12 minutes
Our stylists have been busy at Armoire, and when you know our members, it’s easy to see why. The Armoire woman is an accomplished career woman—a boss lady, if you will. The events on her calendar are a big deal. Our stylist Emma recently dressed a woman for a meeting at the White House. Yes, that White House. Other members have been styled for TV appearances, high-profile social events, and public speaking gigs. That got us thinking; we need a whole category of styles for power events.
Don’t get me wrong—we’re here to dress you for your everyday life too. But when you’re a badass woman, your daily life takes a different shape. Time is constrained, making you more selective of your social obligations. You’ve leveled up your calendar; now you need to level up your wardrobe to arrive at your power events at the top of your game. We got you.
Brands We Love for Power Events
A good place to start when planning your wardrobe for power events is with brands that consistently deliver high-impact styles. Our top three power events brands are beloved for designing clothes that leave an impression. They check all the boxes for being high-quality, memorable, and flattering.
Sachin & Babi
In one word: Luxury
Founded by husband-and-wife design duo Sachin Ahluwalia and Babi Ahluwalia, Sachin & Babi is known for its luxury women’s clothing. The brand has gained recognition for its elegant and sophisticated designs that often feature intricate details and craftsmanship.
The brand is particularly known for its eveningwear collections. Sachin & Babi offers a range of formal dresses, gowns, and cocktail attire designed for parties, weddings, and other power events. Their designs have been worn on the red carpet by celebrities, further solidifying the brand’s reputation as a glamorous choice.
Hutch
In one word: Chic
Founded by Daniel Saponaro in 2010, Hutch is known for its chic and feminine designs. The brand is celebrated for its stylish and modern approach to women’s fashion, with a focus on creating pieces that are both on-trend and wearable with well-crafted finishes, unique embellishments, and an overall polished look.
Hutch offers versatile clothing that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for various power events. The brand’s designs often feature flattering silhouettes, elegant details, and a refined aesthetic.
French Connection
In one word: Edgy
Founded in 1972 by Stephen Marks, French Connection is a well-known British fashion brand known for its contemporary and trend-focused clothing. Their designs often feature a mix of classic and contemporary elements.
French Connection gained widespread recognition for its unconventional and provocative branding. The use of the acronym “FCUK” in its logo and marketing campaigns generated significant attention and controversy. This bold and attention-grabbing branding strategy remains a defining aspect of the brand’s identity. While unconventional, the marketing campaigns have contributed to its brand recognition and edgy image.
The Power Events on Your Calendar
Receiving an Award
Congratulations! Being recognized for an achievement is such an honor and a day to remember. It will likely involve a public appearance and all eyes will be on you. You’re not going to take your outfit choice lightly. You’re looking at elegant and sophisticated styles to make a memorable impression. Your choice of attire will depend on the formality of the event, of course. Here are some options:
- Evening Gown: For a black-tie or formal event, a floor-length evening gown in a solid color or subtle pattern is appropriate. Choose a style that flatters your body shape and complements your skin tone. Choose luxurious fabrics and elegant details for a glamorous appearance.
- Cocktail Dress: A knee-length or tea-length cocktail dress can be a chic and modern choice. Opt for luxurious fabrics and elegant details like lace or velvet. These materials add texture and richness to your overall appearance. Ensure the dress is not too revealing and is appropriate for the occasion.
- Beaded Dress: A dress adorned with beads can catch the light and create a dazzling effect, exuding luxury and sophistication. Keep accessories minimal to let the dress shine.
Pro Tip: Wearing a monochromatic outfit can create a strong and unified look. Choose a neutral color palette for a sophisticated and professional appearance.
Business Presentation
When delivering an important business presentation, it’s crucial to choose an outfit that conveys professionalism, confidence, and competence. Here are some styles for inspiration:
- Pant Suit: A well-tailored pant suit in a solid color or subtle pattern is a classic and powerful choice. It exudes professionalism and is suitable for a variety of business settings.
