Women wanting to portray powerful image opt for androgynous styles

While Suchitra’s comments invited quite the backlash in Twitterverse, it would seem that many women do believe that they if they present an ultra-feminine, sexy image in important situations, then they will not be taken seriously — a belief that becomes only too evident when you see the way item girl Rakhi Sawant dressed up in severe, masculine kurtis and Nehru jackets when she chose to contest the elections. There certainly is precedent for this — think of Britain’s former prime minister Margaret Thatcher, whose penchant for sporting prim, buttoned up blouses and blazers and severe hairdo, were as much a part of her public image as her Conservative politics. Think of how most women in Indian politics tend to wear their hair — very short, or pulled back tightly.

Indeed, when women need to “power dress”, the inclination often is to dress in a way that’s almost masculine — or at least androgynous. The tendency is one that goes back to the 17th century, say gender studies experts, when women adopted the high heel — originally only sported by aristocratic men. Considering the wealth of style choices on offer today, however, there is no reason why you can’t dress up as femininely as you want — without compromising on the image you want to portray.

“Power dressing need not be androgynous,” asserts designer Arpita Mehta. “It’s about understanding your body type and selecting a style that fits well and makes you feel confident. It could be a pencil skirt with a chiffon blouse, or a crisp silk sari.” Junelia Aguiar-Chandler points out that a high-waisted pencil skirt, when teamed with a blazer, can make as powerful a statement as a pair of tailored trousers.

It isn’t just the outfits you choose, even the fabrics they’re made of help give the right impression. Designer Devika Sethi advises that you opt for luxurious fabrics: “Silk and cashmere are perfect for modern power dressing,” she says.

A “power outfit” Devika recommends? “A well-fitting blazer, with cigarette pants and patent pumps,” she says, adding, “Simple things like hemming your pants or adjusting the waistline of a blazer make a difference.”

Designer Urvashi Joneja says the origins of power dressing hark back to the ’70s and ’80s when women first went out to work in large numbers. In today’s emancipated times, it’s more a fashion aesthetic. With a little attention to detail, you can achieve the right look. “A chiffon and lace shirt that’s worn buttoned-up and with pants, and a pair of Oxfords — that’s power dressing,” says Urvashi. “Elements like collars, shoulders and big belts can transform almost any outfit into a stronger silhouette.”

Celebrity stylist Hasnain Patel advises paying attention to accessorising. “Adding a piece of statement jewellery and teaming the outfit with a pair of classic black high heels enhances the powerful look,” Patel says.