Heading back to the office? It’s time to let your back-to-work outfits take precedence! Power through the workday and be the best #GirlBoss version of yourself, on a budget, with our pick of power suits inspired by the United States Vice President Kamala Harris.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you would’ve known that VP Kamala Harris recently paid Singapore an official visit. And of course, her arrival was met with a lot of fanfare — she is, after all, the first female vice president of the United States who also happens to be of a minority race. Apart from walking the talk with her stellar resume, Kamala Harris dresses the part. You’ve probably seen her rocking one of her iconic trouser suits-and-converse-shoe ensembles that broke all conventions and, more importantly, stereotypes.
With Singapore’s vaccination rates finally hitting the 80% mark, we’re likely to see a further easing of restrictions. Since more of us might be called back to the workplace soon (goodbye, home office!), we might as well get prepared. What does that mean? Hint: it involves doing a quick sweep of your wardrobe and taking stock of what’s left of your office wear.
To help you out, we put the two and two together and came up with a quick shortlist of affordable and gorgeous pantsuits from Taobao to help you nail down badass power dressing!
Shop the Look: Kamala Harris at President Biden’s Election Win
Image credits: ABC News
When you’re the first-ever black, south Asian, and female vice-president, it’s expected to have all eyes on you. VP Kamala Harris used that opportunity to pay homage to the brave individuals who came before her, donning an all-white ensemble — a ‘Suffrage White’ one, at that. Talk about making a statement!
1. All-White Trouser Suit with Crop Camisole
Image credits: Taobao
If the Vice President’s version was a little too formal for your liking, here’s a fun little alternative— matching bustiers! Now you can put together the perfect monochrome outfit of the same shade without having to worry about varying tones.
Price: From ¥258 (~S$54.10)
Purchase yours here.
Shop the Look: Eve of President Biden’s Inauguration
There’s something so timeless about camel-coloured coats — I attribute this to its frequent romanticisation by designer brands (think Burberry and their iconic camel-colour plaid), but it’s probably because of the versatility of its neutral tone. Whatever it is, on Kamala Harris, it looked classy and chic.
Image credits: Getty
That said, wearing a coat in Singapore’s heat should be considered a crime. Thus, we figured that finding a blazer alternative would be most prudent.
2. Oversized Camel Coloured Suit
Image credits: Taobao
It might not be in the exact same shade that Kamala Harris wore, but it still screams classy. We love the oversized silhouette and clean lines, essentials for modern-chic updates to a traditionally formal look.
Pull the look together with this luxe JW PEI-inspired shoulder bag that you could take out with you to lunch as well!
Image credits: Taobao
Tip: Remove the strap and it doubles up as a clutch for your coffee runs. Available in 15 colours.
Price: Blazer — from ¥228 (~S$47.80), Shoulder Bag — from ¥269 (~S$56.40)
Purchase your blazer here, and shoulder bag here.
Shop the Look: Kamala Harris at Joe Biden’s First Congress Speech
Image credits: USA Today
While the world listened in on Joe Biden’s crucial congress speech, it was somehow Kamala Harris’ outfit that made it onto social media platforms as a trending topic. The Prabal Gurung pantsuit that she had on (fun fact: said designer was born in Singapore!) was turning into a The Dress debate because the Internet couldn’t decide if it was peach pink or light cream in colour.
Spoiler alert: The designer confirmed the suit to be cream-coloured. However, we thought we’d offer both options to please the different camps!
3. Cream-coloured Trouser Suit
Image credits: Taobao
You can’t ever go wrong with neutral colours, and this cream-coloured trouser suit shows us exactly why. For a full-on #GirlBoss vibe, wear it exactly like how the model does. But if you want something a little more casual and can take you from client meeting to drinks by the bar, then throw on a cream-coloured camisole and leave the blazer unbuttoned. We love the one Madam Vice President wore!
Price: From ¥890 (~$186.50)
Purchase yours here.
4. Light Peachy Pink Trouser Suit
Image credits: Taobao
If the Vice President’s outfit appeared peach-pink to you — and you liked what you saw, then this getup is for you! This textured pantsuit is perfect as a set or on mixed and matched with jeans for casual Fridays at the office!
Price: From ¥358 (~$75)
Purchase yours here.
