Watching the sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, the most iconic scene from the first film that came rushing back to me was when Miranda schooled Andy on the historical significance of fashion as she judges Andy’s cerulean coloured sweater. Miranda proves to Andy that even seemingly insignificant fashion choices hold weight, and beneath each garment lies layers of history and craft. Realising that fashion is more than its materiality, Andy’s subsequent glow-up leaves Emily and Serena gobsmacked. Power dressing is a transformation for Andy. It alters her image and status within the office and allows her to build confidence. After all, it’s about how you want to be seen, and how you see yourself.

"After all, it’s about how you want to be seen, and how you see yourself"

Fashion is a form of expression, and this tradition is nothing new: historical figures have been wielding fashion as a weapon to shape their public image for centuries. Catherine the Great was a German-born princess who usurped her husband to become empress of Russia. To convince her court of her newfound position and cement her image as a fierce female leader, she turned to fashion. She incorporated styles of a Russian officer uniform into her gown, embodying the role of both empress and commander-in-chief. Catherine felt that it was necessary to establish her status in the court with her clothing. Power dressing shaped their perceptions of her, which is not so dissimilar to the function of the Chanel boots for Andy in proving her trendy style to Emily and Serena.

Clothing can be pivotal in creating a sense of belonging. When we project an image of ourselves to other people, we prove our belonging, whether that is within the office, in the royal court, or in university. Our Cambridge college puffers are spotted around every corner in the gloomy winter months. Admittedly, when the air temperatures are frigid, I’m glad to be wrapped up in a cosy jacket. But more than that, it is proof of our sense of belonging. It is a badge, a symbol, a rite of passage, if you will. I mean, goodness forbid you consider buying a college puffer in navy instead of black! The college puffer bonds us all through the commonality of relatable experiences as a Cambridge student, manifesting in the physical form of fashion. As you speed-walk down Kings Parade, or cycle past in a blur along the backs, there is a shared understanding of the Cambridge struggle: the supo tomorrow with the essay still unfinished, the activities which you signed up for during a suspiciously quiet week and now don’t have time for, and the much-needed trip to Mainsbury’s you still haven’t done – all communicated all through your puffer jacket.

"But power dressing can also take subtler forms"

But power dressing can also take subtler forms, shaping not only how others perceive you, but also how you perceive yourself. Confidence is far easier to portray when you feel it, and what better way than your outfit? Dopamine dressing can be wearing the pieces you love to boost your mood, and these items can turn up when you least expect them to. Lucy and Yak, located just off Sidney Street, is where I bought a scarlet red long-sleeve top. Despite dithering over whether I would truly wear such a brightly coloured top, within a few months, it has become a treasured staple in my wardrobe. I have found myself secretly rejoicing at the cooler weather this week simply because I can pull it out from my wardrobe without overheating in the sun, though that is not to say I don’t want the sun to make an appearance! When wearing my scarlet top, I feel the way Andy did wearing the vivid Gabriela Hearst linen dress in the Hamptons – confident in my own skin.

Next time you need a pick-me-up, reach for the pieces that always bring a smile to your face. They don’t necessarily have to be bright colours, just simply an outfit that gives you the same feeling as finishing an essay days before the deadline. Perhaps wearing your favourite top will help you get that essay done before tomorrow, or if not, it could at least tease a smile from you while you scribble away.