Why getting your style together helps you and other women around you?
Statistics show us that men apply for promotion even when they only meet 60% of the criteria, whilst women will wait until they meet 100% before they even consider it. Hard socal facts like this contribute to the gender pay gap which still stands at approximately 17%. This means that in 2024 women are still being paid less than men and definitely less than they should.
Now, there are multiple reasons for this harsh reality. One of them is the lack of flexibility for parents returning from maternity leave. Whilst we are seeing the rise in ‘intimate fathers’ as described by Sociologist Ester Dermott in her research project that examined how fathers now combine paid employment and family life much more equally since the pandemic. Spending more time at home allowed a greater understanding of life in the domestic sphere which led to men simply stepping up. However, alarmingly we still live in a society where it is women who predominantly take responsibility for child care and therefore their ability to contribute to the workplace is restricted by the lack of flexibility on offer. This phenomenon is being challenged by the wonderful work of Anna Whitehouse in her FlexAppeal campaign. Check out what she has been up to here, she really is a force to be reckoned with.
However, there is still one reason that perpetuates this gender gap which is often hidden away. I am talking about self-doubt. I believe this is inherently ingrained within what it means to be a female. Women are far less likely to be described as assured, confident or arrogant and these are all wonderful traits heavily associated with established careers. People who own these great traits often progress quicker than others and these are often applied to men.
As a personal stylist who works with career focused women, I honestly believe that women are prone to self-doubt which is rooted in their appearance and not necessarily their abilities. I see this holding women back and I am on a mission to stop this trend.
Historically women have been judged on how they look by others and even more worryingly by themselves. This lack of self worth is a barrier when it comes to feeling good enough to actually go for those promoted posts. This means that unless a woman changes how she feels on the inside and the outside she may be the one who is dimming her own light.
These days I am grateful to exist in a space where more and more women are breaking through that glass ceiling, occupying space previously dominated by men, but sadly, the numbers are still proportionately low. When I think of successful women I admire; Oprah, Michelle Obama, Karen Brady and Mary Portas, there is one common denominator - a strong sense of self-worth that is deeply rooted in and acceptance of their appearance. These women look great and it really pays off when it comes to successful careers.
I’m an educator at heart and so I believe that by learning how to improve your mindset through styling women can really and truly combat the fears that limit them. The clients I work with learn and embed skills to curate a really strong sense of style meaning they look great on a daily basis. In turn, other people perceive them in a totally different way. Being at the top of your game is just far easier to navigate when the way you dress matches your ability. To be clear, I am not someone who is suggesting that women need to look pretty to be successful. I am saying quite the opposite. Women can be empowered by good styling when they can make measured and intentional decisions about their outfits.. Building your confidence on a daily basis through looking sensation means you inevitably attract compliments, which, in turn, stimulates your sense of self worth. From positive affirmations in the mirror to work colleagues who constantly notice the glow up you are going through, my clients get a genuine boost. They are more productive and can be as successful as their credentials warrant.
Well styled women can experience success in multiple ways. It can mean that they go for a promoted post when previously they would have felt inferior. It can come in the form of charging a certain amount for their expertise in their own business. It may mean they take charge in a meeting where they are the expert but would previously have stayed silent.
It is sad that these are all things women have to work hard for but remember the self doubt that holds women back is a historical phenomenon. It’s been sustained by patriarchy for years as very different messages are given to young men and young women growing up. Gratefully I can say we are in an era of change, but if you’re anything like me, a 40 year old woman, you may not have been fed these messages at a young age, hence you find it even harder to tell yourself positive things. You may be holding onto a lot of baggage from your parents, I hate to say it but the 90’s were cruel to us all. Constantly media images telling us to be skinny, flaunting life styles of the rich and famous and being told to wear black to look slimmer! Gender roles and beauty standards are completely socially constructed and therefore, through a style education, you can help to change the narrative for yourself and other women around you.
I believe and urge all women to consider how long they can wait before they invest in a service that will help them feel amazing about themselves, will improve their daily life and also help to boost others. I approach every client with an openness necessary to take you on a truly wonderful style transformation through an education.
If you feel at all seen after reading this. I am here for you.
Love always,
Jess
