Discover how power dressing can significantly boost confidence for women entrepreneurs. This article presents valuable insights from industry experts on leveraging fashion as a tool for professional success. Learn practical strategies to enhance your leadership presence, strengthen your brand, and amplify your entrepreneurial impact through strategic wardrobe choices.
- Authentic Style Empowers Leadership Presence
- Dressing for Embodiment Enhances Brand Strategy
- Self-Care Through Fashion Boosts Professional Confidence
- Strategic Clothing Choices Anchor Leadership Presence
- Color Psychology Strengthens Therapeutic Relationships
- Intentional Attire Conveys Career Expertise Authority
- Sleek Professionalism Opens Networking Opportunities
- Quality Garments Elevate Media Presence
- Cultural Authenticity in Dress Builds Client Trust
- Tailored Outfits Fuel Global Business Success
- Purposeful Dressing Reinforces Entrepreneurial Mindset
- Versatile Wardrobe Reflects Dual Professional Roles
- Living the Product Enhances Business Credibility
Authentic Style Empowers Leadership Presence
For me, power dressing isn’t about being polished for others, people-pleasing, seeking validation, chasing trends, or following rules or molds that others create—it’s about feeling aligned with myself and taking up space without apology. When I put on clothes that reflect the next-level vision of myself, I step into rooms with a magnetic presence that no longer seeks to blend in. On the days I choose clothing that feels true to the woman I’m becoming, I notice I stand taller, speak with more ease, and show up more authentically. I not only feel more confident, but I also create instant trust and credibility in every interaction. That alignment between how I feel inside and how I show up outside allows me to communicate with more authority, ease, and authenticity. In short, my style isn’t just what I wear—it’s a strategy for how I lead.
Ellie Steinbrink, Expert Stylist, Personal Brand Coach, Speaker, Podcast Host, Style Decoded
Dressing for Embodiment Enhances Brand Strategy
Power dressing, for me, isn’t about impressing. It’s about aligning. As a brand strategist, my presence is part of the message! When I choose colors from my Soft Autumn palette or step into a perfectly cut (fit and comfy) blazer, I’m not just getting dressed, I’m stepping into resonance. My clothing choices remind me who I am, especially in high-stakes meetings or public moments. I don’t dress for attention. I dress for embodiment. And when I do, I find that I lead better. Bonus when I throw on a nerdy T-shirt under my blazer, then I’m really embracing my quiet confidence.
Gina Dunn, Founder and Brand Strategist, OG Solutions
Self-Care Through Fashion Boosts Professional Confidence
Clothing and fashion are more about the mindset I create for the day. When I take the time to choose pieces that feel good and reflect my style, it’s an act of self-care that shows I value myself, and that confidence shapes how I show up professionally. Empowerment isn’t about perfection; it’s about feeling aligned and comfortable in your own skin.
Diane Howard, RN and Founder, Esthetic Finesse
Strategic Clothing Choices Anchor Leadership Presence
Power dressing has always been less about the clothes themselves and more about how they shift my state. Early in my career in fashion and leadership, the right outfit helped me access confidence, presence, and authority in rooms where I often felt pressure to prove myself. Now, in my work coaching leaders on nervous system regulation, I see the same principle at play: what we wear can serve as an anchor that signals safety, strength, and authenticity to both ourselves and others. For me, power dressing was the first step in realizing that embodiment matters. How you inhabit your body directly shapes how others experience your leadership.
Karen Canham, Entrepreneur/Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach, Karen Ann Wellness
Color Psychology Strengthens Therapeutic Relationships
As a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor running Live Mindfully Psychotherapy and serving as Academy Therapist for Houston Ballet, I’ve learned that strategic color choices can significantly impact my therapeutic presence. When working with elite dancers facing body image struggles or high-performing athletes with perfectionism, I deliberately wear deep jewel tones–emerald greens and rich blues–that convey both warmth and authority.
The impact of this change became crystal clear during my work with Houston Ballet dancers. On days when I wore muted colors, sessions felt more tentative. However, when I chose bold, saturated hues, dancers opened up faster about their most vulnerable struggles with performance anxiety and eating disorders. The colors seemed to signal that I could handle their intensity.
This strategy proved invaluable when co-founding Eating Disorder Academy, where I needed to establish credibility with families in crisis. Rich burgundy blazers became my signature for parent consultation calls–families consistently rated these sessions as more reassuring compared to when I wore pastels or neutrals. The deeper colors helped parents trust that I had the strength to guide their family through recovery.
Kelsey Fyffe, Owner & Founder, Live Mindfully Psychotherapy
Intentional Attire Conveys Career Expertise Authority
As Executive Director of PARWCC leading nearly 3,000 career professionals globally, I’ve learned that power dressing isn’t about expensive suits–it’s about intentional choices that signal expertise. When I speak at our annual THRIVE! Conference or appear on workforce panels, I deliberately choose structured blazers and quality accessories that convey authority without overwhelming my message.
The real shift happened when I realized my clothing needed to match the gravity of what we do at PARWCC–we’re literally shaping people’s career trajectories and economic futures. When I’m discussing why certified credentials matter more than ever in our AI-driven job market, my professional appearance reinforces that this isn’t casual advice–it’s expertise backed by 30+ years of industry standards.
I’ve noticed that when I dress with intention for high-stakes meetings with corporate partners or media interviews, my posture changes and my voice carries more weight. The clothes become armor that reminds me I’m representing not just myself, but an entire profession of career coaches and resume writers who impact thousands of lives daily.
