Karlie Kloss Predicted the White Pantsuit Trend Way Before It Started

By Sarah Wasilak

Updated on 4/9/2017 at 1:00 PM

Courtesy of Express
Courtesy of Express
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Karlie Kloss smiled knowingly as I asked her the question she'd clearly heard before: was the white pantsuit she designed for Express inspired by Hillary Clinton? The supermodel teamed up with the brand on a line of 17 essentials to be worn 100 different ways and debuted the full range this week in her hometown of St. Louis. She enlisted her models on Instagram, choosing women who uploaded inspiring videos about how they live their "best life."

When I talked to her before the show, Karlie confirmed that she lives her own best life in a pantsuit — it's her power outfit, after all. But in her mind, the look had reached "boss-lady status" even before Hillary Clinton paid homage to the women suffragists' uniform on stage, inspiring #PantSuitNation shortly after.

"We started designing this collection a year ago, so everything was already in production long before [Hillary Clinton] wore [that Ralph Lauren suit]," Karlie said. "But she rocks a pantsuit. Power to her. I just feel more powerful when I wear clothes that flatter my body and that I feel extra confident in. You feel like you can conquer the world. This power pantsuit is a boss-lady look. I love a high-waisted trouser that's flattering and gives you a nice little nipped waist but is also long and well-tailored. There's something about pants that I just feel like, 'I'm not messing around.' I can move fast in these things. I love a power pant."

Rest assured, when a handful of Karlie's models took the catwalk in the sleek trouser and Hannah Bronfman performed her DJ set in the same pair, everyone looked good, every model standing at a different height with a different figure. The editors I was with came together to agree: this is the must-have item from the collaboration, but it's not the only one worth shopping.

Scroll for a look at Karlie's gorgeous new Express campaign, then scoop up some of our favorite key items online at Express or in select stores today, ranging in price from $25 to $168.

Travel and expenses for the author were provided by Express for the purpose of writing this story.

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Courtesy of Express

Karlie Kloss x Express Easy Fit Blazer ($118)

Karlie Kloss x Express Satin Reversible Optimist Bomber Jacket ($168)

Karlie Kloss x Express Satin Reversible Bomber Jacket ($168)

Karlie Kloss x Express Satin Reversible Bomber Jacket ($168)

Karlie Kloss x Express (Minus The) Leather Cropped Bralette Tank ($50)

Karlie Kloss x Express Dot Print Tie Back Maxi Dress ($88)

Karlie Kloss x Express Dot Print Maxi Dress ($88)

Karlie Kloss x Express Solid Maxi Dress ($88)

Karlie Kloss x Express Cropped Denim Jacket ($88)

Karlie Kloss x Express Dream Big Pom Keychain And Bag Charm ($20)

Karlie Kloss x Express Mock Neck Lace Blouse ($98)

Karlie Kloss x Express Wide Leg Belted Dress Pant ($88)

Karlie Kloss x Express Heart And Smiley Face Pin Set ($30)

Karlie Kloss x Express Optimist Graphic Tee ($30)

Karlie Kloss x Express Ruffle One Shoulder Top ($50)

Karlie Kloss x Express Summertime Crew Neck Sweater ($50)

Karlie Kloss x Express Slub Cotton Tee ($25)

Karlie Kloss x Express Slub Cotton Tee ($25)