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Last week, we discussed tips on feeling more authoritative at work, but today let's talk about the opposite side of the coin: how to look like you're in charge. This can be a “fake it till you make it” situation — or it can be a “meeting your office's expectations for someone in charge” kind of thing, whether or not you truly feel “in charge.”
(In the past we've discussed what to wear to work when “conservative” doesn't feel right, as well as how to look authoritative without wearing a suit.)
Readers had a good discussion in the comments on a recent morning post about what to wear to look like you're in charge, and we thought we'd share some today to launch a conversation. (Note that most of the comments in the thread were about work-appropriate clothing in general.)
{related: how to look professional without looking like you think you're in charge}
In the comments, one reader shared specific outfits that she typically sees on women in charge: not necessarily suits, but sheath dresses with blazers, pants with (non-matching) blazers, and pencil skirts with silk blouses and jardigans in “authoritative colors.” (Readers, which colors do you feel fit the bill?)
{related: are you looking young — or acting young?}
Another said she relies on a collared shirt, diamond earrings, and understated makeup plus red lipstick, while one reader likes a bright lip in general.
Readers also talked about what you shouldn't wear if you want to appear like you're in charge: clothes that “make you look like you're on the prairie or getting ready for bed” and “something professional that's not all ruffles and cutouts.”
{related: authoritative clothes for women}
We'll round up a few of our favorite jardigans, blazers-as-separates, and the best dresses for work — but please, share your thoughts! How do you typically adjust your appearance at work to look like you're in charge? For you, does this always mean a suit? Do you feel that some styles are too “feminine” to be considered appropriate for someone in charge (no matter what you feel personally)?
Stock photo at top via Pexels / Tima Miroshnichenko.
Some of Our Favorite Clothes to Help You Look Like You're in Charge
Some of the best blazers for women in 2024 — great for wearing as separates! — include options from Cinq à Sept, J.Crew (collarless and collared), Everlane, and Madewell. Hunting for a deal? Check out J.Crew Factory and Amazon (Cicy Bell, The Drop).
Some of the best dresses for work as of 2024 include options from J.Crew, BOSS, T. Tahari, and Lands' End. For really affordable options, check out Quince and Amazon sellers Miusol or MUXXN. We've also rounded up the best plus-size dresses for work!
Anonymous
i totally feel like i need a blazer to look like i’m in charge — what are good lightweight summer alternatives?
Anna
Yes please I need to know this too
Girlonawireless
I feel like blazers that are a blend of linen or cotton in light colors work during summer days. They’re much more comfortable in hot weather than “all season” wool.
Anonymous
Look to the tailored styles from The Fold and Hugo Boss for inspiration, but not the soft printed styles. A structured silhouette in an interesting color and/or a textured fabric is key, as are interesting details. No soft fabrics, prints, full skirts, puff sleeves, ruffles, or bows. And nothing that looks like it was recommended by Career Services, including black skirt suits and the type of top that will get a post into mod. The woman in charge is confident enough not to look generic.
Also never, ever get coffee, make copies, offer to take meeting notes, jump up to be helpful, etc. Always delegate these support tasks, preferably to a junior man.
Nonny
Does anyone have a recommendation for sturdy file boxes that stack well without sliding off the bottom file box (link would be most appreciated)? I need the box to be approx 15-18″ long in the bottom of the interior (width needs to accomodate letter size files. I prefer a handle, either on top of the file box or cutout handles but I want the handles to be sturdy and not snap off or break because I will use the files 1-2x/week. Also, waterproof is desired in case of flooding. Thanks for any help you can give!!
Nonny
forgot to add that I need plastic file boxes. Thanks!!
Girlonawireless
Yes, totally delegate those tasks to a junior man — preferably the one with the most “impressive” education.
And I agree with your suggestions. Tweed jackets with a Hugo Boss sheath dress is one of my favorite combinations when people need to know that I’m in charge.
Anon
Agreed as long as there IS a junior man. However, before you get up in arms about being asked to do these types of jobs, feel out whether that has always been the task of the least senior person on the team. I recently had someone (who passed the bar all of 6 months ago) complaining loudly about being asked to do the “secretarial” task of taking notes. I had to explain that until she joined us that had been the job os the (male) associate immediately above her and that I was not going to ask a secretary – who did not otherwise need to be at the meeting – to drop her other tasks to sit in. Junior person takes notes and makes copies if we need them right away.
Looking authoritative is great if you actually have authority.
Hamin
great tips