Must Haves For A Professional Power Woman Wardrobe

Three things happened in the last 2 weeks to bring us here.

1. I was asked to speak at a college on fashion and entrepreneurship
2. I got a new client who is a recent college grad and wanted help building a professional wardrobe so she could “dress for the job she wants, not the job she has” (Would have reached through the phone and hugged her for that if I could have!)
3. I am planning my next Cheap Chic episode at Phia Boutique, where they say “People are not taught how to dress. Many girls only know how to wear athletic wear or inappropriate clothes. We want to teach girls how to dress at an early age ( and their moms) so they don’t struggle finding clothes for themselves as an adult. We want them to see that shopping for clothes can be a positive experience. “… How true- and awesome- is that?!

It’s got me thinking about how intimidating it is to enter the business world with a college wardrobe and no real dressing or shopping education. And it also got me thinking about we ALL could use a little refresher regardless of our resumes. Whether your changing careers, job searching or have been at the same company for 15 years, I bet we all have the same questions as the college graduates:

• What is appropriate to wear for my role?
• How can I insert some of my personality into my look so I still feel like myself while portraying the professional version of myself as well?
• What the heck does ‘business casual’ even mean?
• And if the CEO walked in right now to re-interview me for my role, would I look the part?

Or maybe we all need that reminder that my client just gave me to dress for the career we want and not the job we have! So here it is in the form of a list (because I love a good list!)

The items you should have in your professional wardrobe that will immediately have you looking, and feeling, the part:

1. Power Woman Shoes. My professional development class in college taught me how important shoes are. The professor said one of the first things potential employers look at are your shoes because they tell alot about a person, so be sure your interview shoes are in good condition. Shoes are investment items. You could wear the same pair 5 times a week with different outfits. They get a lot of use, they last awhile and they take a beating. So make sure you invest in pairs that are built for the challenge. Pairs necessary to complete your professional look? Pumps in black and nude.

2. Power Woman Bag. Keeping in line with leather investment goods, get you a grown up purse. One worthy of an boardroom meeting or carrying millions of dollars of portfolios (even if for now it only holds your lip gloss and cell phone!) Go for a structured shape in a neutral shade to get the most use out of it.

3. Power Woman Jacket. An I-mean-business blazer that can be worn over a dress or paired with dress pants to create a suit. Don’t be afraid to show some personality here with bold hardware, asymmetric cuts, contrast cuffs, you name it.

4. Power Woman Dress. Command attention while feeling like your bossiest self! A structured sheath always does the trick.

And don’t forget….

1. The Correct Undergarments. This one may surprise you, but bras, panties and shapewear are called foundation garments for a reason. They really impact the way your clothing fits, plus no one can successfully pull off baggy granny panties under a fitted dress!
2. A Tailor. Fit and quality are crucial for professional images, and there are times where spending a few extra bucks to make that perfect piece fit like a glove are well worth it, especially when it comes to simple things like pant hems.
3. Trust in Tricia. (plug!) Because a stylist like myself can answer all of those tough questions you are asking yourself- like what’s appropriate, how to flatter your figure and where to shop.

How many of these Power Woman professional items do you own??