Reader Q&A: How Do You Pull Off Color in a Conservative Office?
July 8, 2014
By Brian Maynor
Last week I received this excellent question from a reader:
Q: Dear Brian, I love bright colors, but my office is very conservative. I often layer colors under darker suits or sweaters but that gets boring and routine after awhile. Is there a way to wear bold colors outright and still be taken seriously as a senior-level executive?
A: Yes. It is possible to pull off bold colors and still retain your authority as a professional. While colors can be tricky when you are trying to balance personal preferences with office and/or industry expectations, they can be used as more than accents. Here are a couple of suggestions on how to pull them off:
1. Mindset. The first that jumps to my mind when reading this question is the broader notion of Authenticity vs. Credibility. As professionals we work hard to build credibility and authority amongst our peers, but the higher we climb the more we can feel our authenticity is abandoned along the way.
Remember, no matter where you are on the corporate ladder, you are not in control of your professional image, everyone else is. Your attitude, appearance and behavior are constantly being evaluated and used to form ideas about your competence, character and commitment, so it is important to add your own voice to the process.
2. Objectives. Along with adding your voice to the conversation it is important that you clearly define the message. This means setting out the core values, competencies and traits you want associated with you. Once established, start reiterating them throughout your performance so they become an integral part of the message. For example, “Jane is a great team leader. She’s sharp, determined and reliable plus she always wears the brightest colors.”
3. Translation. Once you have established the conversation, you have to reinforce it with your choices. Take these outfits for example. To pull them off at a senior executive level the quality must be on par with other senior executives; the fit has to be perfect and they styling is crucial because you are giving up all leeway by opting for a bold color.
The sweater and shirt work with the printed skirt because they are the same color and together balance the print. If you had chosen a white shirt the outfit would still work but you loose the intensity of the color and lower the level of the outfit. The accessories are also neutral, but not understated. You can still wear a statement necklace because the top is plain; just make sure they are coordinated. These pieces are all gold, so they are seen as one unit. Opting for nude shoes is always a good choice with a skirt and the white bag keeps the outfit seasonably appropriate.
The shirt and tie work together because the patterns are complementary and they share a color, and they both work with the suit because it is a light, neutral. I added a small bracelet to accent the tie to keep the color palette alive past the torso, plus it is a great way to establish a signature color or piece. The brown shoes balance the overall weight of the outfit, plus it creates a very sophisticated color palette. Black shoes are visually heavy, but they would cause the colors to stand out even more.
Each level of success comes with a very clear set of expectations, but that does not mean you have to completely give up your personal style and taste. Sometimes you just have to tweak it and set a few expectations of your own.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.
I am always curious to hear some of your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and challenges. Please send your comments and questions to [email protected]. Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.
About Brian Maynor
Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.
