Ditching Power Dressing: Can Women Lead with Style, Comfort, and a Hint of Sass?

This week I want to take about "Power Dressing" for women.. ?You know what I'm talking about - the expensive suits, the perfectly coiffed hair, the high heels that make you feel like you're walking on stilts.

For years, women have been told that in order to be taken seriously in the workplace, we have to dress the part. But this week’s rant is set to debunk that myth. But first here's why I even got thinking about this in the first place ..

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The other week I saw a post on LinkedIn from a women in California whose whole business model is built on coaching women on what to wear so they could be more competent leaders.

I nearly spat out my coffee when I saw it. I know we all have to make a living but I literally thought I had just been dragged back to the 80s!?I hand on heart thought we had gotten past all of this. This was some of the post …

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Now, don't get me wrong - there is nothing wrong with dressing up for work. But when it comes to power dressing, isn't it time to break the mold?

Surely we don't have to sacrifice comfort for style, and we certainly don't have to conform to society's expectations of what a leader should look like.

So why do we feel like we have to dress a certain way to be taken seriously?

It's all about perception. When we see someone in a power suit, we automatically assume that they're in charge.

But does that really make sense? Can someone's clothing really dictate their leadership abilities?

Let's take a look at some powerful women who have broken the mold of traditional power dressing.

Oprah Winfrey is one of the most influential people in the world, and she's known for her comfortable, colorful, and casual outfits. And yet, she's still a force to be reckoned with in the business world.

Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post and a successful author, is often seen wearing loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes, and yet she's still taken seriously as a leader in the media industry.

So if these powerful women can break the mold of traditional power dressing, why can't we? It's time to embrace our own unique style and show the world that we can be powerful leaders without sacrificing comfort for style.

But let's not forget about the financial cost of power dressing. Those high-quality suits and designer shoes don't come cheap, and for women who are already paid less than their male counterparts, that extra expense can be a burden. And don't even get me started on the dry-cleaning bills - who has time for that?

But perhaps the biggest reason to break the mold of traditional power dressing is that it's simply not necessary. Our appearance does not determine our leadership abilities.

In fact, studies have shown that women who don't conform to traditional power dressing standards are often seen as more approachable and relatable by their colleagues and employees.

The most important thing is to wear what makes us feel confident and comfortable. Whether that's a power suit or a pair of sweatpants, it's up to us surely? After all, the best leaders are the ones who are true to themselves.

Power dressing may have its place in certain industries or situations, but I feel it's time to break the mold and embrace our own unique styles.

We can be powerful leaders without sacrificing comfort for style, and we don't have to conform to society's expectations of what a leader should look like.

.. Or do we?