In the era of rigid power dressing, a manual existed for curating a success-oriented wardrobe. Women absorbed the advice and, for a time, adopted man-tailored suits and pussy-bow blouses to signal competence in the workplace. Decades have passed since business casual disrupted that serious-dressing formula. Today, influential women say they dress to embody the person they want to be. Some claim wearing whatever they like is a display of power, while others believe certain clothing simply doesn't align with the image they wish to project.
Here are five items that women in leadership roles say they would never wear to work, plus three they consistently reach for.
Too Revealing, Too Restrictive
Too short, too low-cut, too form-fitting—you understand the concept. Powerful women want their words to command respect, not draw attention to their appearance. Besides, it's difficult to feel authoritative when you're constantly tugging at your hemline. One executive remarked, “Fretting about that kind of thing all day drains your mental energy.”
Sneakers
Opinions are sharply divided on sneakers. Some women view them as the ultimate power statement, while others consider them far too informal for their professional persona. “I feel so much more commanding in sneakers than in heels that make me question whether the pain is worth the trip to the restroom,” said one leader. On the flip side, another executive noted she’d wear almost anything—dresses, denim, separates—but draws a firm line at athletic shoes.
Heels Without a Backup Plan
High heels, stilettos, or any brand-new footwear. You never know where the day will take you or how much a fresh pair of shoes needs to be broken in before they become comfortable. Hobbling into an executive meeting or limping through a facility tour does not convey authority.
Jeans
Jeans spark another split in opinion. Some women in charge say they rarely wear denim to work because it lacks polish. Jeans don’t communicate the image of someone running an organization. Yet many highly influential women wear jeans and look both fantastic and in command. This wardrobe item underscores that some women feel powerful enough to choose whatever they want, while others see it as diminishing their authority.
“The one thing I would never, ever wear to work again is a pair of jeans that are too tight—because if you can’t breathe, you can’t work. And unbuttoning your pants at your desk is not acceptable for a C-level executive,” one high-powered woman stated.
The Uncomfortable
It’s tough to feel powerful when you’re constantly adjusting a waistband. “As I’ve gotten older—and more confident—I’ve eliminated anything uncomfortable from my wardrobe,” shared one executive.
Now for the Power Players
What should a powerful woman pull from her closet when she wants to radiate authority? “There aren’t strict rules about what a powerful woman wouldn’t wear; it’s more about what she would wear—anything that makes her feel confident, which is exactly how she attained her position,” another leader explained. Rest assured, the woman at the top considers these items essential staples:
Monochromatic Outfits
Wearing a single color is both sophisticated and a way to project certainty. A monochromatic look can make you feel more powerful and put-together, even when you’re juggling a thousand things internally.
Blouses Over T-shirts
When you’re getting dressed and instinctively reach for the T-shirt drawer, pause and remind yourself that a blouse will instantly elevate your professionalism.
A Good Suit
A well-tailored suit can make you feel both refined and at ease. This choice might be seen as a relic from more sexist eras, but try one on and judge the impact for yourself.
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