[ad_1]
Remember the time—it wasn’t so long ago, really—when we were told by the arbiters of fashion that power dressing was never complete without vertiginous heels which would make us stand tall and proud as we navigated our work lives. Heels, we were assured, wouldn’t just improve our posture; they would embellish our status as power players as well, no matter which field we were competing in. They wouldn’t just add inches to our heights; they would burnish our images as polished professionals.
Well, what do you know? They lied.
Look around you. Wearing heels is no longer the power move that it used to be. If anything, it indicates that you are insecure enough to still play by the rules (no matter how outdated; or how uncomfortable). Wearing flats, on the other hand, is a signal that you are confident enough to negotiate the world on your own terms. That you stand tall on your own professional achievements rather than a pair of stilettoes. You are enough as you are.
This was brought home to me most strongly when I recently attended a conference organised by a news organisation. As I sat quietly on a table tucked away at the back, indulging in my favourite sport of people watching, I made an interesting discovery. It was the women a few rungs down the food chain who were wearing the power suits and the frankly ridiculous heels, teetering from one networking opportunity to another. The women who were already power players in their own right were sitting comfortable in their flats and crumpled cotton outfits, holding court at their tables.
That’s when it struck me: the real power move is dressing down, rather than dressing up. It’s only when you are successful enough to not give a damn about what the world thinks of you can you afford to dress exactly as you please, comfortable flats et al.
It’s always been like this in the world of successful men. Think Steve Jobs in his uniform of high-waisted jeans and turtle-neck T-shirt. Think Marc Zuckerberg in his nerdy round-neck T-shirts. Think Boris Johnson in his crumpled suits and hair that never seems to have seen a comb in its unkempt life.
But now, thank the Lord, it is finding its way into the world of women as well. It is the likes of Melania and Ivanka Trump who still deck themselves out in 6-inch heels while true power players like Kamala Harris rock a pair of sneakers as they hit the campaign trail. Lesser stars may abide by the asinine rule of the Cannes Film Festival and slip on the heels when they hit the red carpet. But it’s only a mega-star like Julia Roberts who can make a statement by kicking her heels off and walking barefoot on the tapis rouge.
Let’s look closer home. The most powerful woman in the east of India does not bother with heels. It’s flip-flops all the way for West Bengal chief minister, Mamata Banerjee, as she runs the state in her simple cotton saris and nondescript bun.
In fact, dressing down is the new power move in politics. Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s sari choices are always inspired when she attends Parliament but she doesn’t have time for hair dye, rocking her grey hair, instead.
Priyanka Gandhi doesn’t muck around with lipstick or eyeliner, choosing to go completely make-up free.
Perhaps it’s time we took our cues from these women as we set style rules for ourselves. It is silly and regressive to squeeze our feet into instruments of torture of our own volition. You wouldn’t catch any man doing that. So, why do we strap on shoes that hobble us as we walk through the day, and leave our feet throbbing with pain when we finally take them off.
We don’t need to play this game any longer. So, when it comes to heels, just say a flat no. Your feet will thank you for it (as will your back and knees).
Spectator fans, listen up! Seema Goswami’s new book Madam Prime Minister is now on stands.
The views expressed by the columnist are personal
From HT Brunch, April 16, 2022
Follow us on twitter.com/HTBrunch
Connect with us on facebook.com/hindustantimesbrunch
[ad_2]
Source link
Great site you have here but I was curious if you knew of any
forums that cover the same topics talked about here? I’d really like to
be a part of group where I can get feedback from other experienced people that share the same interest.
If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Thank you!
Annd of course, with actual dollars casino games come true
funds jackpots.
Also visit my web-site: 온라인카지노
Gambhling disorderr impacts about 1% of Americans who can’t stop, despite the consequences.
Feel free tto visit my website; click here
It is unknown if person Koreans playing on foreign on-line lotteries are prosecuted.
Here is my web-site; 카지노사이트
Attractive component to content. I just stumbled upon your weblog
and in accession capital to say that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog posts.
Any way I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I fulfillment you get entry to constantly rapidly.
Hey! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask.
Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest
authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website
discusses a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel
we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free
to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
Wonderful blog by the way!
Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information about this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest
I have found out till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line?
Are you sure concerning the source?
Nice response in return of this issue with firm arguments and explaining all concerning that.
If some one wishes to be updated with most up-to-date technologies then he must be visit this website and be up to date daily.
Hi, this weekend is nice for me, as this occasion i am reading this impressive educational article here
at my home.
You need to take part in a contest for one of the highest quality blogs on the internet.
I am going to highly recommend this website!
I am extremely impressed with your writing skills and also with the
layout on your blog. Is this a paid theme
or did you modify it yourself? Anyway keep
up the excellent quality writing, it’s rare to see a great blog like this one these
days.
Can you tell us more about this? I’d care to find out some
additional information.
Hello, for all time i used to check webpage posts here in the early hours
in the morning, since i love to gain knowledge of more and more.
Basset Hounds are Mollie’s favourite items on the earth – she has her own named Olive.
This is a really good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Simple but very accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one.
A must read article!
Great blog here! Also your web site loads up
very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate
link to your host? I wish my site loaded up as fast as yours lol
Ahaa, its pleasant discussion on the topic of this article at this place at this website, I have read all that, so at
this time me also commenting here.
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating
it but, I’d like to shoot you an email. I’ve got some creative
ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way,
great blog and I look forward to seeing it develop over
time.
We are a bunch of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our
community. Your site provided us with valuable information to work
on. You have performed an impressive activity
and our entire community can be thankful to you.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really know
what you are speaking about! Bookmarked.
Please additionally visit my website =). We could have a link
alternate agreement among us
I just could not leave your site prior to suggesting that I actually enjoyed the standard
information a person provide on your guests? Is going to be back often to investigate cross-check new posts