Sadly, the heatwave has broken and it’s time to get back to work. But there’s never been a better moment to suit up. The catwalks have embraced power dressing. This season’s work wear is all about playing with the formal forms of the tuxedo.
A favourite ever since the ever-changing hemlines of post-WWII fashion sent women and designers crying for sanctuary from skirts, Yves Saint Laurent was the first to embrace the empowering androgyny of sharp tailoring with the 1966 Le Smoking collection. The monochrome-paletted, frills-free statement was evocative of the powerful women of the 1950s, ’60 and ’70s. Marlene Dietrich, Catherine Deneuve and Francoise Hardy became famous for their unique style, glamorous but never flashy; chic but effortless; feminine without the impractical embellishments. It’s a trend that oozes sophistication, suggesting the wearer has no time for frivolities. This season, we mean business.
Though the structure and palette may seem limiting, the tuxedo trend is versatile. Blazers can be patterned or pimped out with studs or leather for that Helmut Lang-inspired BDSM touch. Or, to show off your silhouette under all that structure, look for jackets with a nipped waist, peplum detail or waterfall draped lapels. Blouses can be plain and masculine, even complemented by a skinny tie and cameo brooch. Or, for a slightly more individual look, ruffled collars and pussy-bow blouses are ornate and feminine while evoking an aura of Victorian authority. Shirts can be worn under embellished jumpers for a preppy yet purposeful ensemble. As long as the colours are muted, you can play up texture by teaming your demure shirt with an overlay of sequins or bold graphic prints.
Prints work for trousers as well. Don’t be afraid to bin the black skinny jeans and go for bold geometrical patterns to bring a little deco into your daywear. Pinstripes can also be teamed with lace tops for an outfit that blends the best of masculine and feminine.
When it comes to accessories, remember less is more. Bags should be practical. However, they should also make a statement of understated elegance. Monochrome leather is a good choice that can mixed and matched with other trends throughout the year. Jewellery should be confined to one or two bold pieces, so stick to the tried-and-tested old reliable of a classic cocktail watch, structured statement ring and a brooch that mixes business with pleasure.
If there’s one part of your wardrobe you should feel free to peacock, it’s your footwear. Look for killer heels that have you standing tall and proud, and make you feel a bit of a warrior. Gladiator heels will bring a ruthlessness, while shoes with zips and buckle embellishments will replace briefcases as your power item. At night, simply shake out the hair a little and undo a button or two – after all, even women who mean business need to play.

Stockists
Accessorize
23D Jervis Shopping Centre, Mary Street,
Dublin 1
10-12 Williamsgate Street, Co. Galway
Unit 30, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Co.
Cork
Unit 26 Garryowen Mall, Crescent Shopping
Centre, Dooradoyle, Co. Limerick
Asos.com
Boticca.com
Dune
Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 16
54 Henry Street Dublin 1
Dunnes Stores
St. Stephen’s Green S.C, Grafton Street, Dublin 2
William Street, Co. Galway
North Main Street, Co. Cork
Parkway SC, Dublin Road, Co. Limerick
Debenhams
Henry Street, Dublin 1
Blanchardstown Shopping Centre, Dublin 15
Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Co.Cork
4 Eyre Street, The Docks, Co.Galway
Marks and Spencers
15-20 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
24-29 Mary Street, Dublin 1
1 – 4 Eyre Street, Co. Galway
Merchants Quay S.C, Co.Cork
Missguided.co.uk
River Island
102-103 Grafton Street, Dublin 2
Unit C1-C7, Ilac Shopping Centre, Henry Street,
Dublin 1
14-15 Shop Street, Co. Galway
39 Patrick Street, Co. Cork
9 Cruise’s Street, Co. Limerick