Your work wardrobe says a lot about who you are—and even more about where you’re headed. So, whether you aspire to be a CEO, your city’s lead newscaster, or the next First Lady (or Ms. President!), why not get some style inspiration from the leading ladies in your field?
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite powerful women who do their jobs looking beyond fabulous. From Anna Wintour to Marissa Mayer, take note of their style successes before heading to the office, then learn how to get their looks for less. (Because, well, you don’t have their salaries—just yet.)
The Editor-in-Chief
Photo courtesy of Featureflash / Shutterstock.
If you’re looking to be the next editor-in-chief of Vogue, take posh-and-prestige style cues from Anna Wintour. Make sure to master the runway looks of the season (before the season even starts), but also to invest in timeless classics like bold prints, luxe-looking furs, and chic neutrals. And don’t forget the staple sunglasses or statement jewelry—accessories are a must!
Get her look for less here!
The Tech Exec
Photo courtesy of TechCrunch.
Marissa Mayer proves that being the President and CEO of Yahoo doesn’t mean you have to look nerdy or wear boring black all the time. Pick professional pieces like tea-length dresses and cardigans in coordinating colors, and add character to your power suit with a patterned silk scarf or collar necklace.
Get her look for less here!
The Political Figure
Photo courtesy of Ryan J. Reilly.
As both a public and political figure, First Lady Michelle Obama has mastered the art of keeping her look polished, accessible, and timeless. Nix the stifled suit and blouse combo and throw wrap dresses, fit and flare skirts, and long-sleeve shifts into the mix. And in a workplace filled with men, don’t be afraid to stand out in regal hues, classic prints, and feminine touches like belts, pearls, and ankle straps.
Get her look for less here!
The Style Blogger
Photo courtesy of Sterling Style.
If you want to make it big in the fashion blogging world, you need to stick with a closet that’s punchy, trendy, and reflects your personal style to a T. Taylor Sterling of Sterling Style, and the founder and creative director of The Glitter Guide, knows a thing or two about staying true to her preppy, glittery-glam taste. Whether you’re mixing prints and layering like nobody’s business, piling on the arm candy, or trying out the season’s it shades, make sure that the look is totally you.
Get her look for less here!
The TV Personality
Photo courtesy of Debby Wong / Shutterstock.
Whether sporting pastel dresses with pumps or bright blouses with hip-hugging skirts, Today’s Savannah Guthrie knows how to shine onscreen. Pops of color look gorgeous on camera, so make sure to adopt a range of hues into your newsroom wardrobe. If you want to add printed or flowy silhouettes to your onscreen attire, make sure they’re somewhat subdued and cinched to keep your viewers from getting a headache and you from appearing frumpy.
Get her look for less here!
The Media Mogul
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If you want to do it all like Miss Lauren Conrad—who owns three clothing lines, is a best selling author, has endless endorsement deals, runs LaurenConrad.com and The Beauty Department, and graces magazine covers monthly—you’re going to need to take some serious girl-next-door tips from this media mogul. Lauren’s go-to skinnies, flowy tees, and blazers keep her look polished for day, while at night she opts for feminine skirts and dresses. To appeal to the masses, keep your look low-key, crisp, and effortless.
Get her look for less here!
The Savvy Entrepreneur
Rent the Runway co-founders Jennifer Fleiss and Jennifer Hyman are the queens of online entrepreneurship. If you’re looking to rock the NYC startup scene with them, make sure to pick pieces that prove your creativity and your credibility. Monochromatic shifts mean business, but don’t shy away from playful prints, textures, and accessories like drop earrings and glitzy bangles.
Get their look for less here!