Equality has been, and will continually be the message of the femininity movement. Starting from equal opportunities to equal pay, women have been fighting for a seat at the table, proving that women are as talented as men and deserve their dues in respect and on the chequebook. Interestingly this has transcended into fashion as the men’s wardrobe have been raided and the fashion girlies are bossing it up with feminine tux.
Fashion has always been a mirror to society, reflecting shifts in power, culture, and identity. And in 2025, nothing embodies this evolution more than the power suit or better still the feminine tux—reimagined, redefined, and worn with unapologetic confidence by the women of Hollywood. Once an emblem of masculinity, the suit has become the ultimate statement of authority, style, and self-assurance, gracing the red carpet in dazzling new iterations.
From Taraji P. Henson’s sultry take on tailoring at NACCP Image awards, a shimmering metallic pink two-piece feminine tux worn by the talented and gorgeous star of award winning Tyler Perry’s ‘Sista’s, KJ Smith to Kamala Harris’s polished precision, the power suit is no longer just an alternative to the gown—it’s the moment.
Award season is agog, has been alive and buzzing with steaming hot looks from the fashion industry, with every designer and stylist bringing nothing short of an ‘A-Game’ and definitely making heads to turn and us, something to talk about.
From the assemblage of the buzzing talents in the music industry at the Grammys, to the commemoration of the super-amazing black talents at the BET & NACCP Image Awards, to the timeless Oscars, the red carpets are steaming with fashion-forward, show-stopping haute couture pieces, with a new trend in feminine tux.
Historically, the red carpet has been synonymous with sweeping gowns, corseted silhouettes, and ultra-feminine grandeur. But why should these rules still apply in 2025? Women are rewriting the narrative, trading in predictable floor-length couture for sharply tailored feminine tuxedos that exude authority without compromising on glamour. Men’s suiting has long evolved—from the structured frock coats of the Victorian era to the modern, double-breasted blazers seen today.
But now, the women of Hollywood are stepping into this space with a level of confidence that transforms power dressing into a cultural movement. Today, the suit has become a canvas for personal expression, with designers playing with bolder colors like Pink and Green for men and daring patterns like cropped blazers and three-quartered trousers.Think precision tailoring, audacious cuts, rich textures, and unexpected hues—proving that femininity and strength are not mutually exclusive.
This bold feminine tux fashion statement screams ‘Power’ and ‘we are here to stay’, what other more visible platform is there to amplify this statement than on the red carpet of the awards. The Bosslady power suits are rising and here are some of the women championing this power move and breaking the status quo.
Cynthia Erivo
Co-star of award winning musical ‘Wicked’, Cynthia Erivo made a bold and sophisticated statement at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards, wearing a striking pinstripe suit by Dolce & Gabbana. The impeccably tailored ensemble featured a sharp double-breasted blazer with crisp white stripes, perfectly paired with subtly flared trousers that elongated her silhouette. The London-born, Nigerian actress redefined classic menswear with a crisp white dress shirt and a perfectly knotted black tie, balancing power and poise with undeniable finesse.
The styling was nothing short of masterful—she adorned her lapel with a trio of striking pins: a crimson floral embellishment with a silver stem, a two-toned cross in gold and silver, and a celestial star emblem, each adding an air of opulence and personal storytelling. Adding her signature avant-garde flair, her long nails were intricately designed with black-and-white patterns, green swirls, and shimmering rhinestones, making the entire ensemble a perfect blend of power dressing and high-fashion artistry. Taking to her Instagram account, she asked us to ‘Call Me Daddy’ and we will call her whatever she wants.
Taraji Henson
Hollywood glamour and powerhouse, Taraji P. Henson pushed the boundaries of fashion again at the 2025 NAACP Image Awards in a striking all-white LaQuan Smith ensemble that screamed confidence and sophistication. The impeccably tailored blazer, worn without a shirt, created a powerful yet sultry statement. Taking the look to an electrifying new heights, a sky-high slit in the matching skirt offered a flash of leg, fusing sultry sophistication with runway-worthy allure.
A diamond-drenched BVLGARI choker draped elegantly around her neck, catching the light with every turn and cementing her status as the epitome of modern glamour. Finishing the look with rhinestone-embellished pumps, she struck the perfect balance between modern allure and timeless sophistication. With every detail meticulously curated, Henson once again proved why she reigns as a style icon, fearless, fashion-forward, and undeniably radiant. Henson didn’t just wear the outfit, she owned it.
Kamala Harris
Former Vice-President of the United States, Kamala Harris has been bossing it up in power suits and the the 56th NAACP Image Awards was no exception as she made a powerful, yet stylish statement, stepping onto the red carpet in a custom LaQuan Smith feminine tux that perfectly blended sophistication, authority, and modern glamour. The former Vice President exuded confidence in a tailored satin evening blazer, effortlessly draped over a sleek black silk pussybow blouse.
The structured shoulders and sharp tailoring commanded attention, while the elegant bow detail softened the look, adding a touch of timeless femininity. But the killer was the pinstripe, heavy silk cummerbund-waist trousers—an unexpected yet masterfully executed twist on classic power suiting. The high-waisted silhouette accentuated her poise, proving that strength and style are not mutually exclusive but rather two sides of the same coin.
Every detail of this feminine tux was intentional, every stitch exuded purpose. As she accepted her award, Harris stood tall, her ensemble glistening under the stage lights, a testament to the power of Black designers, Black excellence, and the undeniable fusion of fashion and influence. This was not just a moment of style—it was history, wrapped in silk and tailored to perfection. Kamala Harris didn’t just walk into the 56th NAACP Image Awards—she arrived, commanding the room.
