Browsing through the Definitive Book of Body Language, I came across an interesting section: The Power of Glasses and Makeup. They conducted an experiment with 4 sales lady, where one wore make-up, one wore glasses, one wore both and one wore none, and observed customer impression of them. They concluded that make-up gives woman a more intelligent, confident and sexier image and the combination of glasses and makeup in business has the most positive and memorable impact on observers.
Obviously I know (and whole heartedly agree) with the part about make-up/looking good gives a women confidence, but I hadn’t really thought about it in terms of being taken more seriously in a work environment. I would’ve thought that the girl with the glasses and no make-up would be taken more seriously, because she’d be percieved as nerdy and too serious to care about the way she looks. But now that I think of it, my image of a business power woman does involve a YSL suit, stilettos, a Birkin bag and the perfect make-up. Nikko from Lipstick Jungle (oh how I mourn that show!) also comes to mind. This idea was further confirmed today, when I came across the Dress Code for Hedge-Fund Women article in the WSJ, where they mused that looking the part may actually give them an edge in the work place.
I must admit though that I have not been looking the part and putting on make-up everyday to work. I used to at the beginning, but then the casual and laidback company culture and lack of dress code kicked in and I stopped trying so hard (I need to get in as much zz’s as I can in the morning!). It’s kind of nice to be able to cling onto remnants of the good ol’ college days. Maybe it is time I started again though. Even though I’m not up to the business power woman level yet, I should at least start looking the part. You got to fake it until you make it after all, right?
Tea with BG 
MonsteRawr said:
I completely agree that make-up makes a woman. To me, a woman who walks into work with wet hair and no make-up says to the world that she doesn’t take her position or her job seriously. Even when I’m working in a shop and getting dirty, I still put on light make-up and blow dry my hair because I care about the way I present myself.
Knikki said:
Just look at the Yankees. The players can’t have facial hair. You gotta look like a champion.
xoxo s said:
When you take the time to make your self look presentable and with that i mean wear make-up and blow dry your hair that gives of an power woman attitude. And you get respect!
Julie said:
Though I am in school, I still make myself presentable and that does include some daily makeup. Looking well groomed should be a goal in any environment.
Chelsea said:
Very interesting! I think part of it is that customers and business associates alike like to work with people that have a nice appearance because it shows they care about what they do since looking nice is a way of showing you care of how you are perceived.
Veronica said:
Interesting experiment. I’ve always thought it necessary to put at least a little bit of effort into my appearance each day, but I never realized it was so important!
PS I share in your grief regarding Lipstick Jungle. I’ve heard it may be coming back someday, though!
Ema said:
I agree with this completely. You don’t realise how people react to you unless you change something. Every time I have my hair cut or change my make-up people constantly tell me how bad I looked before but they never say at the time. If interested take a look at my blog on fashion & me http://emmarfox.blogspot.com/