3 Style Tips to Dress With Intention
HOW TO DRESS WITH INTENTION TO BE SEEN AND TAKEN SERIOUSLY
Meet Naana Badu, a Stylist, Speaker, and Coach who specializes in helping accomplished women do just that!
As a corporate management consultant turned stylist and image consultant, Naana changes lives through style! She helps phenomenal entrepreneurs and career women transform their style and lead a life with more confidence.
“You’re an unstoppable force and it’s time to start dressing like it!”
1. Conversation starting style: outfits, accessories, or jewelry are invitations to authentic connection
Melissa: You once shared a reaction from a stranger about what you were wearing. I will never forget it and without doubt, he will never forget you! Can you recap that spontaneous conversation and the takeaway about what your style should do?
Naana: I’m always intentional about how I present myself in the world. One day I was in line at a coffee shop when a gentleman complimented me on the many “conversation starters” in my look, including my glasses.
I had a giant grin on my face because this illustrates what I love to share with women about the power of our style!
YOUR STYLE CAN DO TWO THINGS:
Spark conversation
Invite connection
This can enable you to connect and engage with people in a personal, casual way, be it a recruiter to a random person in line at the coffee shop - and this can lead to a great conversation! If nothing else, it is a joyful pick-me-up because you received a great compliment and an easy way to build your confidence.
NAANA’S PICKS: CONVERSATION STARTING JEWELRY
2. Your style is a “calling card”
Melissa: Is there an art to selecting statement pieces (be it jewelry, accessories, or signature garments) that create continuity or consistency in your style?
Naana: Definitely!
When thinking of conversation-starting pieces, I’ve developed a style matrix that includes these 4 things:
COLOR For example, when looking at a dress, make-up, or piece of jewelry, consider if the color compliments your skin tone, eyes, or hair. Ask yourself if it is illuminating your features or weighing them down. You want these pieces to flatter you in a way that you want to engage with others and how you would like them to engage with you.
PRINT Everyone can wear print! It gets such a bad name, but find a print that works for you. It might be you are a paisley and floral person. You might be more of a geometric or cultural print that is ornate to your background. Find those areas where you can add a little print into your look, be it a blouse or statement necklace.
CUT This is all about what kind of unique shape is created through that garment, be it the hem or neckline that is unique. Maybe it is an asymmetrical neckline or high-low cut of the hem of a dress that is a little more interesting.
TEXTURE I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE texture because it can be the secret ingredient to a great look! Especially if you are a New Yorker or someone who loves black. The way you can elevate this is to have different types of materials in black. Don’t just wear black head-to-toe in cotton… add some leather, or vegan leather! Mix in faux fur, or add a little sheer along the neckline. Blending other textures and materials into your wardrobe is an amazing way to look together and elevate your style in a way that is unexpected!
3. Dressing to bring “what is inside… out”
Melissa: As women (possibly especially women of color), we experience appearance-based bias about our unique style being “too much” of a good thing. What does it look like to authentically dress with intention - to be taken seriously?
Naana: Yeah… this is a huge, huge topic of conversation in the workplace AND of concern for a lot of women when they are thinking about “what should I wear?” or “what is appropriate?”
I work with a lot of women of color and when it comes to appearance-based bias, this is a big piece in exploring “how can I wear my hair”. Can it be natural, can I wear it in braids, what style is ok, if I wear too much color will it be seen as “too much” or “too loud”.
For women as a whole, when you are “the youngest” or “the only woman” in your work environment, it’s such a challenge to “break the boys club” and be seen on the same level as your peers. Especially if you are ambitious and know you are smart, sharp, and can do “the things”. You wonder how to manage all these other dynamics that impact your career success. As a professional woman, it is so much more than the “work”. It is also about relationships, executive presence, leadership presence, and being authentic in a really ornate way.
If you are a woman who has these thoughts on your mind, I invite you to consider a few things:
AUTHENTICITY Adopt being authentic and bringing more of who you are into the workplace is a positive. People really do respond favorably when you are yourself in a way that comes off confidently. You don’t need to imitate another standard. You don’t need to do what the rest of your peers are doing if it doesn’t feel natural, comfortable, and confident. People can feel that kind of energy.
Really lean into and understand your unique values and personality traits, so that you can break the ice in conversations and as you enter any room. That ties hand in hand with your style.
You are granted permission to wear whatever aligns with your personal style and energy aligns with YOU!
CLARITY Discover, define and have clarity on your personal style. If you need to, create a mood board for yourself to visually explore and identify what you want your work style to look like. This will allow the authenticity to come through in a more seamless way for you.
SIT IN ON OUR FULL CONVERSATION
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO ENGAGE NAANA’S STYLE EXPERTISE?
Visit Naana on LinkedIn and send her a message: linkedin.com/in/badubasics/
Discover her website: www.badubasics.com
Whether you are the chairwoman of the board, the CEO of your household, or an industry changemaker, I help you find jewelry that amplifies your story, style, and values.
The Brilliant Concierge is a personalized experience that curates thoughtfully designed jewelry made by women. My services can help you:
• Edit your current jewelry wardrobe and help you reconnect with extraordinary pieces you might already have.
• Identify jewelry wardrobe needs that fit your lifestyle, as well as wear and care considerations.
• Sourcing jewelry for you or a gift for someone you love.