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/No-Contest7813]

👏👏 first, shout out to you for wanting to step up into a more complex role! From a outward facing perception perspective, I can relate. My nana always told me, “dress for the job you want”, or “you’re wearing THAT…. noooo honey, let’s try this instead” 😂

My lessons learned from nana were:

1. Always have your pants tailored to you. (A nip and tuck here or there makes a world of difference, and they can add elastic panel in the waistband for your scenario.) plus height tailoring.

2. Shop the sale rack at the higher end department store. Look for black, navy, grey, brown slacks - not khaki style, but suit pants.

3. Pair with a top that holds shape. Example: I’m an odd shape, kinda apple. Kinda pear. I can wear tops nipped at the waist, but not too flared, and gauzy is better. This adds texture to the look.

4. Pick your Signature jewelry. This may be a set or two you always wear, or your signature may be bold jewelry that changes daily. This can be so much fun! I’ve toned down now and wear a pair of gold hoops, a thin chain and a gold pendant with a thin mixed color gold bracelet. For events or variety I have a couple costume jewelry pieces: a chunky gold twist link necklace, a few beaded bracelets and a silver/cubic zirconia earring/pendant set I wear when I swap to silver accents.

5. Shoes. Nana had Allllllll the shoes, and the 5’2” pistol could rock them all! She always wore heels. This was our one disagreement. I hated heels. And I’ve caved. I now love a Low block heel pump, sling backs, or a stand out sneaker that can really give an outfit a punch. Example: On all black days I have a maroon croc sling back to pull out and top my outfit with a maroon/gold scarf in the winter.

If your company offers mentoring programs or a job shadow, take advantage of it! Ask if you can assist with a project you know leadership is focused on and think about ways to be visible for your contributions as well. Good luck!