Ever wondered what really is power dressing? This term has been used since the late 1970s and reflected the clothing styles favour­ed in business and politics in the US and UK throu­ghout the 1980s. This te­rm reportedly was first recorded in the New York paper The Post-Standard in September 1979.

It comes from an era when women were newly seeing the working scene and had to assert their “power”. Though the mea­ning and connotation of the word has undergone chan­ges, the underlying thought remains close to assertion of power.

Off late, we have been noticing the influx of the fashion of the 80s and inevitably the influx of power dressing, though the accent has shifted to glamour pow­er dressing rather than the casual look of past seasons.

Shoulder pads are definitely the most important element. They provide the required drama the aura of power needs. Evening dres­s­es and gowns are being designed with larger shoulders with embellishment and detailing. Even the big jacket look has seeped into evening wear. Wide shouldered, rich jewel-shaded brocades or gold lame and even lace jackets are being interpreted this season. A big jewelled brooch is like a quill in the cap.

But how can women st­ay far from their feminine side. To soften the masc­uline effect, the slee­ves of jackets and blouses are worn pushed up or rolled up to reveal attractive satin contrast linings . Another prominent accessory is the scarf. Paisley printed, polka dots, checkered or solid colours, scarves are of great importance in completing the look. Polka dots are my favorite at the moment. They add an interesting quirk to a solid colour.

Another element quite prominent from the 80s is the metallic look on the androgynous power dressing for women. Big gold chu­nky earrings, chains em­b­ellishments, gold clut­ch­es especially the ones with a long gold chain are becoming very popular. Diamonte jewellery, crystals with flashing gold even on hair pins are also really hot.

Stockings have been quite a rage for the past few seasons. Solid bright col­ours thrown in with neutrals has been the mantra for a while.

In all, power dressing is the hottest trend. Explore the possibilities of re-inventing bling with colour. Gold is one element to hook on to for the coming seasons. Clutches in a my­riad of metallic hues are a must, coordinated with ma­­t­ching shoes.

The writer is a fashion designer and artist