How to Wear a Power Suit

Dressing for business doesn't mean leaving fashion by the wayside. Power suits for women combine professional attire with the latest trends for a chic office-ready look. Learn how to take over the boardroom and command respect in figure-flattering business suits from the fashion experts at St. John Knits. 

Modern ladies' power suits tie in some of the original elements of '80s-inspired blazers, pantsuits and skirt suits with trendy, street-style details that instill confidence and poise. Use the following fashion tips to express your sense of style and make your ladies' power suit your own:

When you dress with the weather in mind, there's no need to sacrifice style for comfort. Create a fall- or winter-friendly ensemble by layering a turtleneck sweater under a knee-length, double-knit jacket. Keep warm and toasty all day long in pants constructed with a heavier, insulating fabric, like cashmere or leather, to retain heat.

When the weather turns warmer, look for pants featuring lightweight and breathable materials, like satin or cotton, in a cropped, capri or skinny cut. Finish your look with a short-sleeve dress tank or blouse under a mid-length, tailored jacket.

Don't be afraid to mix-and-match pieces, either. Versatile power suit blazers pair wonderfully with knee-length pencil skirts as well as pants.   

The easiest way to customize women's pantsuits for work is to add the right accessories. Add definition to your waistline by layering a chunky belt over your power suit jacket. Keep your look clean and streamlined with simple strappy heels and stunning gold jewelry. Or, go for an ultra-classy look by wearing black leather pumps and red-frame sunglasses. For a modern twist, choose a solid-black power suit, and complete your ensemble with a silver clutch and strappy stilettos. 

For occasions that call for a more casual aesthetic, simply style your power suit with a plain white tee and your favorite sneakers. Dress things down even more by wearing slim ankle denim jeans with a double-breasted blazer. Or, consider a pair of cropped trousers that provide the opportunity to show off playful shoes. While a black power suit and white shirt offer a timeless, sophisticated look, adding in bold, fun colors, like pink or red, is an effortless way to achieve a lively style suitable for date nights or special parties.

Maintain your sense of creativity while rocking a business suit for women by adding personal touches to make a style all your own. Start with a foundation of business-appropriate pieces, then find ways to loosen things up a little bit by bringing in fun statement pieces, like a wide-brimmed hat or patterned scarf.

To achieve a polished yet unique aesthetic, consider mixing different fabrics and textures for visual interest. For example, swap out your power suit blazer for a cropped leather jacket or velvet coat to stand out from the crowd.

When you look your best, you perform your best. Achieve effortless sophistication with stunning power suit pieces crafted with the finest materials and attention to detail at St. John Knits.