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Women age 40 and above should dress for success in the mornings to be confident and inspired to do their best work. What women wear has a huge affect on their psyche. Donning polished clothing not only tells the world that you are self-assured and capable, it allows you to embody those characteristics.
A study performed by Adam D. Galinsky, professor at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, tested 58 undergraduates, splitting them into two groups, we’ll call them Group A and Group B. Group A was told to wear white lab coats they believed belonged to doctors. Group B was directed to wear street clothes. When taking an exam, Group A was more attentive and careful, making half as many mistakes as Group B. Dr. Galinsky infers that clothes greatly affect our minds and bodies.“Clothes invade the body and brain, putting the wearer into a different psychological state,” said Dr. Galinsky.
Another study published in the Human Resource Development Quarterly, which focused on workplace attire, found that subjects who dressed in formal business suits felt more “authoritative, trustworthy, and competent,“ while those who dressed in casual business attire felt friendliest.
Style is also a reflection of who we are and how we feel about ourselves. For example, women who dress in frumpy clothing tend to feel tired and insecure. Many mature women have the mentality that as they age they have to dress in neutral, unfitted clothing, but this simply is not true. When women dress in colors and fabrics they love, they radiate confidence and are more likely to feel like they can take on the world. The following are helpful ways to dress for success in order to feel capable and inspired.
1. Try Your Clothes on the Night Before
Plan your outfit out the night before work and try it on so you know whether or not it looks good and feels comfortable. You will be excited to wake up in the morning knowing your beautiful outfit is waiting for you. This will also leave more time for you in the mornings so you won’t rush out the door and feel frazzled when you arrive to work.
2. Aim for Fresh-Looking 
Makeup
Makeup artist, model, and baby boomer Cindy Joseph says women in their 50s and 60s should aim to look “fresh” and embody the mantra “less is more.” Joseph warns against wearing too much under eye concealer because it can look cakey. She goes on to say “the older you get, the less makeup you should wear.”
3. H
ave A Go-To Outfit
For those times you forget to plan your outfit out beforehand, have a go-to ensemble ready. These should consist of clothes you’re comfortable in and you know flatter your figure. Make sure these clothes are versatile and can take you from day to night.
4. Know What Flatters Your Body
If you are having trouble assessing your body type, ask a seasoned sales associate his or her opinion of what looks best on you. Focus on your positive attributes and dress them up. For example, if you love your fingers and wrists, highlight them with gorgeous rings and bangles. Make sure to showcase your beautiful features so you not only feel better in your own skin, but can fully immerse yourself into your work without discomfort or insecurities about your ensemble.
5. Shoes
Heels make any woman look longer and leaner. Choose heels that are comfortable. If you’re having trouble wearing them all day long, bring a change of shoes to the office that you can slip on when you’re behind your desk. If you are on your feet a lot at work, go to your shoe repairman and ask him to add a piece of ribbed rubber on top of your soles. This will make it less likely for you to slip and protects the heels from general wear and tear. If you have high arches in your feet, invest in some shoe inserts to help with any discomfort.
An Exciting New Enterprise
NAWRB is coming out with a clothing line that appeals to mature women. Our founder and CEO, Desirée Patno has an eye for fashion and knows how to flatter any figure. She is designing our clothing line and working with a tailor as we speak. Be on the lookout for our clothing line coming soon!
The idea of dressing for success isn’t a new one, but these fresh tips can help you become more confident at work—regardless of age.
To view the original article please see our magazine titled “Women-Owned Businesses Across the Housing Continuum” Vol 4, Issue 4 by Clicking Here