Power Dressing Is the Work-Wear Trend All Over the Runways and Our Screens
Fashion
This season's biggest shows and films offer some very on-trend lessons for making a statement in the work place.
Power Dressing has surged across runways for fall and spring/summer 2026 fashion weeks, luxury brands such as Saint Laurent, Jil Sander, Prada, and The Attico, which saw models donned in epic skirt suits, big-bowed shirts, with exaggerated shoulders and bold leather, thrown in for good measure. The term itself emerged in the 70s/80s as a way to establish authority in a male-dominated environment, and now, it’s not so much a fleeting trend, but a core thread that runs through many a successful and stylish woman’s wardrobe. It’s big on the runway and on our screens, too, with shows like The Diplomat, The Morning Show, and All’s Fair all reimaging power dressing for the modern era, whether that’s in the US consulate in Britain, at a cable news channel, or at an all-female law firm in Los Angeles. Below, we look to the latest TV and movies to inspire looks that set a powerful tone, for whatever occasion you see fit.
'All's Fair'
Legal drama “All’s Fair” is garnering excitement with a splashy cast including Kim Kardashian, Naomi Watts, Niecy Nash, Teyana Taylor, Sarah Paulson, and Glenn Close. Shot by director Ryan Murphy, it’s a strong and sexy female-led fight for justice full of bold costumes that epitomize power dressing, curated by designer Paula Bradley. Whether it’s a rare, red crocodile leather trench coat from Jean Paul Gaultier’s 2008 fall couture collection or bold, shoulderpad-heavy suits, it’s the extreme cutouts, extreme necklines, and TK accessories that define it as modern femininity over 80s androgyny, reclaiming this as a woman's world. Amongst the iInstantly recognizable designer bags and belts, you’ll spot earrings so big they can barely fit in the frame and dangerously sharp boots and stilettos. What unfolds is under wraps for now, tucked beneath belted blazers and thigh-high split skirts.
'Reasonable Doubt'
More courtroom conflict calls for powerful outfits as “Reasonable Doubt” returns to Hulu for season three, which follows Jax Stewart (Emayatzy Corinealdi), a skilled defense attorney balancing her hectic work life with her life as a single mom. Fusing a mix of silky and sleek, with punchy color pant suits, lustrous leather, and luxury streetwear. Costume designer Provi Fulp plays with color and texture a lot throughout the show—suits and dresses are finished with sharp, padded shoulders, strategic cutouts, ruching, and twisted knots—alluding to metaphorical meaning throughout the season’s tumultuous plot.
'The Diplomat'
The third season of Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “The Diplomat” answers the question: how does the President choose what to wear? Ambassador Kate Wyler’s (Keri Russell) wardrobe choices serve more function over fashion: a uniform of a dark grey tailored pant suit, with a fluid silk shirt in a sage green or blue underneath, is taken through each season and always paired with a pair of smart, western-style boots—a point of style difference and an assumed nod to her US roots. Her other American counterparts, Grace Penn (Allison Janney) and Billie (Nana Mensah), opt for more elegant styles, with softer pant suits in warmer tones or tailored midi dresses with a small heel or court shoe. One particular scene signifies this, when Grace rejects an angular spread collar shirt and a quick solution is required, fashioning a more appropriate cowl neck from a gym top, pinned under a blazer. When it comes to black tie events, however, Kate pulls out all the stops with a color-block Roksanda one-shoulder cape dress.
'Bugonia'
In Yorgos Lanthimos’ satirical psychological thriller, “Bugonia,” Michelle (Emma Stone), a high-powered pharma CEO, keeps a tight capsule wardrobe of the same black skirt suit, white starched shirt, and towering pumps — topped off with a trench coat in one of fall 2025's hottest shades. She’s even keeps her uniform on when kidnapped by conspiracy theorists who think she’s an alien determined to destroy earth. For Michelle's take on the power suit, costume designer Jennifer Johnson told The Set Set that she looked at a range of Alexander McQueen and Saint Laurent silhouettes. She then custom-designed Michelle’s midi-length skirt and no-nonsense shirt to coordinate with a power-shouldered, slightly ‘40s-referential McQueen suit jacket. “It has a little bit of a playful, subversive shape to it, but it's really subtle," she explained. Michelle’s skirt features a generous leg slit, which allowed flexibility for the character's attempts to flee her kidnappers. Her towering Louboutin pumps, on the other hand? They might be perfect for the boardroom, not so much for outrunning conspiracy theorists, which is why we see her kick them off in the heat of pursuit.
'The Morning Show'
More scandals and whistleblowing are served in season four of “The Morning Show,” resulting in a total shake-up within the television network. As Alex (Jennifer Anniston), Stella (Greta Lee), and Mia (Karen Pittman) take control, the need for powerful wardrobes prevails—the job of costume designer Sophie de Rakoff.
Alex’s uniform rotates between vintage Dior ready-to-wear and Celine accessories—a slim Triomphe belt, a crossbody bag and tote bag styled with a cap sleeve, tailored jacket, and trousers. Mia’s style evolves each season, focusing on textured, tailored jackets in a boucle knit, buttery leather, or sumptuous suede, mostly styled with a soft knit turtleneck underneath. It is Stella who stands out with her more streetwear-focused styles, wearing oversized baggy suits or a deconstructed pleated skirt with sneakers and a hooded technical layer. Or, we look to character Celine Dumont (Marion Cotillard), a savvy operator, who enters with a chic wardrobe consisting of sensual fabrics plus a Valentino Garavani VGold A-line skirt and pinstripe suit. Storylines of media legacy companies being purchased by billionaires take us back to “Succession,” the height of the quiet luxury wardrobe trend and the ever-famous “ludicrously capacious bag” quote.
