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Power Casual Explained in Seven Outfit Formulas

Power Casual is the clothing equivalent of work-life balance. Try it for yourself with these easy outfit formulas.

By Madeleine Kim

What does it mean to build a modern wardrobe? The answer will vary depending on who you ask, but to M.M.’s co-founders, Sarah LaFleur and Miyako Nakamura, it all starts with seven key outfit concepts that can be tweaked and tailored to match your personal style, body type, and dress code. These seven outfit concepts form the basis of Power Casual, which is the clothing equivalent of work-life balance. “We chose the number seven because we originally launched our company with seven work dresses,” explains Miyako. “We’re updating that idea to share seven outfit formulas that are both more versatile and more relevant for women today.”

Power Casual is a culmination of the styling and design ethos M.M. has built over the past decade, prioritizing next-level comfort, polished styling, and occasion-agnostic versatility. “You could be working from anywhere, and this series of outfits will provide the comfort you want, as well as the refinement that makes you feel sharp and joyous,” says Miyako. “We curated a line of our best products, and together, they serve as a guideline for how to put together a Power Casual outfit. How should we dress for this truly hybrid lifestyle, when the way we work changes nearly daily? With this collection, we’re providing the answer—and inspiration that will help you maintain the joy of getting dressed as you navigate constant change.”

1.

Oversized Jacket + Skinny Pants

This is the quintessential Power Casual look—and one of the easiest to adapt to your personal style. Opt for a classic boyfriend blazer like the O’Hara, or try something swingy and stretchy like the knit Merritt jardigan. For pants, you could go for the classic Foster pants, your favorite straight-leg jeans, or even some sleek vegan leather leggings. Mix, match, and have fun with it—the formula is pretty much foolproof.

2.

Elevated Meets Easy

Much like the look above, this outfit concept is all about balance. To achieve it, simply pair an elevated piece (think: a blazer, trousers, a twirly skirt) with an easier, more casual style (think: a sweatshirt, a T-shirt, a pair of joggers). The result is a polished yet relaxed look that gives you an air of effortless elegance.

3.

Go Long

There’s something about layers of long styles that just feels so sophisticated. To achieve this look, go long, and go all out. Wear a calf-length slip dress with a silk trench coat, or pair some sleek high-waisted pants with an extra-long cardigan.

4.

Shirts as Jackets

Miyako’s been doing this for years, and now, it’s time for all of us to follow suit. Use an oversized button-down (such as our brand-new Mila top) as a slightly more casual stand-in on days when a blazer feels too formal.

5.

Pull It Together with Pattern

When you feel like your outfit needs a finishing touch, but you can’t quite tell what it’s missing, pattern is often the answer. Look for patterned or textured pieces that echo the other colors in your outfit to create a cohesive, intentional-feeling ensemble.

6.

Head-to-Toe Knits

Who doesn’t want to wear a full-body sweater? We offer knit pants, sweaters, tops, and jackets that range in weight and texture to match any occasion. Try an all-knit suit to find that just-so balance between office-ready and work-from-home-friendly.

7.

Lean into Luxury

Sometimes, you just want to be swaddled in luxury—and we think you should go for it. Wear your most elegant silk dress with your plushest, most luxurious cashmere sweater. Trade your usual sweatsuit for an intricately designed wool-and-cashmere knit set. We’re here to help you rediscover the joy of getting dressed—and we can’t think of a better place to start than here.

Shop similar styles: The Theo pullover, Bevin dress, and Wangari earrings.

Written By

Madeleine Kim

Madeleine Kim is the Senior Brand Manager at M.M.LaFleur, where she started out as a stylist. She loves developing styling-focused content and creating newsletters that bring the M.M. community together.

See more of Madeleine's articles
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