Margaret Phares, Executive Director, PARWCC
Sleek Professionalism Opens Networking Opportunities
As a consultant working independently, my target market was doctors, who are notoriously busy. Since I live in a convention-friendly city, I would find out when medical meetings were happening. I would dress in a sleek black suit with black patent stilettos, add a professional-looking portfolio, and go hang out in the hallways, lobby, and bar of the exclusive hotel where the meetings were occurring.
I could see the schedule of speakers and knew when they would take breaks, so I worked on my laptop while I couldn’t get into the meeting rooms. However, I was there looking like I was the next speaker when they came out. I obtained several great clients that way who didn’t know I had no business there other than perhaps striking up a conversation.
Victoria Powell, Artist & Gallery Owner, Victoria J Powell Art
Quality Garments Elevate Media Presence
As someone who averages 150MM impressions weekly on Twitter and appears regularly on CNBC and Good Day LA, I learned that investing in quality over quantity transforms how you’re perceived in media appearances. When I shifted from filling my closet with trendy pieces to selecting fewer, well-constructed garments in premium fabrics, my on-camera presence became more authoritative.
The breakthrough moment came during a Forbes contributor meeting where I wore a structured blazer in a rich fabric instead of my usual fast-fashion options. The difference was immediate—I spoke with more conviction, and fellow contributors treated me as a peer rather than questioning my expertise. That single wardrobe upgrade led to three additional media opportunities that month.
What shocked me was how this principle from my ModernMom articles about children’s clothing applied to my own career. Just as I advise parents to choose timeless style over trends for their kids, selecting classic, high-quality pieces for myself created a signature look that people remember. When you’re building a personal brand across multiple platforms, consistency in your visual presentation becomes as important as consistency in your message.
Winnie Sun, Executive Producer,, ModernMom
Cultural Authenticity in Dress Builds Client Trust
As a bilingual therapist who transitioned from engineering to opening my own practice, Empower U, I’ve learned that what I wear directly impacts how I show up for my multicultural clients. When I dress in ways that honor both my professional identity and cultural background–like wearing structured blazers in rich colors that reflect my heritage–I feel more grounded in who I am.
This authenticity translates into my sessions with first and second-generation Americans navigating identity struggles. When I feel confident in my appearance, I can better model self-acceptance for clients who often feel torn between honoring their family’s expectations and embracing their American identity.
The shift became clear when I started incorporating pieces that felt true to my bicultural identity rather than defaulting to generic “professional” looks. My clients began opening up faster, and several mentioned feeling more comfortable because I seemed “real” and relatable rather than trying to fit a mold.
It’s especially powerful when working with immigrant parents who worry about being judged–when they see me showing up authentically while maintaining professionalism, it gives them permission to do the same in their own lives.
Cristina Deneve, Founder, Empower U
Tailored Outfits Fuel Global Business Success
Power dressing plays a huge role in how I present myself while running Grozina and managing global projects. When I put on a tailored blazer or statement piece, I instantly feel focused, confident, and ready to tackle complex deals, high-stakes meetings, or client presentations. It’s not just about looking professional—it’s a mental shift that helps me command attention, make quick strategic decisions, and communicate with authority across industries and cultures. Over time, I’ve realized that the way I dress sets the tone for my mindset, helping me stay sharp, energized, and unstoppable no matter how unpredictable the day gets.
Natalia Grozina, CEO, Grozina
Purposeful Dressing Reinforces Entrepreneurial Mindset
Power dressing has been a subtle but transformative tool in how I show up as a woman entrepreneur. Choosing outfits that feel polished, intentional, and aligned with my personal brand gives me an immediate boost in confidence and clarity, especially during high-stakes meetings or presentations. It’s not about impressing others—it’s about signaling to myself that I belong in the room and am ready to lead. Certain pieces, like tailored blazers or bold accessories, become psychological armor, helping me command attention without saying a word. Over time, dressing with purpose has shifted my mindset, reinforcing professionalism, decisiveness, and presence, while also inspiring respect from colleagues and clients alike.
Rachna Agarwal, Director, EDS FZE
Versatile Wardrobe Reflects Dual Professional Roles
As both a designer and a general contractor, I wear two very different hats—and my wardrobe reflects that. On the job site, overalls and work boots are my version of power dressing because they show I belong in the field and can lead alongside my crew. With clients, suits and dresses carry a different kind of authority, helping me communicate professionalism, creativity, and trust. Switching between the two empowers me to show up fully in each role, whether I’m managing construction details or presenting a vision to homeowners.
Mae Reedy, Principle Designer & General Contractor, Mae Reedy Build + Design
Living the Product Enhances Business Credibility
After 27+ years outfitting healthcare professionals with scrubs and uniforms, I’ve learned that the right fit literally changes how someone carries themselves. When I’m doing personal fittings for our customers at Uniform Connection, I see this change happen in real-time–shoulders straighten, posture improves, and suddenly they’re ready to take on their shift with confidence.
For my own business presence, I found that wearing our EPIC by IRG scrubs during industry trade shows and supplier meetings completely shifted the dynamic. Instead of just being another retailer, I became someone who truly understands the product because I live in it. The stretchy, durable fabric moves with me during long networking days, and I never have to worry about comfort or appearance.
The biggest impact came during our expansion discussions with new suppliers. When I showed up wearing the actual scrubs we sell–not a business suit–it demonstrated authentic product knowledge and built immediate credibility. Suppliers could see I wasn’t just selling clothes; I was providing solutions I personally tested and believed in.
Jodi McConnell, CEO, Uniform Connection
