8 Things Every Badass Boss Lady Has in Her Wardrobe

A clean-cut black blazer blends into the background, but a true boss knows she needs to stand out from the crowd. Look for noteworthy features like a velvet lapel, exaggerated buttons, a colorful collar or well-placed zippers. And of course make sure that baby is tailored to perfection.

Sometimes a great accessory is all you need to take an outfit from standard to superb. The most successful women we know invest in well-made classics that only get better with age. Think: A Chanel shoulder bag or a sleek backpack from The Row. The brand doesn’t particularly matter, as long as the silhouette is timeless and you stay away from overly trendy colors and shapes.

Leave the boring pantsuits behind and try rocking an unexpected two-piece instead. Muted metallics, embellished piping and pops of color all feel special and will help solidify your status as head of the pack.

While you can’t go wrong with a crisp, white button-down, the stylish boss ladies we know also rely on softer, more feminine pieces. Zoe loves to pair a ruffly or lacy number with a moto jacket or boxy blazer.

There’s a reason Jackie O, the Olsen twins and Miranda Priestly all rely on these guys: Behind a great pair of shades, no one can tell exactly what you’re thinking or planning. So even if you’re secretly panicking on your way to that presentation, the world is none the wiser.

Few clothing items scream confidence more than a fully patterned frock. Pick a print that makes you feel as bold as a lioness, then pair with a solid jacket or long vest to bring it into the boardroom.

Whether they’re metallic brogues, embroidered boots or slick black heels, all power shoes have one thing in common: They make us feel like we can take on the world. Gentle reminder: A boss lady would never head to work with scuffed toes or dirty heels, so be sure to always properly store and care for your footwear.

Feeling sartorially uninspired? Slap on a bold, bright lip and you’ll feel your confidence rise almost immediately. Promise. 

For more wardrobe inspiration, check out Rachel Zoe’s favorite closet picks on PureWow's Finery homepage.