BY: Asia Shamir Ferguson
Unique and authentic leadership begins internally and with how we show up in the world. To make your mark inside and outside the office this season, take ownership of your style with these four simple tips.
Tailor your clothes to you
Having your clothes altered is the ultimate fashion hack that many of your favorite celebs, influencers, and leaders implement to ensure each look fits their unique body type. Tailoring isn’t just for power suiting; every garment you own can be crafted uniquely for your body. Keep in mind, the fashion industry at large is designed to serve a wide variety of shapes and sizes for mass consumption, so never be discouraged by waist gaps, extra-long pant legs, or bulky blazers. After all, tailors and seamstresses are the backbone of the fashion industry and can be your very own secret weapon to take your style up several notches.
Master juxtaposition
Juxtaposition in fashion is all about mixing unconventional shapes, textures, and silhouettes to take your style to the next level. This is probably one of the most effective styling “tricks” you could learn. Start by pairing two opposing elements from your closet, like dressy with casual, feminine with masculine, polished with edgy, etc. Think track pants with a blazer, lace and cashmere, or a statement top with a casual bottom. Try it on, take pictures, and see what works! This styling hack may feel difficult at first, but with practice, it looks effortless. It’s not about being loud, but moreso about adding a twist to your classic way of dressing, giving you that “cool girl” effect.
Take your time
Racing out of the house with wrinkled clothes, dry skin, and rushed hair will set you up for a day of insecurity. You can’t lead properly if you don’t give yourself the needed time for the executive glam you deserve. Setting aside extra time in your morning or nighttime routine daily for skincare and haircare can save you a lot of stress in the morning rush. Will there be days when we effortlessly throw on a stellar look? Absolutely. However, getting in the habit of laying out clothes the night before or rising early to give yourself extra time for creative execution ensures you’ll not only arrive on time, but you’ll feel good and look fabulous!
Audit, repurpose, and invest
As warmer weather sets in and winter coats head back into storage, take this opportunity to reflect on whether your wardrobe still resonates with you. If you come across pieces that haven’t been touched in centuries, ask yourself three questions: Can this be altered to fit me better? Can this be worn in a fresh, unconventional way? Does this garment need repairing or replacement?
If the garment is not in good condition, replacing it with a higher-quality version may be the best solution. It’s all about growth, which means investing in yourself professionally, personally, and fashionably.
For an ultimate confidence booster, never underestimate the power of color-blocking, intentional accessorizing, and experimenting with hairstyles. After all, the complementary accents complete the look, thus elevating you into the ultimate fashionista.
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.
