Power Dressing in the Hybrid Era: From Tracksuit to Boardroom (Sometimes All in One Day)
By the time you’ve survived back-to-back Zooms, picked Cheerios off your jumper, and attempted a motivational pep talk in the mirror (in your slippers), the last thing you’re thinking about is whether your outfit screams “executive presence.” But here we are. Welcome to power dressing, 2025 edition—where the office is sometimes your kitchen, your colleagues are tiny boxes on a screen, and your wardrobe says more about your mindset than your job title.
Once upon a time (read: 2019), power dressing meant a sharp shoulder pad, a commanding blazer, and heels that could kill a man or at least severely inconvenience him. Now? It’s about finding the sartorial sweet spot between I’m in charge and please let me work from bed.
Post-pandemic, we’ve collectively outgrown the stiff uniform of the corporate world. Enter quiet luxury - cashmere knits, elevated basics, the kind of trousers that whisper “wealth” rather than scream it. Think Succession’s Shiv Roy, minus the dysfunction. Brands like The Frankie Shop and COS have become the go-to for modern professionals who want to look polished without trying too hard (or going bankrupt in the process).
But don’t be fooled: this isn’t a universal aesthetic. For some, comfort dressing has meant embracing bold colours and dramatic silhouettes. Dopamine dressing - the trend of wearing joyful, often ludicrously bright outfits to boost your mood - is thriving. After all, if your wardrobe can’t lift your spirits, who will?
Meanwhile, the suit hasn’t vanished : it has evolved. Oversized, genderless tailoring is the new power move. Designers are offering relaxed blazers in eco-fabrics, wide-leg trousers with elasticated waists (a miracle), and loafers that feel like trainers but still make you look like you read The Economist. Well, at least the headlines.
Accessories have also had a glow-up. Statement earrings have become the remote worker’s war paint. A swipe of red lipstick says, Yes, I answered emails in bed, but now I’m closing deals. And smartwatches? They’re basically mood rings for the productivity set.
And if you’re looking to elevate your hybrid-era wardrobe without selling a kidney, members can now access Readly, your one-stop destination for digital fashion mags, and members get exclusive deals from fashion-forward brands. Whether you’re into sustainable chic or luxury staples, our members enjoy style for less—because dressing like a boss shouldn’t cost your lunch budget.
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