Photograph of a spirit level tool with a green bubble, positioned on a wooden surface, used for checking horizontality.
  • A woman with long dark hair, wearing glasses and a striped shirt, poses with a large fluffy dog in a black and white photo.

  • Woman with curly hair wearing glasses and a pinstripe blazer, looking at the camera.

  • A young woman with long dark hair sits at a table, wearing a faux fur coat, in a black and white photo.

  • A man in a suit tearing a piece of paper with a frustrated expression.

  • A woman with long curly hair wearing glasses, a dark top, and high heels, sitting on an office chair with one hand on her face and the other on her knee, next to an American flag.

  • A woman with glasses and long hair in pajamas, leaning on a desk, holding a fluffy white dog on her shoulder, in black and white.

  • Black and white photo of a woman with curly hair wearing glasses, a pinstripe blazer, and a necklace, posing with one arm raised.

  • Black-and-white photo of a young woman with long dark hair, sitting at a table, wearing a fur coat, with a confident expression.

Text reads "Dressing with Power" and "Dressing with Purpose" on a white background.

Power dressing is more than just clothing—it's a statement of confidence, authority, and self-assurance. Throughout history, women have used fashion to challenge traditional gender norms and assert their presence in leadership roles. From the boardroom to the courtroom, women who embrace power dressing convey strength, competence, and control.

A woman with red hair and glasses stands speaking in a courtroom, holding papers. Another woman with glasses sits behind the judge's bench. Several people are seen in the foreground.

In this shoot, we chose to showcase power dressing in a courtroom setting, where women take charge as judges, defendants, and complainants. The sharp lines, structured silhouettes, and bold colors not only highlight the power of the women in these roles but also emphasize how clothing can be a tool for asserting authority and amplifying their voice.

KEY PARTICIPANTS

  • JUDGE

  • DEFENDANT

  • DEFENSE ATTORNEY

  • COMPLAINANT

  • PROSECUTOR

FASHION COURT:

THE CASE OF THE OUTFIT REPEATER

On campus, at Marist University, fashion is taken very seriously.

Two women standing indoors, one holding papers and a fur scarf, the other wearing a red dress and pearl necklace.

The female judge (flawlessly dressed in power suiting) presides over a heated trial.

A woman with long, curly red hair and glasses sitting on a wooden bench, holding papers, with an American flag in the background.

The female defense attorney argues that "minimalism is a lifestyle choice," but the evidence — three identical selfies — speaks for itself.

Two women in a courtroom; one standing, wearing glasses and a pinstripe suit, holding a pen, and pointing while speaking; the other seated behind a desk, wearing a fur coat and pointing with a serious expression.

A bold accusation shakes the community: a male student has been charged with committing the ultimate style crime — outfit repeating at three different events without a single accessory change.

A young man in business attire sitting at a wooden desk, appearing confused or concerned as a person outside the frame hands him a stack of papers.

The female complainant (who wore three different outfits for one event) demands justice.

A woman sitting in an office chair at a wooden desk, wearing a red top, black pants, black high heels with gold accents, and a brown fur coat draped over her shoulders. She has dark hair and makeup, and is looking at the camera in a neutral expression.

VERDICT

Vertical arrangement of the word 'QUALITY' in bold black letters on a white background.

GUILTY

GUILTY

A pixelated black and white image of a sign reading '96' with unclear content behind it.
A courtroom scene with four women and one man. A woman with red hair and glasses is standing with one foot on a bench, holding papers, while two women with dark hair seated at the table are looking at photographs, and a woman with curly dark hair is sitting at the table. In the background, a man with blond hair is seated behind the judge's bench, holding a pen.
courtroom-09.jpg
courtroom-07.jpg
courtroom-10.jpg
courtroom-19.jpg
courtroom-11.jpg

Digital Production Team Director: Haley Hartman

Assisted by: Jillian Antretter, Natalie Kalman Sofia Sarzosa

Models: Tate Clough, Talia Augusto, Caitlin Morales, Claire Montague, Dia Waheed

Photography: Sofia Sarzosa