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With these essential wardrobe pieces you’ll feel pumped to conquer your day no matter what it throws at you! <\/span><\/p>\n So what is empowered dressing? The 70s brought with it many bold and bright fashion items. Flares, corduroy, and paisley prints were in, while tie-dye and other remnants of 60s fashion were slowly fading as flower power met its natural demise.<\/span> [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.19″ show_divider=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n With all the strides that have been made towards equality; women can now wear pieces that empower them in a more feminine way, rather than needing to demonstrate that they are one of the boys.<\/span><\/p>\n I asked a few of my girlfriends which items make them feel empowered. \u00a0The answer I got was unexpected: \u2018shoulder pads\u2019. <\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/That-Style-Chick-Shoulder-Pads.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n I was initially surprised by this answer as shoulder pads have definitely had some rocky moments over the years. Fashion historian Oleg Mindiak gives a great overview of the history of shoulder pads in an <\/span>article<\/span><\/a> on his blog, starting from 1930\u2019s and Elsa Schiaparelli\u2019s designs to the feature\u2019s strong presence in current collections. <\/span>Bustle<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>CR Fashion Book<\/span><\/a> highlight the shoulder pad as a symbol of the feminist movement that reappears during significant moments in women\u2019s history.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.19″ show_divider=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n While shoulder pads might not be everyone\u2019s cup of tea, I believe everyone has that piece that makes them feel strong and powerful. A couple of recurring favourites from my girlfriends in a Facebook poll on the topic of empowering wardrobe pieces included:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”3.19″ show_divider=”off” \/][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n For me, I feel empowered wearing pieces that make me feel confident yet comfortable. Things that allow me to navigate a busy day without pinching or restriction, while still looking effortlessly classy.<\/span><\/p>\n Here are a few that work for me:<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n Find one that works for your body type (it doesn\u2019t have to be black, there are so many options!) and it will last you for years. With time your jacket will gain more character. This is an item that can add a bit of toughness to a feminine frock (I love the juxtaposition of masculine and feminine!) or be worn with jeans and a t-shirt when you\u2019re running about town.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-Leather-jacket-and-frock.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-leather-jacket-jeans.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n I always feel crisp, pulled together and ready to take on the day whenever I wear one. One of my favourites is this clean-cut classic from <\/span>Uniqlo<\/span><\/a>. At $39.95 it\u2019s a steal but it works so hard in my closet.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-White-shirt.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n It\u2019s a great idea to build a wardrobe that sticks to a palette of a few neutrals, but I suggest always adding some colour options that work with your neutrals. If I\u2019m having an average day or feeling under the weather, a pop of colour \u2013 be it a lick of lipstick, a scarf, or a top \u2013 can instantly energize and lift me up. For me, a red lip is super empowering and my go-to colour is MAC So Chaud (this orange-red is great for warm skin tones, opt for a blue-based or burgundy red if you\u2019re cooler).<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-Red-lip.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n As much as I adore heels, it\u2019s unrealistic for my lifestyle to wear them all the time. A pair of elegant, pointed-toe flats can dress up a pair of jeans, complete a look for a business meeting and see me doing a kinder pick-up. They\u2019re great for when I need to spend a full day on my feet and help ensure I don\u2019t suffer the all-consuming fatigue that can accompany aching feet.<\/span><\/p>\n I love <\/span>these Valentino\u2019s<\/span><\/a> (you can get some great Valentino bargains on <\/span>Ozsale<\/span><\/a>!), but if you\u2019re not up for spending that much you\u2019re not alone. You can find similar styles at a more accessible price, such as <\/span>this pair from Shein<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-Valentions.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″][et_pb_image _builder_version=”3.19″ src=”https:\/\/thatstylechick.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/that-style-chick-Shein-shoes.jpg” \/][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”3.19″]<\/p>\n
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<\/span>With the more savvy, worldly and confident 70s youth also came a heightened focus on women\u2019s rights. And the women of this bold decade were embracing this new wave of empowerment, using fashion to express their intention.<\/span>
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<\/span>What followed was shoulder pads, boxy tailoring and women\u2019s suits, which represented women\u2019s determination to reclaim their power and take their rightful place in equality with men. <\/span><\/p>\nModern Day Feminism<\/span><\/h2>\n
Go-To Empowerment Pieces<\/span><\/h2>\n
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My Favourites for Feeling Fierce<\/span><\/h2>\n
1. A leather jacket.<\/span><\/h2>\n
2. A white button-down or a white t-shirt:<\/span><\/h2>\n
3. Colourful accessories<\/span><\/h2>\n
4. A great pair of flats:<\/span><\/h2>\n
5. A fabulous handbag: <\/span><\/h2>\n