Being a fashion influencer can be hard work. However, these ladies well and truly have their work cut out. With both a professional career and successful blog on their list of accolades, we spoke to some of our favourite fashion influencers about their double lives and top power dressing tips.
Farheen Ebrahim, Chicago
What do you do for a living?
I am a research and development scientist working for a pharmaceutical company. I work on the method validation portion of the development process of new pharmaceutical drugs. I primarily run high-performance liquid chromatography on a variety of products.
How would you describe your style?
I would describe my style as classic and feminine, yet edgy. I like to mix prints, fabrics and I'm not scared to step outside of the box. Since I go back and forth from the lab to my desk a lot, I try to find pieces for my work wardrobe that are comfortable yet chic enough to be work appropriate.
What is your top power dressing tip?
Invest in classics then use your creativity to wear it many different ways. Work style can be so fun and playful. What people fail to realize is that you can get work friendly items that are actually really exciting. I like neutral pieces that can be worn casually or dressed up. Take a solid white blazer for example, it can be worn several different ways.
Shop the look
Furla Metropolis Bag, P.A.R.O.S.H Print Blazer, Saint Laurent Skinny Jeans and Saint Laurent Anji 105 Pumps.
Holly Pan, Washington DC
What do you do for a living?
I am a fashion consultant with a focus on editorial styling and brand building.
How would you describe your style?
My overall style is feminine with an edge. I like to adopt the latest runway trends into more wearable everyday styles.
What is your top power dressing tip?
When I need to dress to impress my business clients, I wear designs with clean and structured lines, usually solid colors and well fitted. Instead of pencil skirt or pant suits, I'd prefer a little more styling. My newest power-dressing "secret weapon" is pleated culottes, they are powerful and feminine at the same time, best of both worlds.
Shop the look
Stella McCartney Blazer, J.W.Anderson Pierce Bag, Off-White Pleated Panel Trousers and Marni Panelled Pumps.
Tina Phan, San Francisco
What do you do for a living?
I work as a divorce attorney in San Francisco, CA.
How would you describe your style?
My personal style is casual, cool and chic. For work, my profession demands a more conservative and business look, especially when I have to appear in court. However, in the office, I try to infuse a little more coolness to office dressing, instead of just the typical stuffy pantsuits and blazers.
What is your top power dressing tip?
My power dressing tip is to always let your personality shine through. Whether it be gold bangles or kitten heels or pins and patches--always keep it fresh and you, instead of wearing what you think a lawyer or banker should be wearing.
Shop the look
Robert Clergerie Pumps, Saint Laurent Sac de Jour Tote, Anine Bing Dress and Gucci Belt Bag.
Shai Chung, Chicago
What do you do for a living?
I am a Corporate Income Tax Manager by trade and I have my blog Drunk On Shoes as a passion project. They are quite polar opposites so it keeps me on my toes a lot.
How would you describe your style?
My style is pretty eclectic. As a shopaholic for years, I've found items and silhouettes that are my go to and I know work great for my body. For the most part, I tend to go for comfort and casual but always looking to find pieces that fit that mold but with a design twist. I love interesting and fun tops which I pair with ripped jeans/shorts/denim skirts and of course some amazing shoes. I try out various trends for fun just to see if I can pull it off. So yes, eclectic would definitely describe my style.
What is your top power dressing tip?
Fit and shape! The power of a good seamstress is everything to an outfit. Invest in altering your favorite pieces so that it fits perfectly to your body. Know what silhouettes work for you and gravitate to those pieces. I've seen some amazing clothes look terrible because they didn't fit well. So find someone you trust with alterations and set aside a fund just for that. You will also realize that when something fits you perfectly, you are much more confident in it.
Shop the look
J.W.Anderson Bow Pierce Bag, Joseph Matt Dress, Gianni Renzi Boots and Isabel Marant Baker Boy Hat.