Be Yourself ... No Really!

I was speaking with a client recently who had been told by an independent business consultant that if she wanted to get ahead in her career, then she needed to:

1. not wear colourful clothes
2. have a conservative hairstyle
3. not wear nail polish or acrylic nails
4. not wear jewellery

... in other words, lose her personality, flair and passion and become an androgynous drone!!

I do not buy into this premise at all!  In fact it makes the veins in my head throb a little.    Your work should be judged on your achievements and performance.  That's it.  End of story.  Appearance should not even be a factor in your career progression.   Is this 2010 or 1954??

This client, I might add, works in a highly creative field and often has to meet with the media, PR agencies, executives and consumers.  All the more reason to show some personality!!    

I would love to get hold of the person that gave my client this advice and pound on them just a little bit!

Don't get me wrong, I do believe that you need to dress appropriately for your work environment - however there is plenty of opportunity to let your personality shine through, even in the most conservative of environments.  

For example - if you work in a super conventional office, then do the expected dark suit ... with style!

If you present yourself as a stylish, put together woman with flair, I hand on heart believe that other's perceptions will be that you are organised, reliable and passionate about your work.  

If you look like you care about yourself, then people will perceive that you care about your job too.

I worked in the corporate world as an executive for many years before following my passion, and from my experience, I can safely say that many, not all, but many men do not take women seriously in the workplace full stop, regardless of how you present yourself.  All the more reason to break away from those conservative shackles and be yourself .. no really!

Take Julia Gillard for example.  A strong, intelligent, beautiful woman.  Yet because of her job, she has felt the need to morph into an androgynous drone in order for her male counterparts, the media and the public to take her seriously.  I find it ludicrous.  

The more we give in to this archaic way of thinking and comply with a morbid dress code, the longer it will take for women to be truly accepted as equals.  We do not have to become 'men' to succeed.   Women should celebrate their femininity and style in the workplace.  Go on.  Have the courage to be feminine, stylish and successful.  I dare you!

I'll leave you with some examples of Feminine & Stylish office wear:

Clothing images courtesy of Net-a-Porter.com

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