Fashion: Master the art of 'empower' dressing
March sees the start of a new fashion season and International Women’s Day. To celebrate both milestones, we asked these local style icons to select a piece perfect for spring/summer - which also has the power to make the wearer feel brighter and bolder
Chosen by: Rachel Allpress of Stoned & Waisted, Suffolk
“Feminine and relaxed, our Stella blouse is crafted from a pure linen. It features oversized sleeves and an alluring V-Neck. Easy to pair with denim or other linen pieces, this wardrobe essential will give confidence and comfort to any moment.”
Stella blouse, release March, £179
Chosen by: Steff Kelsey of Esse Retail & Therapy, Melbourn
“This on-trend suit is pink and powerful! Whether together or as separates, both the jacket and trouser will brighten up days when we need a ‘spring’ of colour in our step. . .”
Jacket, £90, trousers, £65, boots, £165, top, £40
Chosen by: Hayley Attridge of Blue, Saffron Walden
“We adore the collections from Inoa. Their gorgeous prints and striking designs make every lady who tries them on feel fabulous; featuring 100% silk, which is so lovely on the skin, Inoa knows how to dress women. We adore how clothes can change the way a woman feels. Sometimes we dress women who are going through a life-changing experience, and the ability to make someone feel happier and more confident through our collections is beautiful. 2023 is the year when all bets are off, and you can wear what you like whenever you want. To that end, we have chosen this amazing Inoa top: the print is fantastic, and we challenge any woman to try it on and not feel superb.”
Inoa v-neck top in Hobart, £188
Chosen by: Lara Kinnett of Martha V, Newmarket
“The power suit is back! We will see amazing suits back in store, from smart casual to smart and suitable for lots of occasions. This outfit from Gerry Weber also captures the strong colours we will see this season.”
Gerry Weber suit, £305 for the set
Chosen by: Lily Barton of Javelin, Bury St Edmunds and Sudbury
“We think empowerment is all about confidence and fashion is an amazing tool to reflect that. Fashion is our language and it speaks for itself. Think about how powerful using that theory is: enabling us to speak to everyone through our clothing without uttering a
single word. This Bruuns Bazaar blouse is a fabulous statement piece - the print and colour really stand out and paired with jeans it is the perfect outfit to kick your week off in style. You can feel in control of the day and ready to take on whatever it has in store.”
Bruuns Bazaar Eustoma Luz shirt, £159.95
Chosen by: Mandy Weetch and Abi North of Neon Leo, Saffron Walden
“Brightness is key for us. Our motto at Neon Leo - a rental and pre-loved website launching in March - is empowering women through their wardrobe by adding colour to elevate personality and style. Whether it's through a bright lip, sequinned dress or a bold blazer and jeans, there are simple ways to enhance your style. One of our favourite pieces from our rental platform is this vintage Zara red blazer. It screams ‘Chanel’ to us and makes you feel amazing when it's on. Match with a bright lip or clash with a pink dress; it's a game-changer to any outfit.”
Available to rent via Neon Leo in mid-March
Chosen by: Hayley Butler of Cuckoo, Burwash Manor, Barton
“‘Dare to be Bold’ really sums up this bright and colourful collection from Pom Amsterdam, which captures the signature style from this quirky label. I especially love this blouse. It is fun and colourful, a happy blouse - the perfect pick-me-up for spring.”
Pom Amsterdam shirt, £129.95
Chosen by: Kelly Last of My Doris, Bury St Edmunds
“I adore this piece - the smiley is such a feel-good icon that will forever take me back to the brilliant 90s. This bag beams happiness: l love the bold green colour; the heart that's gone into the beadwork, which is crafted by hand; and how it adds interest to any outfit - I'm often dressed in all black.”
Beaded crossbody Smiley Bag, £57
Chosen by Anna Park of ANNA, Bury St Edmunds and Saffron Walden
“Green helps open the mind to creative ideas and solutions, so wearing this blazer encourages me to think outside the box and to be open to trying new things. It also allows me to express my personality and stand out from the crowd. As I am wearing the blazer, I am reminded that I am unique and that my opinions and ideas matter. I am more likely to take risks and push my boundaries when I am wearing this fashionable statement piece.”
Harris Wharf blazer in Apple Green, £279, Harris Wharf pleated wide-leg trousers in Ivory, £219
Chosen by: Helen Hird of My Doris, Bury St Edmunds
“If I’m feeling a bit flat I will do my nails, put on stacks of my statement gold rings and I immediately feel more myself. I catch them in eyesight on the steering wheel when I’m driving to work and hear them click clacking against my keyboard when I’m working – they lift my mood and make me feel like I can take on the day.”
Gold statement rings, RRP £20 each
Chosen by: Eva McConnell of Cow on the Ice, Ely
“When I was thinking about designing a coat of arms for myself, I knew there was no way that I could be represented by a lion or a wolf - a better fit would be a very desperate snail with clenched teeth and an existential crisis… It made me think we all should have more realistic options when choosing our totems. That is why I created an ever-growing collection of beasts, tailored to our modern times. Our Cow on the Ice T-shirts - Eagle on a Budget, Chubby Unicorn, Wild Thing, Nutter, Hedge-hug and many more to come - will help you channel the energy of nature and culture combined. And most importantly will make you SMILE.”
Unisex totem T-shirts, £18
Chosen by: Katie Williamson of My Doris, Bury St Edmunds
"Functional and fun - I love this case and the bold Aztec print. My laptop is used daily - it gets bashed around in the car and borrowed by my kids. Now it looks good whilst being protected; this is the perfect accessory for work days. I might be tempted to coordinate my work outfit with it..."
Pink print laptop case, RRP £32
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Alice Ryan