This post on power color is part of The Five Must-Have Pieces for Your Work Wardrobe series.
Do you know your power color? This is the color you turn to when you want to feel your most confident and, of course, powerful.
Your power color should communicate authority and intensity. Think red, cobalt blue, purple, kelly green, a deep burgundy, or magenta.
To go ahead and address the elephant in the room, black is NOT a power color. Black is the absence of color. While black can make a chic statement, you must wear color to own the room. Another question we often get is whether navy counts as a power color. Not so much, although this t-shirt from APC’s new collection is for all of you navy lovers out there.
A bright color allows listeners to focus on you, remember you, and retain what you say. You might have different power colors for various seasons. For instance, purple and deep burgundy can be more winter colors on some skin tones, while aqua or magenta might be more appropriate in the summer.
People pay more attention to what you say when you wear color.
This brings us to the most critical occasion to wear your power color: every time you are on screen. Yes, we are talking about Zoom! If you are on Zoom (or television, like some of our clients) day in and day out, all your appearances should feature you in one of your power colors. In this case, you certainly need multiple power colors!
Kyle, Lani, and Sloane in their power colors by Argent, at the DC Store
How to Find Your Power Color
How do you figure out your power color? Try on all the colors in your closet and see which ones make your eyes sparkle, hair shine, and skin glow, even when you’re not wearing makeup.
Still not sure? Wear a different color from your closet every day and tally the compliments.
Don’t have enough colors to try on in your closet? Go to a store, order online, or raid a friend’s closet for more options.
Need some color inspiration? Check out “Tessellations” by Marisol Martinez, currently on view at 55 5th Avenue in NYC, across the street from where we took our art classes at Parsons School of Design. Art can be a wonderful source for color inspiration if you are over your wardrobe!
Still not sure or short on time? Hire a personal stylist!
Need a shortcut? Jewel tones such as emerald green, ruby red, amethyst purple, and sapphire blue are universally flattering colors. Please keep reading for more tips and specific shopping suggestions.
Happy (Power Color) Shopping!
Argent
We’re always looking for high-quality, colorful blazers for our clients. Argent delivers these in spades, with an added dose of functionality. They also sell matching power color pants as separates.
Argent was the first women’s Ready-to-Wear (RTW) line with inside pockets on jackets and credit card pockets on pants. What’s our favorite thing about Argent‘s blazers, though? They’re all made with elastic inside the sleeve, so they stay when you stylishly push your sleeves up! It’s genius!
Argent Cooper Blazer, $525
Argent Soho Trouser, $350
Boden
Boden has made its way back into our power color blog this year due to the beautiful color options in their spring collection. The pieces were all so good, it was nearly impossible for us to pick just one ensemble to highlight. Featuring workwear options and fun casual sets, their color palette is bright and inviting. We ultimately chose this fun gingham blazer and pant set, because it beckons spring. But if you’re looking for new ponte suit pieces for work, the Marylebone Ponte Blazer and Belgravia Ponte Pants (in petite, regular, and long) are insanely affordable. For a weekend look, this cornflower blue lace top and matching lace skirt would be perfect for your spring and summer holidays, wedding showers, baby showers, and garden parties.
Boden Hampstead Linen Blazer, $299
Boden Canonbury Linen Pants, $220
Hobbs
Hobbs has become increasingly popular among working women, especially in DC, since opening their store at Tyson’s Corner Center. We don’t bring every client to shop at Hobbs, but when we need something from them, we REALLY NEED it. They always have an array of colorful options each season, many of which are offered in petite sizing, too. This one is for all of our petite friends out there!
Hobbs Brigitta Concealed Button Shirt Dress, $335
J.Crew
J.Crew has some amazing, colorful basics this season. You may not go to J.Crew for colorful work suits, but their shirts, jackets, sets, and dresses work well for mix-and-match power color casual pieces. We love this cashmere sweater for its many color options and affordability. And this short-sleeve pointelle cardigan is a beautiful, dainty spring/summer cardigan option.
