For some people, fashion can be their make-or-break in specific situations. From first dates to nerve-wracking job interviews, wearing the right things can help deliver the message and create a good first impression. A study from the University of Innsbruck on the correlation between corporate leadership and fashion, for example, found that leaders who are more informally dressed outperform their more formally dressed competitors in drawing employee approval. Leaders who stand out from their surroundings through fashion choices are also said to appear more charismatic while dressing formally boosts the perception of one’s expertise in their field.
In a past Stylish Curves post on “influencer fashion”, we discussed the importance of keeping track with current trends in fashion to elevate your own fashion presentation. From the Y2K resurgence to cottage core, what we wear sends a strong message as well as helps our personal branding. Today, we’ll cover four essential fashion tips from stylish lady bosses:
Can’t go wrong with chic
It can be tempting to overcomplicate your fashion sense by looking into the hottest trends, but certain areas of fashion are timeless for a reason, and the chic little black dress (or LBD) is one such example. As exemplified by Kendall Jenner’s Balenciaga LBD, sometimes a simple black dress is enough to communicate your boss vibe to everyone around you in a sleek but still serious manner. It’s a good fashion tip as well as an occasional reminder that even when dressing to impress, simplicity can still win people over.
Channel your inner “Iron Maiden”
Being a female boss may come with its challenges. Most people don’t take you seriously, even when they should. As a result, dressing a little scary or presenting as slightly intimidating through fashion can help. Perhaps there is no better example of this than poker player Liv Boeree – model, heavy metal guitarist, scientist, and TV host – who still attends many large-scale poker events when time permits. A highly educated and ambitious poker champion, Boeree scored her biggest win of €1.25M ($1.23M) in 2010 and is now up to her many different endeavors, all while stylishly dressing the part — from simple, eye-catching accessories during her poker games, to giving glam rock in her Venice wedding photos.
Blazers mean business
It’s hard to talk about fashion without mentioning well-known supermodels around the world, but if there’s one who embodies the intersection between global fashion stardom and accomplished businesswoman, it’s Tyra Banks. While the list of fashion tips we can draw from Banks is almost endless, her recent appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden with a simple black blazer is a great reminder that blazers — like Banks herself — are a perfect manifestation between fashion and business. Great for formal while also working as semi-casual, blazers are a good option to pair with your fits that lets people know you mean business.
No such thing as too many accessories
Lastly, from Beyonce to Rihanna to just about any other powerful woman in Hollywood, accessories can be the cherry on top of your fashion ensembles. From trendy handbags to match your outfits to pearl necklaces and earrings. Everyone accessorizes as a means to spice up their look for the day. For lady bosses especially, accessorizing can be a great opportunity to add personality to your otherwise formal or serious attire. A leather wristwatch can be fashionable while stating that you value time, and a smartwatch could convey that you value your health as much as you do your business. For fashionable lady bosses, accessories are a must, and you can never have too many of them.
