Hello, future CEOS! 

Are you looking for a closet that screams effortless, put-together, stylish, elegant, refined, dominating, alluring, feminine, all while holding a part of your personality too? My God, that’s too many things to add to one outfit if you ask me, but they are essential to a CEO’s closet.

No matter how often people say clothes don’t matter, the first impression isn’t important, or your outfit isn’t an extension of your personality, the truth is, they are. 

I mean, think about it, if you had an important meeting where you wanted an upper hand, wouldn’t you want your first appearance in the room to be dominating, something that portrays confidence itself? Clothes have been an expression of us, a language draped in fashion, an extension of who we are, regardless of whether we agree or not, it’s a silent fact.

And it isn’t just for the outer world, but a testament to us as well. 

But this doesn’t mean that the ladies are going to wear striped, grey power suits with shoulder pads wider than their heads – and nothing else- that was a thing for the 80s. (Don’t get me wrong, I’m in love with grey suits, but we need something…more.)   

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe. 

Women are bringing about a much-needed change in their traditional style as they formally assume leadership positions as CEOs. Consider striking colour combinations, cutting-edge cuts, elegant tailoring, and yes, heels that could be considered works of art. Why?

Well, simply because they can. Furthermore, the most powerful women in the world are sending a silent visual message that success is about defining your own game and not about dressing according to gender-neutral standards. 

Now you’re probably going to ask how we can be professional while having high-fashion items and still wear an outfit that reflects our personality? 

Women have been multitasking for years; it only makes sense for them to get luxury items in the gruesome orthodox corporate industry. So, here’s how the ladies are changing the game and leaving us in envy of their corporate girl closet: 

Breaking free from the corporate uniform: 

Men in suits usually look the same, and it makes sense as they developed that system of clothing because it’s efficient, but it has gotten rather boring now. I mean, they do have some variations to the suit like different ties, belts, colours, lapel widths, and pocket squares, nothing major though, and this applies to all the sectors they work in.  

Women, on the other hand, have taken clothing to be a part of their modern-day armour in the form of a power suit against the world. You can take a fictional character, for example, Rachel Green from Friends.

Her wardrobe consisted of clean lines, fitted blazers, neutral colour schemes, tailored trousers, crisp white shirts, formal skirts and dresses, along with occasional pops of colour and her 90s attitude adding interest to her outfits while she worked at Ralph Lauren. She was the face of the cool corporate girl aesthetic before it was even a thing.

Later, Ralph Lauren even dropped a collection inspired by her, signifying her influence on the corporate fashion world despite her being a fictional character. 

Consider real-world icons like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and Mary Barra of General Motors. Whether it’s a bold-coloured blazer or a perfectly tailored dress, their wardrobes are carefully curated to project confidence, influence, and femininity for women negotiating the high-stakes corporate world.

Fashion is a means for women in the business sector to highlight their special traits and skills. It commands attention and exhibits a strong sense of individuality, especially in fields where gender bias is prevalent. 

Rise of Soft dressing or quiet luxury dressing 

Like the old money aesthetic, it’s a style that excludes confidence, elegance, and poise, like a second skin, but doesn’t make a loud show of it. It’s a silent and constant message about who the boss is without it being in your face. A very feminine way of demonstrating power without having to use it. 

Think fluid fabrics, high quality that are well-tailored, having a soft but sharp touch to them, minimalistic silhouettes that gracefully complement your body type, and neutral tones with some pops of colour, of course. With minimalist jewellery and heels that make others aware you’re coming before you enter the room. It’s a subtle way of speaking before you open your mouth. 

It acts as a complete contradiction to the unapproachable and untouchable look that has been a classic in the industry. “I don’t need to shout to make a point,” is the message that it conveys. Sheryl Sandberg, the former COO of Facebook, and Jessica Alba, the founder of The Honest Company, are two women who exemplify this by combining classic style with contemporary elements.

Often seen in neutral tones with clean lines or classic dresses with tailored blazers, as they display soft power through her outfit. 

This makes it perfect for new CEOs who want to command respect while still allowing their colleagues to have freedom of thought around them. It creates this aura of the leader eager to collaborate with his followers and not alone. 

Understanding Colour, Fit and Quality over Quantity: 

For colour, you must understand colour theory (A theory about how we perceive colour). Say, for example, if you’re wearing Royal Blue, it creates an impression of a calm, regal, polished individual. Hence, we can personalise our closet with colours that send a subconscious message to people.

But before that, an executive’s closet must consist of neutral to earthy colour tones, some seasonal colours, some of the owner’s favourite colours, and finally, a few minimalistic prints. It creates an elegant and efficient closet as the owner doesn’t drown in too many options.

I’d say take inspiration from Lilly Singh, a media mogul and entrepreneur, known for often incorporates colourful and statement-making outfits that reflect her dynamic personality. 

For fit, one must figure out their body type. Whether they are skinny, fit, curvy, muscular, tall, or short, the fashion industry will always find something flattering to your body type. My advice would be to invest in tailored pieces that are personalised to your body. Or find pieces that work for your body type and still send an elegant message of command.

Katie Sturino, founder of Megababe, is a role model for a body-positive and confident approach in styling. Her wardrobe often features monochrome looks and playful patterns that exude empowerment. 

For clothes, it’s always advisable to prefer quality over quantity. You want to find pieces that scream rich without having to read the price tag. Just like the quiet luxury or old money aesthetics, it’s important to understand that quality pieces are the ones that last (they are usually comfortable to which is another win).

Take the CEO of Oracle, Safra Catz, for example, as she combines sophistication with practicality. Her wardrobe often features sleek suits and minimalist designs that align with her leadership role. 

The best advice that someone can give you about dressing on a mission (perfect corporate girl look) is a build a capsule wardrobe. Find pieces that are essential, timeless, and elegant. So, it can be some quality white shirts, tailored trousers, suit sets, formal dresses, and skirts. All in neutral tones that go well together, creating a harmonious outfit every time.

And please don’t forget elegant jewellery as the final touch of the outfit. 

High Fashion meets corporate style: 

A common misconception about luxury fashion is that it can handle the world outside in 5 minutes on the runway. CEOs don’t have the time of day to feel uncomfortable about what they are wearing. So, is it fit for a stressful day in the boardroom or an emergency business trip across the world? 

The closet’s curation will find the answer to this amazing question. The ladies have made it their goal to include eye-catching pieces in their regular wardrobes by incorporating high-end labels like Dior, Chanel, Armani, Bulgari, and many more. Consider wearing a Bulgari Serpenti watch with an elegant dress or a classic Chanel jacket with fitted trousers and a shirt.  

Angela Ahrendts, the former CEO of Burberry and Senior VP at Apple, is the ideal illustration of this style since she consistently wears high-end fashion in her work clothes. A perfect fusion of her opulent taste and elegant style. It all comes down to striking a balance between these classic pieces and adding them to the business wardrobe.

Women can move, lead, and conquer without feeling limited by their attire if they choose clothing that feels as good as it looks.  

In conclusion, a corporate wardrobe doesn’t have to be boring, especially not for the ladies. It is about confidence, creativity, and carving out space in a world that hasn’t always been welcoming in the form of baby steps. It honours all that women have to offer in leadership, including their strength, tenacity, and flair. 

Thus, cheers to the contemporary female CEO who is shattering stereotypes, changing the game, and doing it in style. Bringing together two worlds, that is, the fashion and corporate worlds that would never collide, could only be done by a woman. Cause at the end of the day, both worlds will always be about embracing your unique self.  

Until next time, signing off for now.