Welcome to 2024, influential leader. Day in day out, you are leveling up to assume top leadership positions and becoming CEOs of companies, whether startups or some of the leading establishments we know. In all this, one thing that will always remain critically important as an executive woman, is what you wear and how you wear it. Consider this style bit as an integral aspect of your personal branding and a form of self-expression. 

Why It All Matters

To some, fashion and style are not that relevant in the course of work as they are purported to be. They could not be any further from the truth and reality. Like Prada said, “what you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts are so quick.” You never know when, as a boss lady, you will need to land a potential investor with an elevator pitch, be photographed; called into an impromptu meeting with a prospective client, or make a presentation. Your look must be ready to serve any occasion at any time. 

Remember the good ole saying that “dress the way you want to be addressed”? Well, it is as significant today as it was then and will be for all time. Times demand that you present yourself as the respectable, powerful and appealing personality and leader that you are. There are some things the executive woman should consider when hitting the workplace or stepping into a business environment. Let’s tackle some of them here, from clothes to accessories to make-up.

Choose Quality Over Quantity All Day, Every Day

As an executive, you can’t afford to be stingy when it comes to buying good clothes. That is not to say your wardrobe should overflow with designer items. But you should look at investing (because really, it’s an investment) in high-quality garments that will last for years, can be repurposed many ways and will still look sharp. Investment pieces do come with, well an investment, yet there is evidence to show that there is less cost per wear the longer the garment is in your wardrobe. If it’s made well, it will stay well.

Want to know how to get the most value for your clothing dollar? Learn your materials. Is it synthetic or natural fiber, is it well constructed or cheaply thrown together. Be attentive to the materials, how good, sturdy or weighty they feel, and how easy they are to launder or clean. Get yourself a trusted style consultant and a good tailor to make things even easier for you. 

Consider What Your Workplace Culture Says

Your style of dressing can largely be influenced by the culture established at your workplace. What dress codes does your office require, if there are any? Is it business formal and professional or is business casual the norm? Usually, the creative industry and some startup cultures make much more room for fluidity in dressing, as compared to the corporate space. But as an executive, of course, you’ll need to find that balance even if business casual is appropriate for your office, so that you don’t go to work in just jeans and tees. Dress like something is at stake. You can go professional in a “power suit” or a well fitted office dress and look very appealing. You can also go business casual in pants, slacks, or blazers, yet look chic. What’s important is to look smart, kempt, and ready for business. 

Wear the Colors That Work Best for You

Everybody has colors that suit them well. It’s not always about wearing navy or black or some color believed to make you look more like a businesswoman. While that is true and might work for some, they might not work for others in the same way.

Plus, wearing them monotonously can be plain ole boring.

Know yourself and your skin tone. Your undertone to be more precise.

Experiment with some hues and shades of colors; pay attention and identify which ones reflect you more. Seek out the help of a colour consultant who can help you shave off years of wasted shopping time by equipping you with your personal colour palette. Also, think about the psychology of the colors you’re wearing and how they inadvertently communicate to others. According to Ritu Kochar on Entrepreneur, dark colors are usually associated with dominance; shades of blue are believed to inspire confidence in others, and softer colors exhibit one’s amiable side. Pick the right hue that conveys your message and flatters your face.

When Accessorizing, Less Is More

As Leonardo da Vinci said, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” and there are no truer words. Accessories can make any outfit if worn well and can equally break even the most elegant of attires if not chosen wisely. Be deliberate and minimalistic about them; in a business environment, stick to moderation. Here are a few things to look out for:

• Wear fewer and simpler jewelry.

Don’t load too many on your wrists and around your neck like a rapper showing off her bling. A neat necklace or something classic, a sleek wristwatch, or a simple bracelet – any of these can’t go wrong. 

• Invest in great shoes and bags.

It was Bette Midler who said with the right footwear, she believes one can rule the world. Invest in them! The shoes (preferably heels, something about them just radiates much confidence and authority) should be durable, comfortable, and be kept polished and in neat, impeccable condition, always. Pair them up with a good quality handbag or purse. Don’t just stick to one color such as black. Explore and get a good rotation of a few that go with your attire. Experiment with prints also. Allow your accessories to step up your game.

Look Out for the Right Fit 

Your clothing should be the right fit and should conform to your body shape and size. Like Givenchy said, “the dress must follow the body of a woman, not the body following the shape of the dress”. Simple. Your outfit should hug you adequately – not too loose, too tight, all over the place, or nowhere at all, otherwise, you’ll be thinking about how uncomfortable you are the whole day. Choose the right fit and flaunt it.

Be Mindful of Too Much Skin

You’re an executive woman or leader. People will look at how you dress and judge you accordingly, whether you like it or not. To make the right impression, be aware of your environment and adjust your clothing to suit the modesty requirement of the culture.

While, I’m not one to police what people wear, when assessing appropriateness of clothing, everything can’t always go. There are perceived limits and a general expectation that however you show up, will be done in such a way that it shows respect for yourself and others. Consider adjusting your skirt length, cleavage, and clothing tightness for the environment you find yourself. However, be mindful of too much skin as you want to convey your message clearly and let’s be honest, no one’s truly paying attention to what you’re saying, when body parts are visibly hanging out or on display.

Apply Minimal Makeup 

Makeup has gotten a lot of love in the past 10 years. With YouTube videos taking center stage in many women’s lives, it’s not hard to find a makeup tutorial that will show you how to ‘beat that face to the gawds’. Yet, heavy makeup application really isn’t practical. Being generous with makeup application is fine for evening and special events. However, when it comes to daytime outings it can really get a bit messy. Now, if it’s your thing, it’s your thing. I’m here to suggest that you consider going for a more natural look, it’s less expensive for one, and it truly enhances rather than converts your face. Apply makeup so that it will last yet still accentuate your natural beauty.

Bonus: The Woman Wears the Clothes 

At the end of the day, whatever you wear will look even better if you rock it with confidence – something that as a CEO, you should have in your arsenal. You want your look to project power, leadership, authority, credibility, and your personality, without coming off as overbearing. Make time and effort to cultivate a great style.

Finally, remember these words from Rachel Zoe: style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. 

References 

Ritu Kochar, Dress-Up Like A CEO, entrepreneur.com, August 9, 2016

https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/280534

Harper’s Bazaar Staff, harpersbazaar.com, The 80 Greatest Fashion Quotes of All Time, November 30, 2020 

https://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/designers/a1576/50-famous-fashion-quotes/