What to wear: Emma makes a statement

You are in New York at the United Nations headquarters and you have been called up to address secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, excellencies of the global humanitarian organisation and a host of distinguished guests about your one-of-a-kind mission to stop gender inequality. What on earth do you wear?

Last Saturday, British actress Emma Watson, 24, made clear her stance on being a feminist. "I have realised that fighting for women's rights has too often become synonymous with man-hating," she said while in a dress choice that was as eloquent and sophisticated as her argument.

Her choice - and perhaps she received a little guidance from her stylist, Anita Patrickson - was a silk silver-grey coat dress by Dior. Fusing long sleeves and traditional lapels with an asymmetric hem line, Watson's attire was modest but not boring. It effortlessly straddled being contemporary and knowledgeable.

The actress has worn Dior for red-carpet appearances in the past, and this grown-up choice serves to bolster her unofficial relationship with the brand.

Watson, eternally famous for her role as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter movies, was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador six months ago, according to Vanity Fair. Her impassioned speech - to help launch the UN's HeForShe campaign - was met with a standing ovation.

Watson called for action from male allies and clarified a persistent misconception about feminism in general.

The HeForShe campaign launch, which at its core calls on men to speak up for oppressed women everywhere, then staged an after-party at the Peninsula Hotel in Manhattan.

The event was certain to be a more sober affair than Watson's usual experience of celebrity and crew-filled after-parties, so she looked to Boss, the Hugo Boss label helmed by revered designer Jason Wu, for a mature take on the little black dress.

Again, a sensible hem length ensured her style statement did not outshine her empowering mission statement.

Earlier in the week, Watson attended a UN conference in Uruguay alongside vice-president Danilo Astori to launch the HeForShe campaign in the South American country.

The actress looked studious in black trousers and a co-ordinating, short-sleeved jumper, suggesting her role as a UN ambassador could be both her most stylish and serious of her career to date.

What she said

I decided I was a feminist and this seemed uncomplicated to me. But my recent research has shown that feminism has become an unpopular word. Apparently I am among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, anti-men and unattractive.

Why is the word such an uncomfortable one? I am from Britain and think it is right that, as a woman, I'm paid the same as my male counterparts. I should be able to make decisions about my own body. It is right that women be involved on my behalf in the policies and decision-making of my country. It is right that socially I am afforded the same respect as men. But sadly I can say there is no country in the world where all women can expect to receive these rights.

• This is an extract from Watson's speech. To read her full speech visit www.unwomen.org