Wearing My Identity On My Sleeve

One of the biggest challenges I've had as I...

• interview for new positions
• give presentations on my work and 
• generally meet people who will be hiring me for post-doctoral work

is figuring out "what to wear".

I sent this "options" photo to get the input of my friends

Worrying about this really pisses me off.

When I ask the question that all women should ask themselves when thinking about professional situations: 

The answer is quite clear: No

Any time that I spend worrying about this is time that my male competition is spending refining their skills and improving their situation. 

I was recently asked back for a second interview for an academic position that would be helpful in my career. I, of course, wore my only suit to the first interview. 

So for second interview, I spent the better part of 2 days

1. Finding a new suit
2. Contemplating what different blouses would "say about me"
3. Hunting down the blouse that "said the right thing"
4. Contemplating what jewelry would send the right message. 
5. Considering which heels were the least tortuous to stand in as I gave a 20 minute presentation 

If I were a man, I would find a suit and then only have to consider what color shirt and tie to wear. The end. 

Instead I thought long and hard about sending the right message with my clothes. I wanted to be powerful and feminine. I bought a black power suit and wore a teal, lace embroidered shirt underneath with a tasteful necklace. 

I struggle with playing by the "rules" of professional dress for women. 

I see suits as "man uniforms" that take away personality. On the other hand, they are the universal shortcut to appearing powerful. So for an interview, they really are the only option. I want to come across as my most powerful and confident self. 

But for daily office wear, I reject the idea that highly professional dress must be limited to the uniform that equalizes men. This is where women have an opportunity to STAND OUT in a sea of drab colors. 

Women at the highest level of politics stand out from male competition

I shouldn't have to give up my feminine identity to express power and confidence. 

I look forward to exploring new ways of dressing for my powerful AND feminine nature as I move into the next phases of my career.