The Power Of Being Well-Suited

By Shelton Boyd-Griffith ·Updated February 2, 2023

Power-suiting is the decades-old concept of using tailoring to enhance the femme form—creating an armor of sleekness, ferocity and power. Iconic suit warriors, from Joan Clayton to Grace Jones, paved the way. But here’s how to incorporate suiting into any wardrobe, aesthetic, vibe, and occasion today.

FASHION STORY – WELL SUITED Photographed by Philip Daniel Ducasse Styling by Solange Franklin Model: Elaine Palacio at Women Management Hair by Mideyah Parker using Pattern Beauty at Bryant Artists Makeup by Mimi Quiquine using Maison Quiquine at She Likes Cutie Nails by Aja Walton using Essie at See Management Stylist Assistants: Ore Zaccheus, Chardonnay Taylor Photo Assistants: Mouhamadou Seck, Alex Demarco Tailor: Zunyda Casting by Shahriyar Ghobadpour at CVILIAN Photography Direction by Michael Quinn Production by The Morrison Group FOR EDITORIAL/SOCIAL TEAM USE: Photo: @philipdanielducasse Model: @elainelorelin Stylist: @solangefranklin Hair: @mideyahparkerhair Makeup: @mimiquiquine Nails: @ajackdannie Casting: @dear.shah Photography Direction: @_mq______ Production: @themorrisongroup EMAILS FOR DISTRIBUTION: o.steele@womenmanagement.com shah@cvilian.com carly@webberrepresents.com jahaira@webberrepresents.com humberto@thewallgroup.com harmony@thewallgroup.com everythingzunyda@gmail.com brennan@bryantartists.com mquiquinenicholls@gmail.com leigh@seemanagement.com

The allure of suiting and tailoring is that it can be worn in a myriad of ways. In a more oversize fit, pair it with a sequined blouse or a bib tuxedo shirt; or reimagine it as a crop top paired with a black maxi skirt.

There’s nothing more classically stylish than a navy pinstripe. With origins in banking, it’s a power combo that signals you mean business. Wear it as a full suit or try a deconstructed iteration of the look.

There is no definitive way that suiting needs to be styled, so feel free to play with proportion and scale. Experiment with a cropped jacket and high-waisted trousers, or pair a cardigan with hot pants.