Because sometimes, fashion all boils down to how you feel
I’ve always been a firm believer in the commanding power of a smart, tailored suit.
The more I opened my eyes to fashion, the more apparent its impeccability became: Coco Chanel shut down societal norms when she turned away from corsets in favor of suiting up, Princess Diana punctuated her defiance of the sartorial protocol with padded blazers and matching trousers, Madonna had a serious “I wear the pants” moment when she showed up to her husband’s premiere in an all-white number with a rhinestone-encrusted “Mrs. Richie” plastered across her back. There was just no going wrong with a power suit, which led me to build up a humble collection of blazers and trousers over the years––some hand-me-downs from my parents, others fruits of my hard-earned allowance and salary.
Perhaps that’s why I was left questioning my thought process when I found myself constantly reaching for something else––my caramel-colored felt beret––instead of my boxy blazer in my first week of work. Since when could a 700-peso hat upstage the crisp coordinates living in my closet?
To this day, I gravitate towards my beret on days when I need a boost. It took me a while to pinpoint the reasons, but after a little contemplating and a whole lot of wearing, I realized fondness is justified by feeling. Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I think I look pretty damn adorable when my hat is perched perfectly atop my head. It’s the cherry on top of my favorite looks and I’m in love with the feeling it gives me.
I can’t be the only one feeling this way, can I? In the interest of finding out for certain, I asked five women to talk about their go-to power pieces. Check out their answers ahead.
Yanna L.
Editorial Assistant, Preview.ph
What is your favorite power piece in your closet?
A pair of silver sequined drawstring shorts from H&M.
Does this piece have an origin story?
I bought it on sale! I remember mega hesitating because, was I being impulsive? Did I really need a pair of disco ball hotpants? Apparently, yes. I’ve had them for about four years now and still wear them with everything.
You reach for this piece when…
When I feel like my outfit is boring or when I want to be sparkly but comfy. Tbh, I’ve pretty much worn them on all kinds of days, from busy shoots to late-night parties.
How do you feel when you put this piece on?
Fabulous and extra leggy.
Tamia R.
Mass communications student
What is your favorite power piece in your closet?
My favorite power piece is my pair of black Uniqlo culottes! They’re flowy, high-waisted and end mid-shin.
Does this piece have an origin story?
I’ve actually had these culottes for three years now and I’ve worn them so much that I needed to repair them just once––but they’re still in ace condition!
You reach for this piece when…
I reach for this piece when I have no idea what to wear or when my tummy is too bloated for my high-waisted, wide-legged denim pants, which is my other power piece.
How do you feel when you put this piece on?
When I wear my culottes I feel secure and extremely comfortable because they go well with any top or shoes in the world, and I like how it works with my body because I have wide hips and a smaller waist.
Jebby F.
Fashion Editor, Mega Magazine
What is your favorite power piece in your closet?
A black fur and knit oversized jacket from Izzue in Hong Kong.
Does this piece have an origin story?
Well, it was my first lucky purchase! I think it was in 2011, we were in Hong Kong and went to this outlet building with different indie and luxury brands. I entered the Izzue store and everything was on sale! Since I was obsessed with faux fur, I was keen on finding a nice coat. Lo and behold, hiding in a corner rack was this gorilla jacket. It was 90% off and I got it for 5,000 pesos!
You reach for this piece when…
I’m heading to a cold place! I’ve brought it to Japan, Iceland and New York.
How do you feel when you put this piece on?
It’s quite hard to find a statement coat or jacket that is both unique and also not so loud. With this jacket, I get the stylish appeal without being in your face and of course I feel really warm wearing it.
Anusha M.
Graphic design student
What is your favorite power piece in your closet?
I would say my power piece is my oversize, light blue denim jacket! It’s pretty boxy and big, and it has rips near the sleeves and a little in the front.
Does this piece have an origin story?
It’s from a store called Ross where they sell really high end clothes for a cheap price. This was for 28 US dollars? It’s really reasonable for a nice denim jacket like this. Similar ones can be found in thrift stores and in the men’s jacket section. I think men’s jackets are my favorite and this one’s really similar to them in cut and design just because they fit so nicely. I’ve had it for almost a year now!
You reach for this piece when…
I reach for it when I think my outfit looks too bland or just needs a little something. I also reach for it when I’m going somewhere I’ve never been before, or somewhere I’m going to meet new people (for first impressions). I feel like I look really good in it and wearing it immediately boosts my confidence. Another thing I really like about it is, it’s perfect when you’re unsure of the dress code.
How do you feel when you put this piece on?
I feel very confident when I wear it and I know my outfit can’t go wrong with it. The rips just add an extra bit of character, and draws in that little bit of attention, I think. I like to have at least one item in all of my outfits that’s a little out of what is typically worn since I do like to stand out!
Vanessa R.
Contributor, Inquirer.net
What is your favorite power piece in your closet?
My Dr. Marten’s Geraldo sandals.
Does this piece have an origin story?
I sat on the decision to buy it for like 3 long-ass years. Haha! I caved eventually, especially after seeing idols use it for shoots, and reading and watching reviews on it. I got it discounted on Zappos in MY SIZE. Men’s sandal siya so I had to get it in men’s size 7.
You reach for this piece when…
Tbh I rarely wear them, but I wore them for Diamond Edge and K-Pop Republic 2, when I saw K-Pop groups Seventeen and NCT. Charot. Also, when I’m going out with friends for a long night which is rare, too. It’s comfortable kasi.
How do you feel when you put this piece on?
Hmm, I feel like Lisa from Blackpink when I wear them. I feel ano… click clack bada-bing bada-boom.
https://giphy.com/gifs/kpop-k-pop-lisa-3otPoA82NEJOvQzIgE
Art Alexandra Lara.
