A Modern Woman's Guide to Power
appearanceDress for Success
The way that you dress (in clothing, makeup, and hairstyle) is extremely important. It not only affects the way others view you, but it also unconsciously affects the way that you think, act, and perform. By making small (or large) tweaks to your wardrobe, you can dramatically change the outcome of your experience in both personal activities (e.g. hobbies) and professional ones. Below, we share some of the recommendations that Rama, Frederick Lenz made, along with examples from well-known publications to help you revamp your style for a happier, more productive, and focused You.
Clothing is an art. Imagine you are a walking painting or other form of art – what form would you be? What colors represent your spirit, what textures and cuts shape your image in a way that is authentically You? Every day that you pick out an outfit, put on makeup, and style your hair, you have the opportunity to gift the world and yourself with a new form of art – one that is looked at not in a fixed gallery but as they move through life. You have the opportunity to inspire yourself and others to go outside of the norms and uplevel your image in a way that is remembered for its creativity and beauty.
Dress for the occasion. Think through what you will need to do while in that outfit, hairstyle, and makeup. Will you be swimming? Wear waterproof makeup or none at all. Will you be hiking a tall mountain? Make sure to pick shoes with proper traction and clothes to fend off tall shrubbery and insects. Find ways to express yourself without sacrificing your ability to accomplish what you set out to – whether that be to impress your executive team in a work presentation, stay warm in -20 weather, or be focused in a sitting meditation.
Dress conservatively. According to Psychology Today, the way that you dress affects the way others assess you. Dressing conservatively means not inadvertently drawing attention to yourself in unproductive ways (e.g. sexually) so that you can be taken seriously and draw attention in more productive ways (e.g. as professionally competent). Even small changes (such as a longer skirt or one more button buttoned up on a blouse) can result in stark differences in the conclusions others make about you – conclusions they may not outwardly communicate to you, but that could result in a difference of opportunities that are presented to you.
For every situation, choose the more modest version. Look to royal women as an example – Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary of Denmark are both well known for wearing art-like clothes while remaining conservative and dressing appropriately for the occasion.
Wear what makes you feel Powerful. What you wear impacts your internal structures. Does wearing red lipstick give you extra confidence walking into that meeting? Does wearing a suit put you in a state of mind to perform at your highest in an interview? A number of studies have shown time and time again that what you wear not only affects others around you, but also affects you internally – how you think, act, and ultimately perform. Choose outfits selectively that give you the most energy, focus, and power.
Be impeccable. Make sure your clothing is kept clean, ironed, and well-fitted for a polished look. If you show up with unkempt hair, dirty or smelly clothing, and wrinkled or mismatched clothes, you will project an image of someone that does not have their act together. Help others make the right assumptions about you every time they see you – that you are professional, organized, ready, and dependable – for whatever activity task is placed in front of you.