Shop the Look: Kamala Harris’ Vogue Feature
Unlike most of the models that grace Vogue Magazine’s cover, Kamala Harris had the opportunity to present two different looks on both the print and digital editions. Of course, the story behind this isn’t as picture-perfect as it sounds.
Image credits: The Guardian
After much backlash and criticism for the initial print edition, the Vogue team made the decision to republish a classier, more put-together version on digital and in limited print editions. We loved both outfits featured, and so…
5. Black Wrap Top with Matching Trousers
Image credits: Taobao
If you’ve already worn your classic black pantsuit to death, then this flared number is for you. Take things up a notch by trading in your usual black blazer with this super chic kimono-style top. While we’re huge fans of comfort in the form of sneakers, your favourite pair of stilettos will really elevate the look.
In the market for a pair? Here’s a suggestion for you:
Image credits: Taobao
Make a statement with these patent leather stilettos from Taobao. Available in a whopping 24 colours, you can stick to black, choose to go bold with shiny, glittery ones, or opt for a classic nude shade.
Price: Pantsuit — from ¥298 (~$62.45), Stilettos — from ¥699 (~$146.50)
Purchase your pantsuit here, and heels here.
6. Baby Blue Trouser Suit
Image credits: Taobao
This Ln-Family-inspired suit is probably one of our favourites on the list. This Haute couture-inspired pantsuit looks just as classy as Madam Vice President’s Michael Kors’ version, but at a fraction of the price!
Price: From ¥1480 (~$310.10)
Purchase yours here.
Shop the Look: Kamala Harris’ BET Hip Hop Awards Address
The pantsuit aesthetic has been a Kamala Harris-staple long before she took on the role of vice president. And being a fashion icon in her own right, she often switches things up with fun prints — like this gorgeous autumnal plaid blazer she wore to the virtual BET Hip Hop Awards in 2020.
Image credits: Getty
7. Brown Plaid Blazer
Image credits: Taobao
This one from Taobao is mellower than the original, which means it has the potential to be a back-to-work wardrobe staple! Dress it up with heels, or go for that edgy streetwear vibe as the model did. Either way, we promise that this will look good on any frame.
Our accessory pick? This unique little kraft paper bag that looks like a well-used soft leather bag. At its price, we’re taking all four colours!
Price: Blazer — from ¥379 (~$79.40), Bag — from ¥39 (~$8.20)
Purchase your blazer here, and bag here.
Shop the Look: Kamala Harris on her Campaign Trail
We can’t imagine the stresses of being on a campaign trail — getting enough rest whilst preempting the answers to hard-hitting questions.
Image credits: Wall Street Journal / Footwear News
Yet, Kamala Harris was able to achieve all this and more, whilst looking extremely sharp in this grey pantsuit. Here’s how you can steal the look, but with a casual twist.
8. Grey Cropped Blazer and Trousers
While you might not be making a campaign stop in North Carolina anytime soon, this chic outfit will add a touch of fun to those TGIF after-work drinks with colleagues.
Image credits: Taobao
Since the outfit has a looser fit and a more affordable price tag, we recommend treating yourself to a structured bag to tie it all together.
Image credits: Taobao
This Rabeanco shoulder bag can fit all your essentials like your phone, wallet, lipstick and keys, and comes in14 other colours!
Price: Pantsuit — from ¥159 (~$33.30), Shoulder Bag — from ¥1880 ($394)
Purchase your pantsuit here, and shoulder bag here.
Clothes Maketh The (Wo)man
Image credits: Post and Courier
VP Kamala Harris proves that it absolutely does. However, what matters most is that you feel good in the process at the end of the day — through this wardrobe revamp, we hope that your confidence will shine through. Besides, after a year of loungewear, PJs and various WFH creature comforts, who won’t love a chance to dress up to the nines in one of these trouser suits?
On the topic of revamping, check out our shortlist of Taobao shops, with inclusive fashion options available too. Just remember to use your YouTrip Card and cash in on the attractive Wholesale Exchange Rates if you’re shopping on Taobao! Be sure to have a look at our Ultimate Taobao Shopping Guide before you get started.
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to nearest 10 cents on 31 August 2021 SGT 03:00. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee
