Noelle is an image consultant who focuses on getting your wardrobe, your skin care, your hairstyle, and your overall attire to truly fit the image you are trying to project. She helps match your image to your personality, your body type, and your colors. If you're in a highly visible position, it might be good to get an image consultant to go through your closet and give you an honest assessment! I get this from my style consultant all the time ("that color is not CEO enough" or "I like the shirt, very relaxed, very confident") Many of us want to assert our unique style. Sometimes you'll wear a conservative suit but add a brooch or fantastic earrings. For me, it's bracelets or a pearl or coral strand (reminds me of my island roots). My friend Susanna sells some amazing stuff at CrystalAccents.com and you can also visit Kemah Creations for Mary and Kelly's hand-beaded jewelry, since we're supporting women of color on this blog.
But when do you cross the line? When does your individual "spice" turn into "ummm... that's too ethnic for management"?
Carol Lewis, African-American owner of CSL Image Consulting Inc. in Milwaukee, explains that "there's a fine line between individualism and the individualism that is accepted by corporate America."
Chocolate Dream, by Kemah Creations
Professor Peter Glick, who teaches psychology at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, studied 66 male and female undergrads who watched videos of a business woman dressed in different outfits. The results weren't too suprising: basically, if you're a manager, the tight skirt, low-cut blouse, and high heels will harm your image: you're viewed as less competent and less intellectually capable. Glick points out that when women of color dress provocatively, it may also trigger the general racist stereotype that we are highly sexual. (Exotic is the word I use).
Take Glick's "Ambivalent Sexism" inventory here: http://www.understandingprejudice.org/index.php?section=asi
The inventory takes roughly 5 minutes to complete, and afterward you can compare your level of sexism with the scores received by people from around the world.
More tests: http://www.understandingprejudice.org/demos/
I don't want to delve too deply into racism, sexism, or other -isms on this blog, (or do I?) but suffice it to say that, as women of color in leadership or in visible positions, our demeanor, attitude, and yes, attire will directly affect colleagues, clients, and staff.
Choose the image you portray. Back that up with what you wear, how you act, and who's in your circle.
And send me your worst and best outfit stories while you're at it!
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