BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson
Executive presence is that special je ne sais quoi that helps professionals project leadership and confidence that can command the room. It is not just about what we embody on the inside, it’s about what we wear on the outside too.
Today, I want to challenge you to use these style ideas to help you soul search, experiment, and do the inner work to truly step into your executive era.
As we walk the path to the boardroom, it’s easy to get lost in the thick of things and blend in with the crowd to the point where you lose yourself. What’s important is remembering that a big part of executive presence is the uniqueness you bring. When you hear “executive”, what do you envision? Does that vision resonate with you? Once you get clear on your answers, allow your wardrobe to follow.
START WITH THE BASICS
Style is subjective, but as you’re stepping into your executive presence, and the weather gets cooler, you can never go wrong with building a capsule wardrobe. Start with the basics by getting a good rotation of blazers, trench coats, trousers, and ankle-length skirts.
CHOOSE YOUR POWER COLORS
The key to inspiring confidence is keeping the formula simple but spicing it up with color, shape, and texture. Power suits, including variations of tailored blazers, flared trousers, and fitted button-downs, are a great place to start. Winter allows more play with the ability to mix and match layers, which expands your options for fabrics and textures.
PLAY WITH TEXTURE
While some patterns can be deemed distracting in the workplace, you can still add some excitement to your executive wardrobe by considering adding options in silk, wool, and cashmere to keep you elevated and warm in the office.
GO MONOCHROMATIC
If your style leans more minimalist, monochromatic looks command just as much attention while not crossing the boundaries of professionalism. However, if your workplace is flexible and lenient with its dress code, plaid, pinstripe, and glen check are easy patterns that add variety to your weekly workplace rotation.
HAPPY FEET
For footwear, a classic pump, loafer, and pointed toe ballet flats not only give you variety, but can effortlessly take you from a day in the office to an evening out with friends or colleagues.
“…small details that bring the look together can sharpen your posture and motivate you like no other.”
ADD THE FINISHING TOUCHES
Our wardrobe is shaped by culture and identity, extending beyond clothes to encompass beauty, fragrance, accessories, and hairstyles. While the look itself is important, the small details that bring the look together can sharpen your posture and motivate you like no other.
If you need ideas on where to start, here are some capsule pieces to begin building your executive wardrobe:
- PATTERNS
Glen Check, Pinstripe, Plaid, Houndstooth Wool
- COLORS
Classic Navy, Black, Tan, and Grey; deep and robust jewel tones
- SILHOUETTES
Waist-length blazers, Wide leg/Flare trousers, A-line blouses, Fitted button-downs
Consider this a template. On runways across the globe, designers have mixed and matched textures and prints, prioritized jewel tones, and experimented with exaggerated silhouettes. While a capsule wardrobe gets you through the week, executives practice styling officeappropriate power looks with ease and flair.
Asia Shamir Ferguson is a multi-media fashion, culture, and entertainment journalist based in Atlanta, GA. Proudly a part of Generation Z of storytellers and creatives, she’s passionate about creating diverse, relevant, and highquality content to shift the culture forward through authentic storytelling and quality journalism.
