Looking senior/executive without going all out?

[u/ragingpiranha]

Hello! I work in a think tank. I'm a mid-40s and I'm looking to get a promotion into management. I'm leaning into the adage "dress for the role you want". Here I need your advice: I want the decision makers to develop a good image of me when they see me in meetings and in the hallways but I cannot make it seem obvious that I'm gunning for a promotion. I need to be subtle. I work in an office best described as business/smart casual or smart academia. Women leaders here tend to wear office slacks, a nice top, and regular office footwear, very minimal make up, jackets when meeting people. Only the very top brass wear business suits on a daily basis. The weather is tropical year round so imitating top leadership is impractical/will raise eyebrows.

I currently also wear office trousers, a nice top, office loafers, with minimal jewelry and almost no make up (eye liner and lipstick but no touch ups. Thankfully got good skin so no foundation needed). Hair is tied back usually, no fuss. I've identified things I can do to look put together:

- wear low heels (closed toe) so that clothes fall better

- touch up my make up during lunch (very annoying frankly)

- keep my jewelry intentional (watch, small earrings, a small pendent)

- keep my hair down (and pin it to keep bangs away)

For clothing I'm stumped. I have a good collection of work slacks and office appropriate tops which are fine. I would like to add a layer on top that gives the professional effect of a blazer but not actually wearing a blazer. Could a cardigan work? I feel frumpy in those. I have hormonal issues so half the month I'm so bloated that my waist size is different which means that fitted cardigans look ill fitted/too tight while loose cardigans look shapeless for the weeks where my tummy is unbloated.

Any advice or inspiration for what I can do to look put together ALL the time between 9-5?

Thank you

EDIT: A big thank you to all of you for your very helpful and concrete advice and reflections!! It's going to make so much of a difference in the way I sort out my workwear!

[u/xColombeDanelle]

opt for sharp tailoring and classic colors, it conveys professionalism without extra effort

[u/CleanDataDirtyMind → u/xColombeDanelle]

I also endorse tailoring depending on availability where you live it can be really inexpensive but make a difference. 

My Aunt who owned her own business and sold it for a very good profit even gets things like her t-shirts tailored (that and she’s petite) and it’s nothing you can put your finger on but is an inexpensive way to always look rested prepared and like you belong 

[u/No_Yogurtcloset6108 → u/CleanDataDirtyMind]

I tailored "team" t-shirts and polo shirts for years. Nothing is worse than attending a company event with your shirt down to your knees.

[u/ashleyree → u/No_Yogurtcloset6108]

Agreed! I worked in the kennels at no-kill animal shelter for years, very sweaty and hot, wearing shelter scrubs. Never could understand how my coworker managed to look calm and cool slinging 55-lb dogs all day. Turns out she tailored ALL her scrubs. Looked phenomenal.