How I Dressed to Show Up Somewhere I’d Never Been. Literally.
In recent articles, I’ve shared stories of how women use style strategically. Today, I’m sharing a moment of my own—a glimpse into how I live the process I teach.
I don’t simply talk about this work. I’ve been living and evolving it since my childhood in Buenos Aires, over my executive advertising years in Miami and San Francisco, and since 2015 as a corporate stylist to women leaders.
Like most of you, I move with all the colors of life—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. What I’ve learned, especially in these unpredictable times, is that resilience comes from staying committed to creating, evolving, and continually stepping into what’s next.
Most recently, a “next” for me was joining Project 1490, a dynamic women’s leadership community designed to accelerate the rise of the next generation of women leaders with grace and grit.
Soon after joining, I saw an invitation from founder Sarah Dale, a powerhouse entrepreneur and community builder. She was hosting an intimate dinner in New York City on Thursday, June 26th.
The timing aligned with a trip I had already planned to New York, so I shifted a few things and made it work.
The invitation came with an intentional prompt:
“This evening is about doing new things. WE show up NEW! We wear something we've never worn before, we wear our makeup and hair differently than we've done before, we eat and drink things we haven't before and anything we encounter during the night that we've never done, we do it.” - Sarah Dale
When I read it, I knew this was for real, and it was speaking my language. Dressing with intention? Music to my ears. My first instinct was to rush to my closet. Instead, I paused. And I practiced what I teach my clients: think and envision.
What Would I Wear to Show Up New?
Literally.
I turned to the same questions I use to guide my clients, questions that lead to clarity, ease, and intention.
This is where strategy begins.
Because with a clear framework, there’s no panic, no last-minute shopping. You build from within.
The 7 Style Strategy™ Questions I Asked Myself
1. What will my day look like?
I’d be taking the train from DC to NYC, arriving on a hot and humid afternoon. Before dinner, I had a meeting at Chief Headquarters from 4–6 PM. I needed a change of clothes to go from corporate to elevated, experimental, and new.
2. What do I want to create at this event?
New connections. Authentic conversation. Exposure to new perspectives.
3. Who will I be with?
A group of driven, high-performing women, all members of Project 1490.
4. What’s the setting?
Cabanon, a cozy, rustic-chic French restaurant.
5. What’s the weather?
Typical New York summer: hot and humid with a chance of rain.
6. How do I want to feel?
Determined. Ambitious. Fun. Fully in my element.
7. What message do I want to send?
Sophisticated. Bold. Modern with my signature statement touch.
What I Wore
Skirt
A long A-line patchwork skirt in lightweight recycled denim by Colombian designer Carolina Ronderos. It flattered my body design, moved with ease, and what can I say? Everyone loves denim.
Top
A gold sequin tank. Bold, festive, and full of celebration. I'd never worn it with the skirt before. I was doing exactly what Sarah invited us to do: Show up new.
Belt
One of my favorite signature pieces. My Portugal bird belt. I’ve worn it for important moments, and it always sparks a conversation.
Shoes
No heels, no straps. I was walking and taking the subway. I chose slingbacks. Comfortable, stylish, and with a unique detail that added just the right touch.
Jewelry
Bold earrings. No necklace. Wearing both of them would have been too much, and creating harmony and hierarchy in an outfit is one of my mottos.
Style as Strategy™ Works!
The night was memorable, filled with deep, fun, and real conversations. We uncovered things no one expected, and shared a desire to be part of a group of women willing to step into the unknown for the sake of creating new possibilities.
My outfit was perfect. It allowed me to showcase my work, spark meaningful connections, and, most importantly, I felt comfortable, confident, and completely on brand.
As you’ll see in the photo, there was one last-minute shift: I decided to keep the jewelry I had been wearing earlier that day. It felt like me. My intuition was on point.
My Invitation to You!
The next time you’re dressing for an event, don’t jump in. Pause. Ask the seven questions.
The stress will dissolve. No guesswork. Just clarity, readiness, and creativity. You’ll walk in wearing something that aligns with who you are, where you’re going, and what you’re here to create.
That is Style as Strategy™. Not a concept, but a reality.
• To learn more about my styling services, visit: www.susanaperczekstyling.com
• To learn more about Project1490, visit: www.project1490.com
Amazing, I want to se more pictures !