When the day jump-starts with a power breakfast, then moves to a meeting, conference, presentation and afternoon seminar or interview, what you wear can help boost your mood and underscore your confidence, credibility and personality. Here is what 10 hard-working women slip on before they head out for a big day.
Carolyn Williams Meza, chief operating officer, Chicago Park District: “It’s not so much an outfit but a color. I always feel like I’m totally in control when I wear black. I have this black Anne Klein pantsuit with a long jacket that always looks professional and I feel totally comfortable. “
Amy Millman, executive director, National Women’s Business Council, Washington, D.C.: “I wear pink. When I was growing up professionally in Washington, all of us used to look alike in our man-tailored suits with pinstripes that were always gray, blue or black. All of a sudden we realized we looked really boring and silly. I wear all kinds of pink; I have a pink Jones New York wool suit and a summer suit in pink from Ann Taylor. (When I’m) wearing pink, I feel happy and excited about what I’m doing and I’m positive.”
Nancy DeSombre, president, Harold Washington College, Chicago: “I have three St. John knit suits that I just love. They are my power suits. Today I had a power meeting, so I’m wearing a navy blue tunic with white trim, white and gold buttons and a navy blue skirt. I wear navy and white spectator pumps. I’m a hat person, and I walk in with a hat. “
Lori Vernon, director of marketing, Chicago Apparel Center, women’s and children’s division: “I have white cotton GAP underwear I always wear because everything else feels good over them. I have a brown Tahari suit that fits really well and I always get compliments in it. It is a short skirt and a jacket. The less I have to fidget with the better.”
Catherine Crier, correspondent for ABC’s “World News Tonight”: “I have one of those `power suits’ on today. It’s a neon orange suit with a short skirt and a tailored jacket. When I want to be up and get the energy going, I wear this and high heels. I’m doing the news in it tonight. Peter (Jennings) wouldn’t wear this color. I also wear jewelry by Anne Everingham, an Australian designer. Her things say the same thing, they are powerful and elegant. On those days I find I need that extra oomph, this is it.”
Marsha Serlin, founder and president, United Scrap Metal Inc., Cicero: “It all depends on the kind of meeting it is. I will either wear Levi’s or GAP jeans. If the meeting is really serious, I’ll wear loafers. Otherwise, I wear steel-toed Red Wing shoes. If it’s formal, I’ll wear earrings. If it is a meeting with bankers, I’ll wear a navy or black DKNY blazer over my black T-shirt and jeans. I want people to know I am a working woman, not just a figurehead.”
Amy Iwano, executive director, Chicago Chamber Musicians: “I don’t have one particular suit, for me it’s more color as a mental booster. I like purple. I also am a big brooch or pin person. My two favorites are electronic, they are (each) a frame with a screen run by a small battery and musical images and musical notes flash across in a fun, random pattern.”
Judsen Culbreth, editor-in-chief, Working Mother magazine, New York: “I have a red double-breasted Ellen Tracy jacket that I like a lot. It has a nice fit, and it never wrinkles. I don’t wear pants; I’m too short. I wear black skirts with it. I wear a big, gold heavy chain necklace, and I always wear comfortable shoes, though I usually wear heels. “
Susan Gerard, manager, Windy City Brewers and Weegham Park Restaurant & Brewery (set to open in 1997): “If I’m meeting with bankers, I wear pinstripes. I generally wear pants because I feel comfortable in them when they are very tailored. I wear either separates or suits in neutral colors. “
Diann Burns, WMAQ-TV Channel 5 news anchor: “I try to stay professional, feminine and versatile. My colors that get a lot of attention are teal blue and peach. I stay with stuff that is comfortable, and I don’t wear tight; it’s unprofessional and uncomfortable, and if you’re in a helicopter you don’t want people looking up your dress. I vary necklaces and pins. “
