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The Secret to Power Dressing, According to Carolina Herrera

The designer was in town Tuesday for the opening of her new CityCenterDC boutique.

With its million-dollar condos and high-end retail opening after high-end retail opening, CityCenterDC is actively shaping itself as the new epicenter of luxury living in Washington. The newest retail resident? Carolina Herrera, who opened her glossy CH Carolina Herrera boutique with an equally glossy cocktail party hosted with Vogue in benefit of the National Portrait Gallery this past Tuesday. Guests crowded the lacquered space in tasteful cocktail attire (below-the-knee was the favored hemline), and all eyes were on the front door when Ms. Herrera herself walked in, donning a sophisticated cobalt number undoubtedly of her own design.

In the midst of the frenzy, we had a chance to chat with the designer, whose clothing is favored by the First Lady and Hillary Clinton. Naturally, the topic of power dressing came up. How can clothing help maximize your confidence? What does one wear to command a room?

“You have to feel feminine,” she said, straightforwardly and simply. There was no elaboration necessary.

Roger that, Ms. Herrera. We’ll pull out those full midi skirts, pair them with a crisp white collared shirt, and trying walking a little taller into our next big meeting.


CH Carolina Herrera is a diffusion line for the House of Herrera, which means a more accessible price point as well as offerings for men. The new boutique is located at 995 H Street, NW; take a look inside in the photos below.

Sarah is the Editor-in-Chief of Washingtonian Bride & Groom, and writes about weddings, fashion, and shopping. Her work has also appeared in Refinery29, Bethesda Magazine, and Washington City Paper, among others. She is a Georgetown University graduate, lives in Columbia Heights, and you can find her on Instagram at @washbridegroom and @sarahzlot.