- Blouse and Pencil Skirt: Pairing a tailored blouse with a knee-length or below-the-knee pencil skirt is a sophisticated and business-appropriate option. Choose conservative colors and avoid overly trendy or casual styles.
- Shift Dress: A knee-length shift dress in a solid color or subtle pattern can be a polished and comfortable choice for a business presentation. Opt for a long-sleeved shift dress for a more conservative look. Pair it with a blazer for added formality.
- Blouse and Trousers: A well-fitted blouse combined with tailored trousers is a versatile and professional ensemble. Choose classic colors and clean lines for a timeless look.
- Wrap Dress: A well-tailored wrap dress can be a versatile and flattering choice. Look for one in a smart fabric with subtle embellishments.
Finishing the look: Complete the look with closed-toe pumps in a neutral color. Avoid overly high heels and opt for a comfortable yet polished shoe.
Job Interview
Your dream role is within reach, but first you have to stand out from the other candidates. Choosing the right outfit is crucial as it forms the first impression. Here are some classic and professional styles to wear to an important interview:
- Neutral-Colored Blazer and Dress Pants: Pairing a neutral-colored blazer with well-fitted dress pants creates a polished and sophisticated look. Ensure a professional fit and avoid distracting patterns.
- Blouse and Trousers: Combine a well-fitted blouse with tailored trousers for a versatile and put-together outfit. Stick to neutral tones for a timeless appeal.
- Sheath Dress: A sheath dress in a solid color or subtle pattern is a sleek and professional choice. Ensure the length is appropriate for a business setting and pair it with a blazer if needed.
- Midi-Length Skirt and Blouse: A midi-length skirt paired with a blouse strikes a balance between professionalism and style. Opt for conservative colors and avoid overly trendy pieces.
- Turtleneck Sweater and Slacks: In colder weather, a turtleneck sweater paired with tailored slacks can be a chic and professional choice. Stick to neutral tones and ensure the sweater is not too casual. A great trench coat will seal the deal.
Finishing the look: Keep accessories minimal and opt for classic pieces such as a watch or simple stud earrings. Avoid anything too flashy or distracting.
Charity Gala
You don’t want to miss this annual event. Not only is it a fun time, but the cause is important to you. You’ll want to step up your outfit out of respect for all the work that went into coordinating the big night.
For a fancy charity gala, opt for glamorous and elegant attire. The dress code may vary, but the event usually calls for formal or black-tie looks. Here are some styles to consider:
- Ball Gown: A grand ball gown with a full skirt and fitted bodice can make a dramatic statement. This is particularly suitable for more elaborate and formal galas.
- Mermaid or Trumpet Silhouette: These fitted styles flatter the figure and create a sophisticated look. Select a gown with intricate details or embellishments for added glamour.
- Off-Shoulder or One-Shoulder Dress: An off-shoulder or one-shoulder dress adds a touch of romance and elegance. Choose a style that complements your figure and pairs well with statement jewelry.
- High-Slit Dress: A high-slit gown adds a hint of allure and modernity to your look. Ensure the overall design remains elegant and appropriate for the event.
Finishing the look: Pair your gown with high-quality accessories such as statement earrings, a clutch, and elegant heels. Consider a chic updo or softly flowing hair to complement the formal attire.
Weddings
Speaking of dressing out of respect for the occasion, how you show up for weddings matters. As a wedding guest, your choice of attire should reflect the formality of these power events, the time of day, and the venue. Here are some style suggestions:
- Cocktail Dress: A knee-length or midi cocktail dress is a versatile and often appropriate choice for weddings. Choose a style and color that aligns with the formality of the event.
- Maxi Dress: A flowing and elegant maxi dress can be perfect for both formal and semi-formal weddings. Pay attention to the fabric and pattern, avoiding overly casual designs.
- Floral Dress: Floral dresses are a popular this year, and always on point for weddings, especially during spring and summer. Select a dress with a tasteful floral pattern and a silhouette that suits the occasion.
