Tips
-Tough Chic is really all in the attitude. Even in the baddest leather outfit, you'll blow the look if you slump around with rounded shoulders and a downcast eyes. Be confident!
-The strong woman sends a definite message: "Don't mess with me." If you're a kindergarten teacher, you might want to save your muscle Ts and chains for evenings out. Likewise, it's a risky look for a first date or any other time you want to be approachable.
-Skip girly colors like pink and go with boldness: red, black, even stark white are good power colors.
-Even though the model-of-the moment look consists of flinty glares, you can be tough and still smile (what's cooler than a confident woman with a sense of humor?)

Key Looks
-Your beauty regime is a big part of the tough chic picture: thick, shaped eyebrows, chiseled features, a strong mouth. Hair (cropped, shagged, spiked, slicked back) is basically anything that isn't overly girly (like curls and waves).
-Razor-sharp tailoring: even a suit, with crisp lines and bold shoulders, classifies as tough chic.
-Although pants are staples of the look, just about any silhouette can be manipulated to look strong. Even dresses can look tough when worn with the right "face" and hair. Go for severe lines (skip the ruffles and frou) and bold color.