Dressing To Command Authority, Yet Comfortably! - YouLookFab Forum

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Dressing To Command Authority, Yet Comfortably!

muffy432002

(website)

I work in retail in an upscale store and sell children's shoes. My job requires me to get on the floor to measure children's feet as well as climb ladders to fetch shoes. In a sense, my job is very physical. I've been rocking the MOTG look to an extent Also, I am on my feet all day so shoes have to be very comfy. I am aspiring to become a manager one day and believe in the adage "dressing to where you aspire". My store manager wears a suit and heels. Something that would never work in my department. Any ideas of what i could wear that commands authority, yet is work friendly?

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Jjsloane

Kristine

Veteran

On more casual work days I wear cotton blazers, dressy blouses, tailored flats. You can move in all of it but it still has some authority.

Lantana

Veteran

For a starting point, Ponte pants are smart but flexible.

Kirti

(website)

Veteran

I would suggest knit blazers, soft blouses and dressy flats! All comfy yet dressed up options

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Great question and great suggestions so far!

I like the idea of some knits (for freedom of movement) but I'd be cautious about which knits, because they can also end up looking too "soft". I think ideally you want to add some structure. So jackets (they can have a bit of stretch without being knit) will do a lot for you.

However, that may not be practical if the workplace is hot, so in that case, you'd be looking for some structured shirts, something with a bit of crispness to it. Also, nothing that screams "youth" (i.e. graphic print Ts, etc.)

I also think the right haircut could really help.

marianna

Veteran

I work in the same environment (sounds like it could be the same store) and while I'm not on the selling floor, I think the biggest way to make a good impression (clothes-wise) is by dressing stylishly and slightly trendy. My store manager always notices when I wear bright colors and often compliments me on my clothing choices -- but I notice this happens most often when I'm being a little bold or daring with what I'm wearing. If you work in a fashion environment and want to grow with the company, your superiors will want to see that you "get it."

muffy432002

(website)

Thanks for all the input. For the record, I'm far from a Spring chicken...I'm 52 (and proud of it!!), but I'm hyper-aware of looking "dowdy". I'm sure a shopping trip is in order.
Think I'll follow the "work capsule" formula.
I'm taking away from this discussion that a little structure is in order to command authority, whether through a jacket or a crisp blouse. Shoes are my biggest issue because I have a hard time feeling empowered wearing flats. Need to find some good heels that are comfy. I've had good luck with a brand called "Fly London". They offer platforms that are borderline funky, which is kind of my style, coupled with comfort. The only problem is they are pricey!

christieanne

Veteran

I have been in retail management for 25 years (yikes) and understand that skirts and heels are certainly not best for your department.
I would focus on building a wardrobe of separates based around pants (maybe charcoal and black and one in a pattern like a subtle tweed or houndstooth) paired with bright colored blouses and jackets.
If you add a few on trend accessories and a fabulous belt, low heeled wedges or a patterned flat, you will show the store management that you are fashionable yet practical.

Also, don't hesitate to speak to your direct supervisor about what you can do to take on additional responsibility now and show that you would like to make a career with this company. Obviously you have to focus on being the best salesperson you can be but perhaps there are other dept needs or areas in the store that you can learn at same time?

Good luck and keep coming back to check in

Anonymous

I volunteer one day a week in a free boutique as a dresser. I have to wear business casual with no denim. At first I wanted to run out and buy a suit, because I really didn't know how to get a good looking outfit together. Since I didn't have the money (or didn't think it was cost effective to buy an expensive suit just to volunteer in!), I have been working on cobbling together a look that works for me. The women on YLF have been so helpful.

I've come up with a formula that's basically a woven knee-length skirt with dressy pointy flats (you know, the kind that go click-clack on the floor like a high heel) --makes me feel authoritative somehow, lol! I either wear a button front shirt with a cardigan or a knit top with a blazer. I can run around in my flats and the ladders I have to climb are not so high that wearing a skirt is indecent. It *is* hard to kneel down in a pointy flat though, if you have to do that, a rounded toe might be better. Just my two cents. Let us know what you come up with!

Victoria

(website)

Veteran

As the others said, tailored shirt and pants with blazer with comfortable shoes is probably what would work best. Since you want something that would make you appear not only approachable but also powerful, I suggest staying away from knits as this is a softer look. Try wearing tops in neutral colors(which is more authoritive than brights)and adding some drama with jewelry and scarves.

rae

(website)

Veteran

When I have had to haul dishes/food/presentations around and climb ladders in kitchens before meetings, I've followed the advice the ladies have already given: structured knits. I've had bad luck with pants, but ponte knits are wonderful in general and can now be found as pants, blazers, skirts... if you want a shirt that will stay crisp thorugh all the activity, Brooks Brothers and Foxcroft non-iron shirts are great!

fern

Veteran

If you are ready to invest in your shoes - I love my Frye Maggie oxfords (2" heel) and the Born Arleta flat oxfords are getting lots of love around here. A different take on flats but tailored & authoritative.
I wear them with pants when I know I will be interacting with a client and crawling around in their attic (measuring houses for renovation).

DonnaF

Veteran

Oxfords stay on the feet much better than ballet flats or pumps so might work for ladder climbing. IMHO, for those of us of a *certain age*, some black heeled oxfords can look like the shoes my grandma used to wear.

krishnidoux

Veteran

For comfortable shoes with a heel that command authority, I would go with something very classic from Nine West or Clarks.

You are clever to be focusing first on shoes, because they determine how the rest looks. However newer trendy shapes of footwear tend not to mix well with more conservative classic pieces - it has been my experience. They tend to fit the new shapes - skinnies, tunics, tapered lower leg...

In your work situation I would most certainly favour the A line silhouette of tailored, yet flowey / wide legs high waist pants, fitted tops such as delicate long sleeve tees which allow for movement; then depending on your body type, a topper, either very short or long and drape-y, but with a straight line.

Jjsloane

Veteran

Lots of great advice here. Another vote for Ponte knits. I think a blazer (or nice cardigan) goes a long way to polish an outfit. You obviously don't want a lot of fuss or having to tuck, untuck, expose etc... Make sure what you wear fits you well above all and does not expose anything when you are in shoe fitting mode (watch the cleavage). I'd think crew neck knits under jackets and cardis best, but some button downs are fine depending on where the top button hits.
Good luck! I agree dress for the job you want (but it doesn't mean who has it now is dressed appropriately all the time)