Style Buzz: Style as a Power Play + Anatomy of a Presentation Outfit

Ideas to Inspire Your Style This Week!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Confidence is half the outfit!"

Sublime insight from a casual conversation about clothing and personal style! I was at a reception for the Eugene Symphony's Gala volunteers and naturally we were admiring what people were wearing. One lady was stunning in her backless halter top, and someone commented that she looked so confident in it, which made it even more impactful. And it's true. If you want to make a statement with your style, no matter what you're wearing, wear it with confidence. For without that, you're clothed but only half dressed.

 xxx rachel

Totally different from a backless halter top but her confidence level = 100%!

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STYLE AS A POWER PLAY

I love the reaction I get when I use this phrase - people often immediately ask if I'm going to put them in those giant shoulder pads from the 80's. I mean, who wouldn't be slightly afraid of getting hurt by these bright, pointy attention-getters!

So wide they're in two different time zones!

And because I'm a nerd English major, here's the definition of the phrase:

The tactics exhibiting or intended to increase a person's power or influence

So how does that relate to style? What it means is using style as a way to get an advantage - in life, in business, in social situations - wherever you find yourself in need of a boost. As you know, it's a tool to support you, to lift you up so that you have a greater effect on your situation. But that means it can also give you an edge over your competition.

Have you ever thought about the non-verbal messages your clothes tell others about you? If you're wearing anything ill-fitting, unflattering, poorly constructed, or worn out, you're telling the world that you aren't very successful, that you don't really know yourself so how can you understand others?

However, if you're well styled, you're telling a whole different story about you! Style sets expectations about the kind of person you are, your credibility, how you see yourself. It reinforces or undermines your message, depending on how well you're representing yourself through it, and it shapes how you're remembered.

Imagine walking into a room in an outfit that fits you perfectly, that is current without trying to be trendy, in colors and cuts that suit your complexion and figure. You've got deliberate, interesting accessories on, and the whole outfit works as a cohesive whole, each piece supporting the others with thought and interest. You feel like the best version of yourself, and people notice that. Why is this?

Yes, the outfit itself garners attention (especially in a state that values its athleisure wear!), and makes you look interesting because you're not trying to blend in. But there's more to it than that. It allows you to take up space, to own your right to be in that room. You've obviously taken the occasion seriously, which the hosts will appreciate (Honestly. Never underestimate this. I still have opinions about the guy who showed up to a cocktail reception in cargo shorts.) and it aligns your outer presentation with your inner authority.

Style also becomes a shorthand for the next time someone meets you. They remember the story your clothes told about you the last time and details of your personality and charm are more easily recalled, and who doesn't want to be memorable for all the right reasons?

One of my favorite reasons, though, that style is a power play is because when someone looks put together, people assume that you've got the rest of your life together and can handle a personal or professional request easily. That things are effortless, you're not easily flustered or frustrating to work with. You move through tasks with confidence and authority, and your skills and expertise can be trusted. If you want to be taken seriously, you need to look like you can be taken seriously! If you look like you have your sh*t together, you will. Your brain will register the success in one area of your life and apply it to other areas.

So where does this lead you? To have an powerful advantage over your competition? To take on more responsibility at work with confidence? To build your reputation as a leader? Yes, yes, and yes! Clothing can be your secret weapon in helping you stand out in a crowded field, feel like your best self, and arm you with the fortitude to take on whatever comes your way.

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ANATOMY OF AN OUTFIT

This is a peek into my favorite outfit of the week where I break it down for you: why I've put it together and why it works, what elements could be swapped out, things to consider, etc.

I presented to a women's business group in Corvallis this week and wanted to be very deliberate in my choice of outfit. Some considerations: comfortable, polished, a little memorable, versatile in case the venue was warm or cold, and, well, pretty! I love this dress - it's light during the warmer months but the palette is perfect in the colder ones. There's a light blue in the print, so I mirrored that with the blue faux suede moto jacket. I've ruched the sleeves to lighten the visual weight around my mid-section and added a belt to define my waist. The brown suede boots (that I stole from my sister!) tie in both the color of the belt and the suede of the jacket, and the grey fleece tights kept me cozy. I went with big, bold mother-of-pearl earrings to stand out and added my trademark bee brooch as a finishing touch. Because, yay bees!

Moto Jacket: Tahari from Nordstrom Rack

Dress: Susana Monaco

Tights: Qotton

Boots: Marc Fisher

Detail of my jewelry - the earrings from Carlo Viani are large but surprisingly light and I can wear them all day. The necklace is from Alex Woo (which has a tie to the Sex & the City prequel series!) The stack of bracelets includes a silver bangle, clear quartz beads, blue quartz beads, a cream bead bracelet from Stella & Dot, and a silver mesh bangle from my mum. The silver ring is from Tiffany, but it's the $7 ring from Old Navy on the opposite hand that gets all the attention!