Power Looks Good on You

At Hangar9, I’m surrounded by powerful women every day. Women who are building businesses, raising families, supporting each other, and leading in their communities. And while they each define success differently, there’s one thing they all have in common: they show up. For others, yes—but especially for themselves.

There are a couple of studies that have stuck with me over the years. One is from social psychologist Amy Cuddy—she found that standing in a “power pose” (think Wonder Woman stance) can make you feel more confident (check it out here). Even if you're faking it. Then there’s the theory of enclothed cognition—a study that showed people performed better on tasks simply by wearing what they believed to be a doctor’s coat (a quick summary—yes, a little cheesy, but it gets the point across). Not because they became smarter, but because they felt smarter.

And no—I’m not saying you’re powerful because you wear a great pair of pants. Your intellect, your drive, and your purpose are what move the needle. But how you see yourself? That matters. And how you think others see you? That matters too. We’ve all had those days when everything feels off—and still, you pull yourself together. It’s those special items in your wardrobe that give you the superpower. And somehow, it helps.

So this week, I’m leaning into that feeling. Into dressing for power, even if you’re not quite feeling it yet. Here are three things I reach for when I need a little reminder of who I am—and a little superpower.

1. A Heel (Yes, really.)

Now look—I’m not talking about 4-inch stilettos (unless you’re into that). For me, a kitten heel or a 75mm block heel does the trick. It gives me a lift, literally and figuratively. There’s something about that small click of a heel on the floor that makes me stand a little taller, feel a little more in it. It’s a detail, but it’s a powerful one. And on the days I need to rally, swapping my shoes is the easiest way to give myself that nudge.

Here are a few pairs that I've invested in this season, ranging from higher block heels to kitten heels. You can browse our latest spring styles here.

2. A Go-To Blazer

This is my secret weapon. The right blazer doesn’t just pull an outfit together—it pulls me together. It’s structure, it’s polish, and it’s comfort all at once. When you find the one (and I promise, there is a “one” out there for everyone), it doesn’t feel stiff or corporate. It feels like a power move. I’ve got one that lives in my car for that exact reason—because even when everything else is chaos, I can throw it on and suddenly feel ready for anything.

Here I am in one of my go-to Marie Saint Pierre blazers—her jackets make me feel as powerful as they are effortless. You can find more jackets from her here.

3. A Statement Earring

Once upon a time, these were outside my comfort zone (remember our Comfort Zone Edit?)—but now, they’re my style shortcut. The best part? They do the heavy lifting for you. Whether it’s a last-minute Zoom call or a post-work dinner, they say “I tried” even when I didn’t. And maybe it sounds silly, but for me, they’re like a little dose of energy—a spark that makes me feel more like myself.

A bold earring (and maybe a swipe of lipstick if you're feeling it)—is all you might need to shift your energy and step into your power, check out some new styles here.

 

Because here’s the thing: being powerful doesn’t mean being perfect. It means showing up. And if what you’re wearing helps you do that—if it makes you feel stronger, sharper, more like you—then I say lean into it. Let your style reflect the version of you who knows exactly what she’s capable of.

And if you're still figuring that out? Dress for the version you want to be.

She’s already in there—I promise.

Check out my go-to power combos here, for when I want to feel unstoppable.

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