How Tyra Banks Dresses to Be a Groundbreaking Woman
It all starts with a power outfit.
![Nine West Pop-Up Experience With Tyra Banks](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/wnYE35xRT6yrv46zgJPysY-415-80.jpg)
Groundbreaking, by definition, involves being innovative and pioneering something. A groundbreaking woman makes big moves in her career and paves the way for others. Take Tyra Banks, for instance—the model, mogul, and founder of the immersive attraction, ModelLand announced earlier this year she'd be coming out of retirement from modeling after 13 years. Groundbreaking to Banks? "It usually means being first or knocking down walls or when someone says no, you say: 'Watch me,'" the model says.
It was that theme of groundbreaking women that drew her to her partnership with Nine West—over many other brands—when the former America's Top Model host decided to model once again. "I got so many calls, but what I loved about what Nine West was doing was that it was about empowerment of women and groundbreaking, kicking ass—I was like, alright let's do this."
We talked to Banks about what it means to dress like a groundbreaking woman—and the Nine West items you need in your closet to craft a power outfit that will give you Tyra-level confidence. Follow her tips, and don't forget to smize.
A suit is a power move.
Wear black on black for a chic, polished look—but don't be afraid to add your own little flair to the classic. "I love a suit on a woman, whether it's baggy or with a bustier like I have on," Banks says.
Try wearing a suit with pointy toe booties, like this black pair from Nine West—they hit at the ankle leg-lengthening effect.
One ensemble the model doesn't have that she wants ASAP: a three-piece suit. "I want the vest, maybe like tweed everything," she say. "That would make me feel so powerful."
The right pair of shoes can elevate any outfit.
We all have bare-minimum effort days—maybe you overslept or you're just feeling blah. Here, a pair of statement heels are your saving grace.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
"You could have sweats and a t-shirt on—and the tip of your t-shirt tucked in at the corner—and you put those heels on and it’s like, ok—you did not shower today but it does not matter," Banks says. Her pick? These fluorescent yellow pumps.
Invest in heels, heels, and more heels!
Banks' advice for looking and feeling powerful is all in the heels. "It doesn't have to be a five incher or four incher—just a little bit of elevation gives you pep in your step, a swing in your hip, and a little bit of oomph when you're walking into a room."
Plus, heels improve your posture—and walking tall is an instant confidence boost. Check out some of her picks from Nine West.
"Powerful is all about confidence."
Yes, it can be easy to get into your own head with insecurities, but reaching for items in your closet that make you feel great when you're wearing them can help diminish some of that self-doubt. Because, as Banks says, if you're wearing something that you're uncomfortable in, it's going to show in your level of confidence.
"We as woman are going to have voices that are whispering, and the whispers are very loud and we can't quiet them down—but let's just try to shut down as many of them as possible by wearing things that make you feel comfortable."
Maya McDowell is an Assistant Editor at HearstMade.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
30 Linen Pieces From Nordstrom’s Sale for a Seamless Summer to Fall Transition
Shop breezy dresses and airy pants for versatile summer and autumn outfits.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
7 Make-My-Life-Easier Items I'm Buying From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
Grab these must-haves before it's too late.
By Nikki Ogunnaike Published
-
The Best Summer Work Shoes Don’t Have To Scream ‘Corporate'
Footwear that means business in the best way possible.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
34 Chic Vacation Essentials Hiding in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Don't board the plane without packing these items first.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
The Boxer Shorts Trend Offers a Realistic Take on Lingerie Dressing
How the borrowed-from-the-boys bottom became a hero summer piece with endless style potential.
By Emma Childs Published
-
Fashion Girls Are Destined to Wear the J.Crew x Maryam Nassir Zadeh Collaboration on Vacation
Beloved indie designer Maryam Nassir Zadeh translated her essentials into the ultimate packing list.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
I'm a Style Editor—50 Last-Minute Prime Day Fashion Deals to Grab Before Tomorrow
Grab these on-sale items before it’s too late.
By Lauren Tappan Last updated
-
Fashion Editors Share the Best Work Dresses From Their Summer Uniform
From classic wrap silhouettes to breezy linens, these are the expert-approved styles we're wearing on repeat.
By Lauren Tappan Published