Today a good friend of mine who is into photography ( see her work here) asked me “when a woman does a job that requires masculine/ athletic skills, or keeps her outdoors most of the time, how does she retain her femininity in our outlook and demeanor and still be taken seriously?
more so if she interacts with a lot of male colleagues/ customers/ vendors etc.” got me into thinking and this is what my thoughts are –
- Balance
Balance both the elements (the masculinity and the femininity) so if you are planning to wear a girly blouse then wear it with a fitted neutral color trousers with juttis or loafers. Or if you are wearing a dress then maybe throw in a chunky watch or a briefcase Or like what I did here – wore a dress that had bold pinstripe and added a jewelry made of nuts 🙂 Textile patterns like houndstooth and pinstripes that are traditionally masculine shapes can be softened up with feminine colors and cuts
- Drama
Bright colors, bold accessories and busy patterns in the outfit creates a visual interest , create the drama by not overdoing it but by knowing how much and where to place it on your body . Maybe just a bright shoe with the formals or maybe a polka dot belt on a grey or black dress
.
- Outfit with a personality
When I do image makeover session I go through clients personality so when I am suggesting them outfits it suits their personality and thus looks authentic . So wearing one little thing that’s authentic to your style will keep you from feeling like a fraud.
”If you have to wear a suit, you can always add a stunning necklace or a vintage scarf you picked up at a flea market—just some little thing that lets the world know who you are.” – Elizabeth Nedeff
4. You wear it ! You own !
After all it boils down to confidence, so be confident and own what you wear. There is room for all of us, in our own ways, to do the same in our wardrobe.
Love
Babita Jaishankar
Babita Jaishankar 