While there's been plenty of evening glamour on display during New York Fashion Week, ladies who labour are also getting a high-profile look-in, with most designers showcasing sophisticated nine-to-five looks for the 21st-century power dresser.
Oscar de la Renta sent sharply-fitted, 'I mean business' one-pieces down the runway, while the new collection from Diane von Furstenberg included an oh-so-chic red check and pencil-line skirt combination, perfect to take urban execs from boardroom to cocktail bar.
Elsewhere, Venezuelan-born designer Carolina Herrera had reworked that popular office staple, the two-piece suit, into a crisp, single-breasted jacket with clever pocket detailing and full-cut trousers. And her cheerful cherry red combo, with outsize button detailing and Jackie O-style collar, picked up on the cropped-sleeve trend which looks set to be ubiquitous this autumn.
At Kenneth Cole, trousers were high-waisted and narrower, and teamed with minimal, wrap-around jackets belted Empire-line style. While at Bill Blass, the office met the great outdoors in an earth-toned checked jacket belted over slim chocolate brown pants.