15 years ago, placements were a big deal in B-school. I suppose they are even today.
Entire months (even quarters) revolved around placement prep, mapping stakeholders and building our best selves for the day.
Come D-day, our black and white penguin selves were strutting about at dawn, eventually shoulders sagging under the weight of self-loathing and rejection by the time the sun set.
Mine sagged extra because of the suit. Uncomfortable blazer, ill-fitting trousers, terrible heels making annoying sounds on the floor while killing whatever little was left of my feet.
Tugging here and pulling there, I spent that entire block of placements’ time self conscious about how I was looking, and I am sure it eroded considerable amount of energy and confidence from my interview performances.
Oh my goodness! If I could go back in time and change one thing about my life from then, it would be my choice of attire.
I was recently chatting with a friend of mine who had a big day at work. They confided how they wake up earlier than usual on such days and spend extra time getting ready and being comfortable with how they appear, because it adds to their confidence while presenting and steering meetings.
I cannot agree more. But but.
All that is comfortable isn’t always acceptable. Consider me old school but I won’t be comfortable walking into a meeting in shorts or pyjamas simply because it isn’t acceptable in my mind.
So, life becomes a fine balance. Of sorts.
As part of a new hire training in one of my previous companies, we had an “executive presence” coach who had it drilled into our heads that the only two acceptable formal wear for women were saris and full suits. Anything in between, in her not-so humble opinion, are at best tawdry.
But hey. I am no executive coach. I am just a girl who has been working for a long time. And so, here goes, based on my experience.
This is for the women readers of this newsletter, but also for the men who want to pass on these tips to the women in their lives.
Nothing like the crisp Indian sari to establish presence. Yes? No. The crisp Indian sari can remain only as crisp as you let it be. The transportation you took to work that morning, the chair you sat on for the meeting, everything drives its crispness. Try an array of apparel that might suit your comfort and usage levels, and try them on days that aren’t going to make or break your confidence and output. They can be dresses, long, short, and medium, shirt-trousers combinations, salwar suits, or saris. It is important to pilot them before you actually figure out your go-to wear for important days, so you get comfortable in those sleeves.
Remember, no one cares about your footwear as much as you think they do. My ankles cannot deal with heels, so I choose to be in flats. But you could be a different person altogether. All I can reiterate is, no one worries whether they are clickety clacking or demurely sliding along as much as you do.
Accessorise. Nicely. Lightly. However you please. Red lipstick is only as red as you imagine it to be. Pink handbags (I am a great fan of bright fuschia handbags) can be your statement accessory. Black wallets could just be your thing. Once you set the baseline, no one is going to think so much really.
Have some perfume handy. India is a humid country, so it is just practical.
What’s your go-to attire for that important client meeting? How did you arrive at that as your go-to? Care to share?
P. S. Views strictly personal.
I grew up in humid climates half my life and another half I spent in a city what they call 'Manchester on South India', so nothing comes close to comfortable simple cotton outfits, and I agree, flats forever!! Luckily I chose to work in the social sector, so was I led to pick a career that fit my wordrobe or it the other way around, I can never say :D