J.Crew Cashmere High V-Neck Sweater, $148
Me+Em
If you have never browsed Me+Em, now is the time to open your new Pandora’s box. Me+Em is a modern luxury British womenswear brand that has been around for over 15 years. Lucky for you, they recently made a strong push into the US market. With the opening of several stores in major cities across the US, and more slated, they have quickly become a favorite one-stop shop for busy women. This beautiful Bias Cut Maxi Dress is part of their new collection and one of the many incredible and colorful pieces they offer. We highly recommend checking this brand out if you haven’t already.
Me+Em Bias Cut Maxi Dress, $545
Reiss
Reiss is a tried-and-true brand we frequently purchase for clients due to its exceptional quality and fit. They always offer neutral color options year-round, but each season they drop a few interesting hues that might fit your power color palette. The shade of green featured below would be absolutely gorgeous on the right skin tone.
Reiss Priya Double Breasted Blazer, $478
Reiss Priya Patch Pocket Wide Leg Pants, $275
Tahari
For years, Tahari ASL has been one of our go-to lines for affordable suiting. The price is nearly unbeatable for the quality of a two-piece suit. We are happy to see that Nordstrom has recently expanded its Tahari ASL offerings, although Macy’s still offers the widest variety from the brand and the most inclusive sizing options. The Tahari ASL Peak Lapel Belted Blazer & Pants Set below also comes in the most amazing cobalt blue!
Tahari ASL Peak Lapel Belted Blazer & Pants Set, $229
The Shirt
The Shirt is a favorite among fashionable women, especially those struggling to find button-downs that fit larger-size busts. We love a brand that focuses on doing one particular thing, and doing it well. The color variety of their Silk Shirt caught our eye this season, but their shirt collection always offers a variety of silhouettes and fabric options to fit your needs.
The Shirt The Silk Shirt, $225
Tuckernuck
Tuckernuck is a go-to brand for a segment of our clientele. The store itself carries multiple brands, and they do a fantastic job of selecting the brightest, most eye-catching colors and patterns. We particularly recommend browsing Tuckernuck when you’re looking for a fun party dress in your power color. Prices can vary by brand, but the Tuckernuck collection, created by the store’s founders, features pieces that are more affordable than some of the other brands they sell. And hot off the press, the new store just opened in DC, and it is STUNNING!!!
Tuckernuck Red Mini Delaney Dress, $148
Veronica Beard
This brand, run by not one, but two lovely ladies named Veronica Beard (seriously!), knows how to make a jacket. We’re big fans of their blazer options that keep the interesting colors coming each season. One of their newer blazers, featured below, is offered in a matching linen pant and linen short. Trust us, versatility with your power color pieces cannot be underestimated.
Veronica Beard McGowan Linen Dickey Jacket, $698
Veronica Beard Dova Wide-Leg Linen Pant, $478
Vince
Vince was a crucial brand for us this past fall for fabulous colors. We had numerous clients purchase their cashmere funnel-neck sweater in multiple colors because it is so soft, so cozy, and beyond perfect for those winter Zoom meetings from home. I (Lani) have been particularly fixated on this tomato-red color this year. Vince must have heard my plea to keep it going into spring as I increase my clothing budget. I love this simple Cap-Sleeve Blouse, and look at these fun sneakers they have that match!
Vince Stretch-Silk Hidden-Placket Cap-Sleeve Blouse, $368
What are your favorite power color brands and pieces? Let us know in the comments!
Real Life Style is a style consulting firm that teaches busy women to wear their power so they can live their lives fully and confidently. Lani Inlander, Kyle Dunphy and Sloane True are based in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area and serve clients nationwide. We offer personal styling services, and an on-demand e-course.
Once in a while, you can find Lani Inlander and Real Life Style on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Instagram. Mostly, they are happily busy serving their fabulous clients, not hanging out online!
Cobalt & Red. Both workforce when I want to feel confident & powerful. And, animal print undies 🤣
I debated whether to post this, but I am a true believer in limited government. I appreciate all that Lani & Kyle have done to help me curate my style. The guidance has been fabulous. However, I would prefer that political activity remain separate. I am a client that wants fashion consulting- not political commentary.