uncluttered and modestly flattering. Trying to dress like a man is not only tacky but also shows a lack of confidence. Below are some guidelines to remember how to dress in a way that sets you apart in your workplace.

1. One size does not fit all – wear clothes that fits you well. Avoid clothes that are too baggy or that draws the eye to areas in your body that should be covered up like cleavage showing blouses.
2. Stick with basics. Always own a formal jacket and matching pants in gray, flannel, black, navy blue or brown.
3. You can blend the casual with the chic but nothing too loud or flashy. Stay focused on being a little conservative yet stylish without going the casual way.
4. Own a good pair of suit in a neutral colour. Beiges and browns are good.
5. Get some smart formal looking salwar suits that are not heavily embroidered and the dupatta should not be a long piece of floating cloth. Nehru-necks always tend to look sophisticated. But don’t look overly dolled up.
6. Short kurtas, paired up with trouser-like pajamas, look very chic. So invest in a couple of them.
7. Long tunic styled kurtas (not sleeveless) with slightly flared pants are also very smart.
8. Keep to timeless cuts and not fall for trends. They give you a sense of stability.
9. Sarees in fabrics that are easily managed should be worn. No heavy silks, heavy embroidery or cheap flimsy chiffon or georgettes.
10. Choice of fabrics like cotton, rayon, raw cotton silks, linen, lycra are all good.
11. Choose strong solid colours that are bright yet sophisticated like dark greens, pale yellows.
12. Shoes should be of good quality and the style should not be distracting the eye.

Lastly, remember the focus is on fuss-free clothes and looks that are smart, polished, vibrant but understated.