Its been over 40 years since John T. Molloy’s “Dress for Success” came out in 1975, unleashing the concept of “power-dressing” and legions of big-shouldered blazers on an unsuspecting world. While his directives now sound silly, especially for women, his message of donning a suit to get ahead still haunts those with a corporate mind-set.
It’s especially true for hopefuls heading to a job interview, where suiting up reflects a fierce belief in a right and wrong way to make an impression. Women suffer dress-code stress even more acutely than men, facing greater room for error and a longer list of interview taboos: no jangly jewelry, stilettos, minis, perfume and so on.
Once you’re hired, there’s often a drive to conform and blend in with co-workers; complacency—the idea that you have the job and need no longer dress to impress—sets in as the years go by. Frumpiness ensues.
But a radical new attitude about work wear is developing as more women begin to fend for themselves. According to the last report by the National Women’s Business Council (from 2012, a new one is due this year), women launch over 1,100 new businesses in the U.S. every day and generate over $1.4 trillion in revenue annually. As entrepreneurs, they are redefining the whole raison d’être of getting dressed for work. It’s less about playing by the rules and more about promoting your unique brand.
The Young Turk
This millennial CEO wears confidence like a coat. Her venture is already capitalized (through rounds of fundraising or family connections), and she exudes authority but wants to be seen as creative. She’s a bit sentimental about her H&M days but is eagerly leaning into labels she has always coveted. Wearing a matching suit is not an option (too old school); switching up her style and mixing separates that stand out in an original way is her boss lady prerogative. Of course, the latest symbol of success—a sleek and complicated smartwatch—adorns her wrist.
The Re-Inventor
She is a seasoned professional, returning to work after a little time off or switching careers after ascending the corporate ladder. The designer labels she selects provide the tailored fit she likes, and her accessories show off her chic attitude: heels that say she’s going places, a tote that will hold files, a laptop and headphones, so she can download the latest TED Talk.
The Literary Lioness
Penning fashion copy for cash (and a novel or screenplay for her soul), this freelance scribe is cool and plugged in. She experiments with edgy looks that complement the gold cuff a great aunt gave her, and whatever she adopts, from culottes to platforms, reveals her desire to stay ahead of the crowd.
The Too-Busy Worker Bee
Part programmer, part artist and de facto social media guru for a new political website, this tech-savvy professional can recite talking points on fashion, culture and business while blogging in both French and Tagalog. Fiercely independent and unconcerned with what others think, she wears jeans to a job interview because she knows she’ll nail it. Sneakers are a given; girly earrings, a chic surprise.
Latest Stories
-
I applied for speedy hearing of injunction application by Dafeamekpor – Attorney General clarifies
8 mins -
Sarkodie, Keche, Yvonne Nelson, other celebs angered by Tema General Hospital power outage
15 mins -
BoG appoints Dr. Joseph France as advisor for management of UMB
31 mins -
WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations to be staged in Accra in May
31 mins -
Mother, who alleges that her baby died due to ‘dumsor’ shares her story
35 mins -
Academic City’s Business and Communication Dean launches new book
44 mins -
FIFA development delegation in Ghana to review GFA projects
51 mins -
United States (U.S.) Senators Oversee United States Government (USG) Health Assistance To Angola At The Instituto Técnico De Saúde De Luanda
58 mins -
Must teachers always strike before concerns are addressed? – Peter Anti quizzes
1 hour -
John Kumah’s wife inconsolable at his one week observance [Video]
1 hour -
Africa’s Top Women in Banking, Finance, and Investment to be celebrated at Angaza Forum in Nairobi
1 hour -
The love I’ve received is breathtaking – Kuami Eugene shares health update
1 hour -
Government targets $100m private capital to complete Saglemi Housing Project
2 hours -
Anti-LGBTQI+ Bill will bring economic disaster to Ghana if signed into law – Prof. Diamond
2 hours -
Akufo-Addo, Bagbin impasse over Anti- LGBTQI+ Bill could harm economy – Franklin Cudjoe
2 hours