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I was intrigued by the recent 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!” said Dahan. “I could never wear them and seem as successful.” Men also require far fewer clothes to send the same signals of wealth. “They can wear the same suits for a week. No one notices,” said 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, of course, suggested items in each of those categories — mostly in our tips on how to get C-suite style — and I’ll link them at the bottom of this post.)
But let’s discuss! Are you in a field where the men dress casually but uniformly? 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? What do you wear to the office? Do you agree with the “no denim” rule?
(AND: What is your favorite water bottle?!)
Our Picks for C-Suite Style
Boss Blazers
Hunting for a luxe statement blazer? 2024 favorites include Smythe, include 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 where I’d shop if money was no object…
- cashmere: InHabit NY, Loro Piana, Akris, TSE, Brora, & Eric Bompard
- basic blazers: Smythe, McQueen, L’Agence, Veronica Beard, The Fold, Armani
- dramatic blazers for speaking/Big Days: Akris, The Fold, IRO, L’Agence, Smythe, Etro, and Ray Darten (we’ve also done a roundup of dramatic blazers you can buy at Etsy!)
- Chanel-style jackets: Chanel, St. John, IRO, L’Agence, Sandro
- dresses: Roland Mouret, Victoria Beckham, DVF, Akris, St. John, Burberry
- pants: Lafayette 148 New York, Theory, Akris, St. John
- coats: Fleurette, Cinzia Rocca, Mackage
- bags: Loewe, Bottega Venetta
- jewelry: Ylang 23, Bergdorf Goodman,
- shoes: Ferragamo, Manolo, Choo, Valentino, Louboutin (but please know your office before considering thick platforms or 4″+ heels), Aquazzura, Sarah Flint, Prada, and Miu Miu (one of the favorites in our Newbie Guide to Designer Shoes)
- weatherproof shoes: Aquatalia, La Canadienne
Stock photo via Pexels / Alena Darmel.