In this bi-weekly series, we interview female executives, founders, and CEOs - basically boss ladies - about the "power suit" or effortless attire they wear every day to conquer any job.

Lauren Chang, CEO and founder of Henning, has an ultimate career goal: "To make women who have been excluded because of their size feel equal and capable in the fashion world." The former plus-size model and magazine editor (she was fashion editor of Glamour magazine for three years and before that worked for Vogue) turned designer and entrepreneur says that this mission was gradually shaped by her past work experiences and culminated in her own plus-size luxury clothing brand.

Henning, launched last year, offers luxury ready-to-wear clothing for women in sizes 12 to 24. The brand focuses primarily on staples that make up the wardrobe, such as work-appropriate blazers and leather jackets for everyday wear.

"I think the plus-size market is perfectly in tune with the fast fashion trend, and unfortunately, customers, myself included, have become accustomed to buying only watered-down, semi-trendy items that are not very attractive," says Chan. If fast fashion is all they can afford, then the message we are sending to them is that that is all they are worth." It's all about rebranding plus-size fashion and the people who consume it as aspirational, impressive, successful, and equal."

Chang comes up with her own designs and wear-tests every item to make sure it is perfect before it goes to market. For example, the button-downs have hidden buttons to prevent them from popping out, and the inside side seams of the pants have gel tape to prevent thigh chafing.

Chan makes the whole process of designing and launching his own company sound easy, but don't be fooled. She asks, "What does it really take to launch a fashion brand and get it off the ground? In her initial research, she ran around the Garment District, knocking on factory doors, asking if they made plus sizes and if they would take on new clients. Says she, "I think a lot of the early research was very hands-on, something I hadn't experienced before."

For the brand name Henning, Chang worked with an agency called Red Antler (whose clients include Casper and Allbirds) to come up with a concept; Henning is an abstract, but to Chang, it means "a collection of women, henpecked." It means. Especially at a time when many fashion brands large and small (opens in new tab) were hit hard by the COVID-19 craze.

When she first heard about the pandemic, she worried about the health and safety of everyone she worked with. Then she thought about the impact the pandemic would have on her business. 'There is a lot of dysfunction going on right now,' she said. 'One of the lessons I've learned as a startup founder is, frankly, to embrace the fear of the unknown. I personally am very focused on not worrying too much, staying focused, and staying positive."

In keeping with this mentality, Chang took the plunge last month with the launch of a leather jacket (opens in new tab) and added a meaningful message behind it: for every jacket sold, Henning will donate $50 to the New York City Food Bank. Henning joins a long list (opens in new tab) of other brands working together to help those in need.

Currently, Chang is riding out this wave, as are we all. Before we get into that, here are some of the power outfits she wears to the office and what she currently wears as the boss lady of WFH.

"I try to keep my (current WFH) routine pretty much the same (as my normal routine). I usually get up at 6:30 am. There is 7 a.m. and 7 a.m., depending on what needs to be done that morning or if my dog starts barking. I take care of my dog, make coffee; I have a to-do list, so I open my notebook and brainstorm what I said I would do that day before I take on a task from someone else. Then I open my inbox and reply to the urgent emails.

I get dressed first and then do my beauty routine. I wash my face, apply serum, moisturizer, eye cream, SPF. [If I'm going to the office] I put on NARS creamy radiant concealer and Benefit goof proof eyebrow pencil. Then I pack my bag for the day. I pack fabric swatches for lunch and a change of clothes for that evening.

My style has changed a lot over the past 10 years, and I think that's due to the different careers I've had. When I was a model, I wore body-conscious, feminine clothes for castings. Later, when I became an editor, I became more office appropriate, colorful, and took more (fashion) risks. Once I became an entrepreneur and started working for myself, I realized that I didn't have to dress in any way."

"Most days, I wear jeans (Citizens of Humanity, Good American, American Eagle, and other brands), white sneakers, and a t-shirt (from For Days) or turtleneck (from Universal Standard), blazer. This is my uniform for all seasons, but I change something here and there, like a turtleneck in the summer. I also love pantsuits.

But like everyone else, my uniform has changed (opens in new tab) since I've been working from home the last few weeks. On days when I have video meetings, I wear stretchy, straight-leg jeans and a loose, soft button-down.

Another thing that makes up my closet is outerwear. When I was an editor and didn't have much of a budget for clothes, I started collecting my favorite jackets. My strategy was that if I invested in a great coat, I could wear it several times a week and in doing so elevate my outfits. Since then, I've bought several coats that I love, from Henning leather jackets to vintage shearling to menswear coats. [For accessories, I like Adidas Superstars and Nike Air Force Ones. I typically carry a medium sized work bag and a Henning canvas tote bag. It saves me from having to switch handbags every day."

"Chic, sharp, and strong."

"Lean into what makes you different, because that's what makes you great."

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