Take a look at the photo above. What would you say about these women knowing nothing about them. If you’re anything like most of us, you’re probably thinking words like stylish, professional, beautiful. Other words that definitely describe these women are smart, savvy, and powerful. The women pictured above are some of the most powerful women in banking in the United States. And they all have a great deal in common. They’re at the tops of their game, they’re rising fast, and I think we can all agree….they look great.
There are controversial opinions about how important that fact might be, though. In order to rise to the top, do you have to play the “fashion game”? Guest of a Guest recently said yes by profiling “7 Powerful Women CEOs With a Flair for Fashion.” To truly rise to the top of a profession, or a company, your outside must match your inside. Your business savvy may speak for itself, but it won’t matter how smart you are if the first thing someone sees is your scuffed shoes and ill-fitting suit.
So take a page out of the most powerful women in banking’s book. And dress every day the way you would if someone were going to photograph you. You never know when someone will.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
I have been wondering about this too. Which came first – style or success? I would agree with you that it’s likely that for most of these ladies, style was there all along.
But I also know that if I manage to work myself into a position where I can see the spotlight from where I am, I’ll be rushing out to hire a style consultant and invest in a look.
Love this and completely agree! I am starting a new job next Monday (eek, so excited!), which happens to be in the financial sector. The dress code in the office where I will work is casual – jeans are acceptable – but you can bet I will still be very conscious of how I dress up my jeans. You never know who is watching!