Have you ever noticed how there’s always something to do at the last minute before your most important meetings? Being an entrepreneur is all about being quick on your feet. And having a go-to, killer outfit on deck and ready to wear for your next important pitch meeting will save you time and sanity the morning of. You might even have time for coffee! Here are the three most powerful silhouettes of the season. Know them. Love them. Rock them with confidence.
Breakfast at Monopoly
Take a cue from the queen of classic herself, Audrey Hepburn, and rock an old school silhouette that feels crisp and surprisingly modern for fall. The outfit is simple: mock turtleneck, high-waisted, tapered dress pants, and a sleek ponytail. Choose a turtleneck that is fitted, and not too bulky or this look will go from serious mogul to soccer mom. Cashmere or a fine-knit wool are your best bets. Be careful when shopping for high- waisted dress pants; front pleats that aren’t draped perfectly will make you look bloated. Avoid the urge to rock ankle booties with this look, as it could take it from boardroom to hipster. Instead choose a classic pump or loafer, simple watch and slicked backed hair (loving a middle part this fall) to keep accessories from speaking louder than your brilliant ideas.
The Vintage Virtuoso
Your classic power suit just got a dose of vintage cool all tied up with a bow for the holidays. May we present to you: The ‘70s-inspired super mogul look. This features flared dress pants, a fitted jacket and a pussybow blouse. If you can’t find the crown jewel to this look — the high-collared dress shirt with the iconic bow — keep scouring vintage shops and in the meantime, fake it with a cool vintage silk scarf or ribbon tied around your neck.
This look is all buttoned up; you are literally showing no skin at all and trust us, that alone is empowering (and warm!). But what you’ll love most about this look is the power you feel from being super formal with just a hint of throwback trendiness. We recommend simple, sleek hair, either down and straight or in a low bun or chignon. A single statement ring with clean lines and classic watch are all the jewelry you need, along with a patchwork shoulder bag and pointy-toed boots, of course.
Midi Mogul
The single-biggest trend we couldn’t love more for that next big meeting is all about the most neglected hemline in the history of fashion. That’s right, it’s the calf-grazing length of the ’40s. It’s popping up on Instagram feeds that used to be reserved for maxi skirts and micro minis. And taste makers are tapping into the trend in more ways than one: culottes offer more downtown vibe while the classic midi is available in everything from narrowly cut and perfectly pressed wool to full-swinging glory in SCUBA neoprene. Paired with a belted sweater or blazer and ankle-strapped wedges will keep this look from going too matronly and will have you walking into that pitch meeting like you own the joint.
Sylvia Browder is CEO of Specialty Home Services LLC, a Home Improvement Company; a Small Business Consultant at Browder Consulting Group, a startup consultancy firm to help women with startup assistance, marketing, website and graphic design work and other support services. In addition, she has co-authored several published books; publisher of ‘Sylvia Browder’s Blog for Women Entrepreneurs’ a lifestyle blog; and publisher of ShopSpendBlack.com Business Directory & Blog platform created to help consumers find black owned businesses in a searchable format. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband of 30 years; 5 adult children and 5 grandchildren; church; friends and motorcycle riding.
