Five Women Redefine the Power Suit
By Kristina Grish
Photo Credit: Jeff Harris
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RACHEL ROY, 31, designer/president of Rachel Roy clothing line.
THE JOB: "From an early age, I wanted to be in fashion. I remember doing back-to-school shopping at Mervin's, and I wanted what I saw in magazines and not on mass-market shelves. "I'm a big proponent of young women dressing appropriately in the workplace to get ahead. We need to demand respect as women, and part of that involves how we present ourselves. You have to tell people what to think about you, instead of having them come to their own conclusions."
THE REAL ME: "I've made so many fashion mistakes, especially when I was younger, but now I dress for my body type. My biggest regret is rolling my tight Levis and bunching them under scrunchy socks in the '80s. Now I know what works for me. I love trench coats and shirtwaist dresses. For the holidays, I really like the black and navy color combo, especially because it doesn't matter how expensive your garment is — those two colors are very sophisticated for any party and any age. In my mind, power comes from confidence. If a great outfit gets you one step closer to feeling good about yourself, then it's worth every penny."
"I wore this outfit to a screening of The Last Kiss."
"For a more formal occasion or social event, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art Gala, I love to accessorize with a decadent statement necklace, such as this Iraqi smoky topaz piece. I'm not heavy into animal prints unless they're on a shoe, which can really pull a look together."
