Moving Ustyled headquarters to Washington, D.C. last year was about more than an adventure or expanding the business. It was very on purpose.
As evidenced by the recent United States of Women Summit held here in DC, the city is the center of the women’s movement committed to advancing women in leadership. Ustyled may be a style company, but it is with the purpose of seeing more women rise as leaders … and to do that, they have to be visible, confident and aware that they can’t (and shouldn’t) do it all themselves.
Style is the catalyst.
For confidence, for communicating your message and for inspiring those around you to completely own their power and presence as well.
But it can also be the roadblock.
As we fear being judged on our looks, not our intellect, we say our clothes don’t matter. As we fear being harassed and made uncomfortable, we cover up in clothes that are too big and boxy. And as we see women leaders in the media consistently being criticized for their clothes and look, we figure we can’t get ahead … so, why bother?
Here’s the thing: Because of all that it matters even more!
As each of us owns our power, presence, intellect and our inner & outer beauty, we make it safer for our friends, colleagues, employees, daughters, etc. to do the same.
This is why I’m passionate about speaking on #StylePower so we can change the messaging around presence, style and image to make it more empowering and inspiring.
It’s basically one of my most favorite things to do!
When I talk about #StylePower women women’s groups and what it means to dress professionally, it 
gives me HUGE insight into the frustrations of women who are committed to growing personally and professionally. It also shows me how far we have to go in achieving equality … for all, not just women, in the US.
Most recently, Running Start asked me to speak at their Young Women’s Political Leadership program, which is a week long training for young women in high school who aspire to run for office. My session was ‘Look the Part and Be Yourself’ … which translates just as well for women of ALL ages.
I always start every talk digging into WHY it matters and a bit of the psychology and THEN dig nto the how before opening up for Q&A. This gives us context and then we can have a bit of fun getting inspired by each other
Some of the Q’s that they asked really can resonate with women of all ages. I’m curious to know your thoughts as well.
What about wearing makeup?
I firmly believe you need to do what feels best for you. Makeup can certainly help you feel more polished, especially if your skin is acting up a bit (as mine can have a tendency to do!). However, there are many for whom a coat of mascara and maybe some lip gloss is enough. I wear makeup because it makes me feel a bit more complete and ready to face whatever the day may throw at me, but I also have days where I don’t wear much more than powder and perhaps a bit of liner/mascara.
I see makeup as another element of how you present yourself, so just like your style, it has to be true to you and you should be mindful of the situation (aka perhaps a bit more natural enhancement for a daytime meeting vs. a dramatic eye that would be more appropriate for a cocktail party) .
Check out Hi-Lovely for wonderful make-up inspiration!
Doing your hair so it looks ‘professional’.
This is something I’ve struggled with personally myself as I used to have really curly hair that seemed to have a mind of it’s own. I was always grateful for a good hair day and would take the compliments, but I could never count on a good hair day.
So much of your presence is actually about respect – for yourself as well as for your audience. So, be mindful of how you style your hair so that it feels good for you and also shows that you appreciate the fact that you’re taking a meeting with Ms. So&So. That said, I’m NOT the expert on hair … if you have a friend whose hair you love, ask her for a referral to her hairdresser. A great hairdresser (like a great personal stylist) can help you find a style that fits your lifestyle, your face shape and your hair quality so that it’s easy, effortless and even perhaps FUN to style your hair.
You may notice that I do NOT subscribe to one size fits all here, either. Straight, curly, braided, short, long, etc. It has to fit who YOU are (and how much time you have in the morning to get ready).
Finding good quality pieces as you start out in your career.
I’m a fan of mindful spending no matter what your budget – so, start with a list of what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to spend on each item. Any working woman needs to have some variation of these 10 Closet Staples.These mix + match so well together and create the base for a solid wardrobe.
It’s definitely worth investing a bit more in the basics as you can so that they last. But stores like H&M, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic offer some pretty good style for quality works if you’re just starting out. (They’ll last a couple of years, but not 5-10+.)
With this list (or Wardrobe Action Plan, as I call it!) you can also take advantage of sales more effectively. Still, buy something because you LOVE it, not because it’s on sale (that should be the bonus!).
Most important, be mindful of the fit. It shouldn’t bunch or bulge, you don’t want to be fidgeting and be sure to highlight your waist … at least a little bit.
Being told WHAT to wear.
In the same vein that I offer a list of 10 Closet Staples, I don’t suggest that you simply go for boring basics to fit in. Your black jacket is not going to look like your best friend’s black jacket. You have to be mindful of the situation, dress to respect and be able to connect with those you’re meeting with, but you also have to do YOU.
Yes, I understand that this is a tricky balance. This is why Ustyled exists! It’s also why we offer up content such as our Wear Three Ways posts to guide you to what can be appropriate for different situations. Then, you can take that inspiration and run with it!
Ultimately, the advice that I give grown women is not much different than what I tell the next generation of leaders. They just happen to be younger, so hopefully they can get out of their own way more quickly to step out and be VISIBLE in their power. 😉