The 2023 Power Dressing Playbook

There are few pieces in your closet that will work as hard as an all-season blazer and tailored pants. Once considered the epitome of workwear, these classic styles are now seen across all settings and occasions. But one thing that will never change is their ability to make you feel powerful. 

Power dressing has come a long way from stuffy suits and starched shirts. In 2023, it doesn't have to be formulaic — it’s all about strong silhouettes, experimenting with masculine and feminine energy, and bringing some of your favourite bright hues to the mix. Your personal style shouldn’t get lost somewhere within the rulebook, which is why it’s time to toss the rulebook out altogether. 

We like to think of our work closet in terms of Power Casuals and Power Formals. The former category is made up of wear-everywhere tanks such as the Sculpted Tank Top and flexible dresses like the Hourglass Shirt Dress. Power Formals comprise the kind of crisp tailoring you would typically expect, but with a Qua spin. Think our Sage Skirt Suit or Essential Bodysuit Shirt. These categories can be mixed and matched, layered up and down to create endless ensembles that will make sure you’re ready to serve looks from boardroom to bar. 

From cuts to colours, the expansion in the power dressing agenda means that your office (and beyond) is a playground for creative styling. It also helps that this Spring/Summer season, fashion’s gaze is firmly fixed on timelessness. After being exposed to a ton of Y2K bling and kooky maximalism, we’re taking stock of which pieces in our wardrobes call our names time and time again.

Continue reading for some suggestions on how to ace prevailing trends while making sure you look the part for wherever you have to be. 

Versatile Suiting

Power suits have had a firm grip over international runways for the past few seasons — and for good reason. Classic suits are a timeless addition to your wardrobe, amping up your authority in work settings and dialling up the style factor on dressy night outs.While the oversized suit dominated 2022, this year suiting gets sleeker, suaver and stronger. Look no further than our impeccably tailored Sage Three Piece Suit. The best part? You can switch out the trousers for the Sage Pleated Midi Skirt for a contemporary edge. For footwear, go the tried-and-tested route with stiletto pumps, or tap into the trend-verse with kitten heel boots.

Waistcoats As Tops 

The chicest crowd sitting front row at international fashion weeks can’t get enough of waistcoats worn standalone as tops, and neither can we. Look no further than our Sculpted Waistcoat Set for a foolproof fit that says, “let’s get down to business”. In case you prefer collarless vests, the Cropped Tailored Waistcoat or Cutout Slim Waistcoat might just be for you. The adjustable belt buckle at the back that accompanies all our waistcoats makes getting the perfect fit a lot easier. 

If you’re looking to make a splashy statement with your accessories, put on visor sunglasses and a bold chrome wrist cuff. 

Collected Columns For The Win

Column dressing is back from the 90’s and it has never looked chicer. What’s new is the increased focus on exceptional tailoring — as evidenced by our Pinstripe Column Skirt. Pair it with the matching Pinstripe Cropped Blazer to create one unbroken vertical line that makes one look taller and slimmer. Not only that, in 2023 column dressing has an element of surprise. Case in point : The Ruched Maxi Dress. With ruching extending from neck to hip and a hemline grazing the ankles, it doesn’t get any chicer than this. When the clothing is this high-impact, you don’t need much to complete the look. Our Three Pearl Pin Earrings will sit just right with the kind of fluid femininity we adore. 

Blue Is The Warmest Colour

ICYMI: Blue is the colour du jour. And we’re not talking good ol’ navy blue. Different tones of this tranquil shade can really amp up your workwear and put you in a spring state-of-mind. For instance, our AquaMarine Fluid Set demonstrates how two pieces even in a monochromatic fit can have vastly differing energies. The arctic blue of our Wide Collar Lace-Up Shirt is spirited yet serene, making it perfect for days by the beach. 

Add in an XL tote to ground your look. While contrasting gold jewellery is the predictable choice, what about pairing your blues with steel jewellery in sculptural forms? 

Make Way For the Wide Legged Pants  

You might already have wide-legged trousers in your wardrobe rotation. It is, after all, the most prominent cut for pants in the post-2020 era of fashion. But little design details such as front pleats and double belt loops really add the kind of depth that will set you apart. Turn to our Wide-Leg Pleated Trousers for a generous pop of colour that goes best with a neutral blouse. If you’re on the lookout for something more meeting-appropriate, the Wide Leg Cut-Out Trousers in basil are your best bet. Thick-rimmed glasses will signal that you know how to get sh*t done, while a vintage digital watch will keep the charm alive.

The Cool Girl’s Off-Duty Essential

The white tank has been a runway staple from Milan to Copenhagen and for good reason. It’s timeless, effortless and incredibly versatile. Pair it with denims or tailored trousers or maxi skirts, and you have yourself a chic off-duty look. At Qua, we’ve given the essential tank a modern update with broad rounded shoulder straps and figure-flattering ruching along the waist. If white is too basic for your style sensibilities, opt for a vivid magenta or a pop of lime to help you sail through this summer.

Let us know which style tip do you relate to the most here