Ayo Edebiri
Ayo Edebiri didn’t just attend the 2025 Golden Globes—she made a statement, rewriting red carpet rules with a look that was both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Ditching the expected gown, she stepped onto the scene in a custom Loewe suit, paying homage to Julia Roberts’ legendary 1990 menswear moment while putting her own effortlessly cool spin on it.
The American born actress stunned in an oversized gray blazer draped over her frame, matching with a loose-fitting trousers, misting an air of nonchalant sophistication, proving that power dressing isn’t just about structure—it’s about presence. But it was the details that made the look unmistakably Ayo. Instead of a classic tie, she elevated the ensemble with a 14-karat gold-dipped feather necklace, a touch of avant-garde elegance that shimmered under the spotlight. A red heart-in-hand badge sat subtly on her lapel, a whisper of personality woven into the moment. In an industry where fashion is often dictated by tradition, Ayo Edebiri proved that true style is about rewriting the narrative. And on that Golden Globes stage, she wasn’t just wearing a suit—she was owning the moment, one perfectly tailored one step at a time.
Crystal Renee
Crystal Renee Hayslett didn’t just show up at the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood Awards—she made an entrance, serving a masterclass in modern elegance with a rebellious edge. Dressed in a custom Thom Browne ensemble, she effortlessly balanced sophistication and playfulness, proving that power dressing isn’t just about structure—it’s about attitude.
Her look was a fusion of tradition and bold reinvention. She paired a sleek grey FunMix cashmere 4-Bar V-neck cardigan—tailored to perfection and exuding quiet luxury—with a daring dropped-back pleated mini skirt. The iconic 4-Bar detailing on the sleeves added a signature touch, while the structured yet flirty silhouette created a stunning contrast. It was business, it was fashion, and most importantly, it was Crystal Renee making a statement she wrote on her Instagram page ‘whether I’m sitting or standing, just know I’m on business’ more alive than ever. The trailblazing star of Tyler Perry’s ’Sistas’ stepped onto the red carpet mirroring the confidence she carries in every role she plays. She wasn’t just wearing an outfit; she was embodying the essence of Black excellence—bold, unapologetic, and completely unforgettable. This wasn’t just fashion. It was a moment. And Crystal Renee owned it.
Ryan Destiny
Ryan Destiny has proven once again that she is who she thinks she is. Star of ‘The Fire Inside’, a story that reflects the true life story of the highly decorated American boxer Claressa Shields, Ryan made a statement, effortlessly blending power and grace in a way only she can. Forgoing the predictable red carpet gown, she stepped into the spotlight draped in a perfectly tailored tan double-breasted suit, proving that femininity and strength are a match made in sartorial heaven. The blazer, structured yet fluid, sat on her frame like it was made for this very moment. It cinched just right, exuding quiet confidence, while the matching high-waisted trousers elongated her silhouette with a regal ease. Underneath, she kept it classic with a crisp white collared shirt—sharp, clean, and undeniably chic. But this wasn’t just menswear reinterpreted; it was power dressing reimagined, with every stitch whispering elegance and authority. Ryan Destiny sat in her element—cool, confident, and completely in control, in this power suit piece. She wasn’t just wearing a suit; she was owning the space, redefining what it means to show up, not just as a star, but as a force.
KJ Smith
KJ Smith stepped onto the 2025 ESSENCE Black Women in Hollywood red carpet with sparks of electricity. In a world of flowing gowns and predictable elegance, she chose power, confidence, and pure radiance, wrapped in a pink metallic suit that shimmered like liquid light. Every move she made caught the glow of the cameras, a walking masterpiece of fearless femininity.The suit was tailored to perfection—sharp, structured shoulders balanced against a cinched waist, while the metallic fabric draped her frame like it was sculpted just for this moment. It was bold yet effortless, the kind of look that didn’t beg for attention but demanded it anyway. The iridescent sheen wasn’t just fabric; it was armor, a testament to her strength, her grace, her undeniable presence. She was the embodiment of modern glamour, proving that true style isn’t just about what you wear—it’s about how you own it, and KJ Smith owned it all.
Sheryl Lee Ralph
A vision of power draped in custom Sergio Hudson, Sheryl Lee Ralph didn’t just step onto the 2025 NAACP Image Awards red carpet—she commanded it. In a world where gowns often take center stage, she chose a razor-sharp suit, proving that elegance isn’t about convention—it’s about confidence. The feminine tux was a masterpiece of precision. Tailored to perfection, it sculpted her figure with sleek lines and impeccable structure, embodying both authority and allure.
The deep, rich hue wasn’t just a color; it was a statement—bold, regal, and impossible to ignore. A modern twist on classic tailoring gave the look a contemporary edge, bridging the past and the future in a way only Sheryl could. But fashion isn’t just about fabric; it’s about attitude. And she wore this suit like it was made for her—because it was. With every step, she exuded the kind of effortless grace that only comes from a woman who knows her worth, who has walked every stage with purpose, who understands that true style is in the way you carry yourself. This was an outfit, woven with legacy into every thread. Sheryl Lee Ralph stood in the spotlight embodying power, sophistication and class.
Feminine tux isn’t just about fashion—it’s about presence. The power suit renaissance signifies a shift in how women choose to present themselves in spaces that have long dictated the rules. Whether it’s Hollywood, politics, or corporate boardrooms, the message is clear: women are here to lead, to command, and to do so in whatever silhouette they damn well please. So the next time you find yourself looking for the ultimate statement of confidence, power, and sheer sartorial brilliance, take a page from these fearless icons. The feminine tux is not just a moment—it’s a movement.
