1. The client meeting
Go for a structured blazer in either navy or black, then a silk or silk-blend camisole underneath and tailored trousers. Then pair these with closed-toe heels or loafers.
Budget: Jumia’s women’s blazer range typically goes for ₦11,000–₦30,000 depending on fabric and brand.
Mid: Banana Republic’s structured wool blazers are generally $140–$200. Premium: Theory’s Carissa Blazer in Good Wool, which goes for around $495, is an investment piece built to hold its shape for years.
2. The speaking engagement
Go for a fitted turtleneck or a blouse with a lot of structure. Then, pair this with a jewel-tone blazer, emerald or burgundy, and let it do the color work instead of loud jewelry.
Budget: H&M’s fitted blazers, generally in the $50–$90 range. This is where a single strong earring or a structured clutch is the only accessory decision you need to make.
3. The business lunch that might turn social
Go for a slightly relaxed blazer that doesn’t have a strong structure. Wear a simple tank top underneath and then straight-leg trousers or a midi skirt. A heeled mule that can move from a boardroom floor to a restaurant without looking like a costume change will go perfectly with this outfit.
Banana Republic Factory’s lightweight blazers sit at a genuinely useful budget-to-mid price point for this one.
The Lagos Blazer Problem
Finding a good structured blazer in Lagos can be frustrating. The common varieties are the boxy, under-tailored styles.
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Meta description: Adesuwa Rhodes has Nigeria talking authority dressing. Here’s how to build the corporate power blazer look yourself, Nigeria and US pricing, budget to premium.
For more than a decade Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes has been known as a powerhouse in the finance industry. However, after one interview with The School of Hard Knocks, she’s become a viral name across several social media platforms. But the tag “$80 million woman” isn’t just about her remarkable feat in the private equity industry; she’s become a symbol of how to show up and dress like you belong in any room.
In this article, we’ll show you how to dress the part before you get the part. We’ll also show you how to recreate Adesuwa’s power Blazer look with your own wardrobe.
What Corporate Power Actually Means on a Rack
You don’t have to copy Adesuwa outright, as there are several things you can do with your wardrobe that will give you the corporate power blazer look regardless of your budget.
1. Fit
Fit matters. Adesuwa’s outfits always fit her perfectly without clinging so much to her body. The structured shoulders of her blazers and gowns suit her body shape perfectly and gives her a look of authority. A blazer should sit directly on or slightly past your shoulder point. It shouldn’t slide down your arm, as that looks tacky and unfinished.
You also want your sleeves to stop at your wrist bone. If it’s any longer, it will look like a borrowed outfit, and if it’s any shorter, it will look outgrown. The size of your blazer should also match what you’re wearing underneath. Wear a body blazer over a fitted top and a fitted blazer over a voluminous top.
2. Palette
African women need to wear colors that match melanin-rich skin. Adesuwa Rhodes uses deep jewel tones and soft pastels to highlight her beautiful dark skin. Deep jewel tones like emerald, burgundy, and navy gives you a commanding look while pastels create a beautifully soft yet expensive look. contrast. Jewel tones also work well under fluorescent lighting of many boardrooms and conference halls. Neutrals like camel and cream are at the other extreme of the authority palette. Black is a great option that you can almost never go wrong with.
3. Restraint
Jewelry is another signature element in Adesuwa’s looks. She has one statement piece, usually a simple necklace, strong earrings. a nice watch and bangle. the finishing move. This is why she’s always looking so confident. Wearing several competing pieces makes you look like you’re trying too hard. Let your blazer do the talking.
Three Ways to Build The Corporate Power Look
However, there are a few ways to navigate this and still create the corporate power look. Jumia’s blazer category is the fastest option and covers a wide price range. However, make sure to check the size chart to ensure you get the best fit.
Seamstress Lagos has a special workwear fashion line that creates tailored, made-in-Lagos pieces designed to fit your body type. If you have the budget, it’s best to go for a bespoke piece that will solve the shoulder-and-sleeve problem. It’s a much better option than picking from a rack since blazers are usually the one ready-to-wear piece that struggles with fit and structure.
Where This Goes Wrong
The most common mistake a lot of women make is prioritizing tightness when it comes to blazers. So you get a blazer that you think is a little too big for you, and you resize it. Unfortunately, doing this destroys the structured-shoulder effect that makes the whole look work.
Another mistake is choosing blazers with heavy, unlined fabric. Yes, they look nice in pictures but are unreasonable in heat. Go for a lighter wool-blend or cotton-blend fabric instead.
Lastly, do not over-accessorize, as it reduces the appeal of the blazer. If you pair a printed blazer with a stack of bangles and statement earrings, they will compete with each other. Remember, the whole point of this look is for your blazer to do the talking.
The Floom Verdict
The blazer is the most important part of your power outfit and the first thing that people will notice.
If you do not have a lot of money to spend, you should start with a fitted black or navy blazer that you can wear across many outfits rather than going for a mere trendy color. Check the size chart to make sure it is the right size. Over time you can add one in a jewel-tone color.
It is more important that the blazer fits you well than what it’s made of, especially if you are just starting. A cheaper blazer that fits you well is better than an expensive one that does not fit you well.
Add one nice accessory, like a good bag or a watch. Build your wardrobe around things that fit you well rather than just buying things that are trendy. Start with the basics, then add more items to your wardrobe over time.