Ladies, have you ever wondered how to dress sharp (or low-key intimidating) as a woman?
I know that’s a weird question, but as a girl who is always being described as “nice and approachable”, sometimes I do want to boss up the look and be taken more seriously.
You know, you certainly want to look like a legit girl boss during those business meetings.
Believe it or not, to some extent, resting bitch face can make your life easier!
That said, I’ve gathered 10 outfit ideas if you wonder how to dress intimidating.
Enjoy!
1. WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR A BLAZER
If you want to look intimidating with minimal effort, a blazer is always a fail-proof way to go.
Featuring straight lines and broad shoulders, it just effortlessly gives off a sleek and professional look.
After all, as much as I like it, our body curves can add a touch of softness, and a blazer is the easiest way to conceal the curves.
And if you want to take this look to another level, get your blazer tailored.
Given that a blazer is a staple that you will wear long term, it’s definitely a good investment.
Believe it or not, people can tell if you are wearing a tailored suit or not, and that’s a true game-changer.
Be the girl who is particular in detail, as it certainly empowers you as a whole.
2. ALWAYS GO FOR DARK HUES FOR A SOPHISTICATED LOOK
Another no-brainer tip, go for the dark hues instead of the light hues.
While I am a big fan of pastel hues, these lovely shades are somehow too “innocent and approachable” especially if you have a baby face.
In general, you can exude a sense of masculinity when you are wearing dark shades, so take advantage of that.
Below are some symbols of different colors. I find this quite useful!
BLACK: Strong, intimidating power, sophistication, elegance
BROWN: Stability, solid, reliability
NAVY BLUE: Power, authority & Importance
PINK: Sweetness, healthy, romantic, innocent
YELLOW: Happiness, hope, spontaneity
So yes, as much as I love pink, I guess I won’t wear that on workdays!
3. EMBRACE A WIDE SHOULDER PAD TO BOSS YOU UP
Without a doubt, wide shoulders will make you look more intimidating than narrow shoulders.
While we aren’t aware of that, broad shoulders symbolize strength and the willingness to be in charge.
If you want a confidence boost, go for the shoulder pad top to maximize the effect.
Or else, you can always start with the wide V-neck and boatneck that draws eyes horizontally.
The bottom line here is to say no to dropped sleeves and wisely pick the puff, ruched sleeves.
Follow this rule, and you’ll be all set.
4. WEAR A MAXI COAT IN WINTER
I am a short girl, and I always thought I couldn’t carry these maxi-length coats.
Well, I was so wrong about that.
If you pair them with the right shoes, say pointy pumps that can visually elongate your legs, a long coat can make you look really cool and intimidating.
After all, who can hide our curves better than a long coat?
It just gives you an empowering silhouette when you walk your big steps.
So now you know what to wear this winter: swap out those waterfall and swing coats and go for the straight-line long coat that serves you well!
5. GO FOR A COLLARED SHIRT FOR A DECENT LOOK
The round neckline is not my thing.
Despite the fact that it makes my face look bigger, it just makes me appear to be too friendly and youthful, doesn’t it?
Instead, go for the high neckline, like a turtleneck or a mock neck, that looks more mature and authoritative.
Or else, a collared shirt is another great option for casual days.
6. STRUCTURED fabric for sharper look
It’s easier to look intimidating and serious with structured fabric than loose, lightweight fabric like cotton and linen that doesn’t hold its shape.
Think tweed, woven sweaters, velvet, Cheviot, and more.
As for the powerful one, a jacquard dress just levels up your fierceness tenfold.
It is just a perfect blend of looking prestigious, distinctive, poised, and empowering.
7. MONOCHROME STYLE TO LOOK PUT-TOGETHER
The monochrome look is more than fashion.
By putting all similar shades together, it makes our figure look united and elongated as a whole, and look put together.
Plus, the bold color shade just makes you stand out from the crowd, and people will be intimidated by your uniqueness.
A black monochrome look with bright red heels? You just state that YOU’RE THE BOSS.
8. HIGH HEELS ARE YOUR BEST FRIEND
How to be intimidating as a petite girlie?
Easy pieces—high heels.
They aren’t the most comfortable shoes in the world, but they certainly can signal the underlying message, “Don’t mess with me, and get out of my way.”
As a petite girl, I hate to say that, but tall people appear to have higher status and are less approachable.
Plus, the typical sound of walking in high heels can be quite sharp and disturbing, so it can really be your perfect weapon.
9. GO FOR A STRUCTURED BAG FOR A SERIOUS LOOK
Many people overlook that, but bags do play a major role in completing your intimidating look.
Even if you wear black from head to toe, if you are carrying a sloppy canvas tote bag, it just can’t scare people off.
Go for a structured, dark-hue bag.
I’d say the bag with embossed fake leather looks mature and tough — such a winner.
Another quick reminder: Hand-carrying your bag always looks better than shoulder carrying.
It just makes you present in a more formal and confident way.
10. LOOKING INTIMIDATING WITH GLASSES
While some ladies may think it’s hard to look intimidating with glasses, I tend to disagree.
First things first, sunglasses.
The more opaque the lens, the more intimidating it looks.
The reason is that our brains will get threatened when someone can see our eyes while we don’t see theirs.
It creates many unknowns that can be processed as potential dangers in our brains.
As an example, mirrored sunglasses are a far better choice than see-through ones.
As for the glasses, they are not as badass as the sunglasses you can expect.
But I would say the one with bold, thick black frames is far more intimidating than the half-frame glasses.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
So ladies, above are the 10 outfit ideas if you wonder how to dress intimidating as a woman.
I hope these tips help! But to really pull off an intimidating look, mastering your outfit is just one of the elements.
To truly master power, “The 48 Laws of Power” is a must-read.
It may hurt your brain a little bit but I will recommend it anyway!
Let’s have a quick recap first:
- When in doubt, wear a blazer
- Always go for dark hues for a sophisticated look
- Embrace a wide shoulder pad to boss you up
- Wear a maxi coat in winter
- Go for a collared shirt for a decent look
- Structured fabric can look intimidating
- Monochrome style to look put-together
- High heels are your best friend
- Go for a structured bag for a serious look
- Look intimidating with glasses
If you want more tips to dress powerfully as a lady, make sure you don’t miss the article below for some new tips. See you there girls!
Great post,
I think I go with that WHEN IN DOUBT, WEAR A BLAZER i love it.