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I used to be intrigued by the current WSJ article, “The ‘Finance Bro’ Uniform Is a Fleece and Khakis. For Female Execs, It’s Not That Simple,” which has LOT to talk about (including, I kid you not, talk of women’s water bottles). We’ve discussed this before, sharing tips on what to wear to work in Silicon Valley and pondering what the “casual-but-professional” uniform is for women… but not in a while. So let’s discuss:

Are you in a field where the men dress casually but uniformly (e.g., gray hoodies, fleece vests, blue button-front shirts with the sleeves pushed up…)? How do your female colleagues dress — is there a similar uniform? Do you feel like there is a consensus among women on the level of formality, at least? What would you advise a young woman who, perhaps, interacted with mostly men dressed in one of these uniforms to wear on her first week to the office?

Water Bottles Are Apparently a Sign of Success for Women

Some quotes from the article (gift link) — first, on water bottles, because I must:

Trying to spot a woman in finance? Start with her water bottle. “You almost never see guys in our office carrying them around,” [one female CFO noted]. Women value luxury versions of the reusable bottles for both their status and sustainability, the 46-year-old said. Popular designs are covered with Swarovski crystals or leather, like those from Laksen that retail for $140 each.

A luxury sipper is just one sign of success for women who hold C-suite finance jobs, a demographic that is growing but still makes up just 18% of top executives in the industry, according to the World Economic Forum.

I mean… readers here have largely scoffed when we discussed “professional water bottles,” which is the way it would be in an ideal world — your water bottle wouldn’t and shouldn’t matter. But: to see the WSJ decree that sparkly water bottles are a “sign of success” is something else! This is the same publication that suggested that only a $4000 outfit (with bag!!) would do for working from home, and more recently has said that sequins and multiple piercings are “power moves” for women executives, so… OK!

What the WSJ Says Women Should Wear When Working With Finance Bros

Moving on:

Female financial leaders have created their own visual code to telegraph their power. “You have to both conform to the norms and defer,” explained Mariana Dahan, a director at the World Bank. At least up to a point.

While “showy” designer suits could seem desperate, she says, a “dull” uniform of gray slacks and a blouse could appear middling. The trick, Dahan noted, is sticking with a basic, expensive uniform, “and then doing a few things that will set you apart.” 

The WSJ suggests things including a boss blazer, a “subtle” watch, “status flats,” and a “sumptuous” tote. BUT: never denim.

One thing “finance bros” get away with at work that women can’t? “Jeans!” stated Dahan. “I could never wear them and seem as successful.” Men additionally require far fewer garments to ship the identical alerts of wealth. “They can wear the same suits for a week. No one notices,” stated Kolossa. “Women could perhaps wear the same suit for two days, but it will be noted.” By the finance bros? “No. By everybody.”

Yikes! OK.

(We have, after all, urged objects in every of these classes — principally in our tips about the right way to get C-suite fashion — and I’ll hyperlink them on the backside of this publish.)

But let’s talk about! Are you in a discipline the place the boys gown casually however uniformly? What would you advise a younger lady who, maybe, interacted with principally males wearing one among these uniforms to put on on her first week to the workplace? What do you put on to the workplace? Do you agree with the “no denim” rule?

(AND: What is your favourite water bottle?!)

Our Picks for C-Suite Style

Boss Blazers

Hunting for a luxe assertion blazer? 2024 favorites embrace Smythe, embrace McQueen, L’Agence, Veronica Beard, The Fold, Armani, and Anine Bing.

Status Flats

Sumptuous Totes

Other Splurges To Consider When You’re the Boss (and Paid Accordingly)

These are my picks for the place I’d store if cash was no object…

• cashmere: InHabit NY, Loro Piana, Akris, TSE, Brora, & Eric Bompard
• primary blazers: Smythe, McQueen, L’Agence, Veronica Beard, The Fold, Armani
• dramatic blazers for talking/Big Days: Akris, The Fold, IRO, L’Agence, Smythe, Etro, and Ray Darten (we have additionally achieved a roundup of dramatic blazers you should buy at Etsy!)
• Chanel-style jackets: Chanel, St. John, IRO, L’Agence, Sandro
• clothes: Roland Mouret, Victoria Beckham, DVF, Akris, St. John, Burberry
• pants: Lafayette 148 New York, Theory, Akris, St. John
• coats: Fleurette, Cinzia Rocca, Mackage
• luggage: Loewe, Bottega Venetta
• jewellery: Ylang 23, Bergdorf Goodman,
• sneakers: Ferragamo, Manolo, Choo, Valentino, Louboutin (however please know your workplace earlier than contemplating thick platforms or 4″+ heels), Aquazzura, Sarah Flint, Prada, and Miu Miu (one of many favorites in our Newbie Guide to Designer Shoes)
• weatherproof sneakers: Aquatalia, La Canadienne

Stock picture by way of Pexels / Alena Darmel.