Bright, bold, beautiful, colorful suits aren’t only for high-profile celebrities like Janelle Monae, Rihanna, Ciara, and Janet Jackson who have access to tailors and stylists to help them create the perfect look. This bold workwear trend can also translate to the everyday millennial woman looking to spice up and brighten her work wardrobe.
As a woman who loves fashion and style, but works in a very casual office setting, I don’t often get to express my love and affinity for bold, eclectic – yet sophisticated looks. What would happen if I purposely wore a bright colored suit to work and out and about on the weekend for a week? Would I feel like Rihanna walking down the red carpet? Would I exude confidence like Michelle Obama during a press conference? As women, we’re often told what is and isn’t appropriate to wear in the workplace. As a woman of color, these rules are sometimes magnified as we often feel like we have to explain every part of our being to our work counterparts and often shy away from bringing too much attention to ourselves. (God forbid you change your hairstyle, too!)
When opting to wear a colorful suit to work, there are a few things to keep in mind. I chatted with Style expert Denise Caldwell, celebrity stylists Olori Swank , Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald , and fashion stylist Mickey Freeman (@mickeyboooom) to get their advice on how to rock this trend boldly and confidently.
1. If you’re going BRIGHT, make sure you keep the other elements of your look simple.
2. There’s no singular 9-5 look.
3. Tell a story with your outfit.
4. Don’t play down your inner fashionista in order to be a Boss.
Olori Swank: In the realm of body-type, all suits ARE NOT created equal. What works for one frame might not suit another. If you’re petite, avoid trying to embrace the oversized trend; oversized suits will drown your small frame. If you’re curvy, embrace suits that are tailored to fit. Flowy or boxy jackets/pants [can] add bulk to your frame.
The Look: The look: Blazer & Skirt: Opposuits , Booties: Charlotte Russe
Mickey Freeman: Steer clear of a suit with weak shoulders. Not only does a strong shoulder connote strength, it actually can create the illusion of good posture. Also, anything not streamlined, such as ruffles, can make a woman look matronly.
According to Mickey Freeman, you can’t go wrong shopping TopShop and Zara for affordable, work-ready suits. Get creative by mixing and matching blazers and trousers to create your own quality and original look. Stylist pair Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald list Theory and Vince as investment-worthy brands that won’t break the bank. I recommend checking out Opposuits’ colorful skirt suit options as well.
Was It Worth It?
Rocking these bold looks each day made me face my fears of caring what other people thought about me. Why hadn’t I worn more poignantly bold outfits before? Why was I so nervous to truly be me in the workplace?
As a millennial woman of color, working to become confident in the POWER of our complexions is ever important. As fashion stylist Mickey Freeman reminded me, “Whatever style suit that is chosen, millennial women of color should understand the power in the multitude of complexions they possess and the wonderful relationship those shades have with the colors they wear. Be DARING!”
You command power when you feel the power inside of you. Sometimes it takes a little color, a great fitted suit, and a little bit of inner SHINE to pull that power out and make it apparent to the world.
Watch out.
Rana Campbell is a marketing consultant, freelance writer, and host of the Dreams In Drive Podcast. Connect with her on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, or via her site here.
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