- Tea-Length Dress: Tea-length dresses offer a classic and vintage-inspired look. This length is particularly suitable for semi-formal daytime weddings.
- Off-Shoulder or One-Shoulder Dress: Choose a dress with an off-shoulder or one-shoulder neckline for a touch of sophistication and style. This design adds a hint of flair to your outfit.Pro tip: Choose fabrics like silk, satin, velvet, or lace for an extra touch of opulence. These materials often convey a sense of elegance and formality.
Pro tip: Choose fabrics like silk, satin, velvet, or lace for an extra touch of opulence. These materials often convey a sense of elegance and formality.
Milestone Birthdays
It seems like it was just last week when all of my friends were having big 30th birthday bashes. In no time, we went through a round of 40th birthday parties. Since then, my friend group has gotten more diverse, covering more generations. Now I’m getting invites to 50th birthday celebrations, with some in my group making plans for their 60th. Grandchildren are starting to come for some of them and let me tell you, celebrations for Baby’s First Birthday are far more elaborate than when my kids were little. Now they are Occasions with a capital O.
Attending a milestone birthday celebration calls for festive and celebratory attire. The specific style can depend on the venue, dress code, and the birthday person’s preferences. Here are some styles to consider:
- Party Dress: Choose a fun and vibrant party dress that reflects the celebratory mood. Opt for bold colors, playful patterns, metallic fabric or sequins to make a statement.
- A-Line Dress: A classic A-line dress is a timeless and feminine choice. Opt for a length that suits the formality of the event, and choose complementary accessories.
- Two-Piece Set: Consider a trendy two-piece set with a crop top and matching skirt for a youthful and modern look. This style is often festive and stylish.
- Statement Jumpsuit: A stylish jumpsuit in a bold color or with unique details can be a fashionable and comfortable choice for a celebratory event.
- Dressy Separates: Consider pairing a dressy top with a skirt or tailored pants for a sophisticated and modern ensemble. This option allows for versatility in mixing and matching.
Finishing the look: Enhance your outfit with bold accessories like statement earrings, a clutch, or a striking pair of heels. These details can elevate your overall look and add a festive touch.
School Reunion
For a casual high school or college reunion, the key is to strike a balance between looking polished and feeling comfortable. The dress code may vary, but it typically leans towards smart casual or casual attire. Here are some style suggestions:
- Jeans and Nice Top: Pairing well-fitted jeans with a stylish blouse or top is a classic and comfortable option for a casual reunion. Choose denim in good condition and a top that reflects your personal style.
- Casual Dress: Opt for a casual dress in a relaxed silhouette. A sundress, shirt dress, or a casual wrap dress can be both comfortable and appropriate for the occasion.
- Jumpsuit or Romper: A jumpsuit or romper in a casual fabric is a trendy and easy-to-wear option. Choose a style that suits your body shape and reflects the laid-back atmosphere of the event.
- Denim Skirt and T-Shirt: A denim skirt with a tucked-in T-shirt can strike a balance between casual and put-together. Choose a skirt length that you feel comfortable in and a T-shirt that reflects your style.
- Casual Blouse and Chinos: Tuck a casual blouse into a pair of chinos or khakis for a relaxed yet polished look. This combination is comfortable and suitable for a casual setting.
Finishing the look: Choose comfortable footwear like stylish flats to work the room. You’ll thank us later.
Always Appropriate for Power Events
It’s generally better to err on the side of formality for power events. Consider the venue, time of day, societal norms, and the weather when making your clothing choices. Additionally, be mindful of cultural or religious considerations, if applicable.
Pay attention to details, such as well-groomed hair and nails, and make sure your outfit is clean and well-pressed. Add appropriate accessories, such as a clutch, jewelry, and comfortable yet stylish shoes, to complete your look.
The most important thing is to feel confident and at ease. Preparation and a polished appearance will help you make a positive and lasting impression during your power events. Ultimately, the goal is to wear something that makes you feel festive, stylish, and ready to celebrate.
Do you have a power event on your calendar? Become an Armoire member to rent a memorable look.
