Mays Modecollege

Claire Underwood

This week I spoke to Janine Abbring, whom I had to tell how nice and good I think she is. And, also not unimportant, that she was perfectly dressed when she presented Zomergasten. She also thought it went well. With tribute and applause for her stylist Hilde Schaap, because she had gathered it all together. The only thing Janine had said was: ‘Claire Underwood with a touch more sex without it becoming sexy.’ As far as I'm concerned, it worked and is a good reason to present our Claire Underwood today as a guest lecturer.

1. Color palette

First of all, we are going to talk about the wardrobe of a businesswoman. So for Gucci-esque cheerfulness and fashion quirks bordering on art, you should not look to Claire Underwood. But for crisp, cool, and collected, you should. Anyway. If you want to pull an Underwood, wear mainly black, dark blue, or gray. And if possible, opt for a unicolor look.

2. The power suit

Have you noticed that Claire hardly ever wore pants in the first seasons? She was more of a pencil skirt team. Only in season 5 did she wear almost exclusively trousers, because her character was in the lead. She had undergone a transformation and that screamed for a new wardrobe, according to stylist Kemal Harris. From season five onwards, you see Claire more in ‘military style’.

But anyway, the power suit then. How do you rock that in a Claire way? Make sure to add accents. Maybe a small apron under your jacket. Or choose a short blazer, or one with three-quarter sleeves, or one with a trim. Just a little different.

3. The evening dress in a Claire way

You naturally don't want to lose your power when you're at a party in an evening gown. People still need to know they are dealing with ‘someone’. So opt for a not too girly dress and for strong colors. Black is always safe and red is always good. Or bottle green. A small cape over the shoulders makes it a bit more businesslike. And I would also wear a very strong perfume like Eau du Soir by Sisley or Aromatics Elixir by Clinique.

4. The white blouse

If you want to get a bit closer to Claire Underwood, you need an army of power blouses where you wear the crisp white shirt at least once a week. You can actually wear a skirt underneath it. With pants, it becomes too easy and predictable right away.

5. High-necked

Of course, Claire also sometimes shows off with a neckline that you wouldn't believe. However, most of her outfits are high-necked. Top button closed. That is often more exciting and sexier than throwing everything on display right away.

6. Then the shoes

Don't expect any craziness here either. Classic is the name of the game here. Black, shiny pumps, maybe an open toe in a wild mood. Perhaps a dark blue shoe. Never too high, go for the safe 8 centimeters so you can keep up with the men and make sure everything is in impeccable condition. Just to be sure, I would add a Diana Vreeland touch to it. Also, clean the bottoms of your soles. So that it won't be the reason for failure. Good luck.