SS 38: Dress to Fit In or Stand Out?
Welcome to spring—a season of renewal. As the cherry blossoms bloom and nature awakens, we're reminded of life's resilience and evolution—much like ourselves and our style.
As many of you know, my Style Sessions articles arrive just once a month. This rhythm is intentional. I’ve found that once a month is the right cadence. It allows me to dive deeply into my curiosity, creativity, and commitment while continuing to tend and grow my styling business.
For a while, I experimented with writing more frequently, but it began to feel like a chore or obligation. And if it felt like a “have to” for me, I realized I might unintentionally create that same expectation for you.
Here’s the truth: I don’t have to write weekly. And no—you don’t have to read every article. We both have the power of choice.
Stay with me—I’m going somewhere with this.
Have you noticed how, when something arrives only once in a while—something thoughtful, beautiful, or unexpected—it draws you in more deeply? It becomes something special.
Like the ritual of getting your hair or nails done, attending your favorite yoga class, reading your favorite book with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or matcha, or enjoying a monthly catch-up with a dear friend—it’s not just an errand. It’s a treat. It’s a moment of care. Something you genuinely look forward to.
That’s how I want these articles to feel—a pause in your inbox.
A thoughtful conversation you get to enjoy and learn from.
This reflection became even clearer during my recent trip to San Francisco, when a client told me, “I love receiving your articles once a month. It’s the right amount—not too many, not too far apart. They transport me, and I make time to read them.”
My intention remains clear: to offer thoughtful, thought-provoking reflections on style and leadership, leaving each article with at least one takeaway—one idea, one shift, one tool to elevate how you show up and lead.
For this month’s article, I had originally planned to write about the Italian fashion house Etro—a brand I recently visited during my trip to NYC and deeply admire for its vibrant tapestry of color, heritage, and storytelling. And I promise, I will return to Etro soon. Just not today.
Because another story is insisting on being told.
It began with a conversation—a sincere and reflective question from an executive woman I have the privilege of guiding. Her role is shifting; she's stepping into new territory after being let go from her current position but retained by the organization for an important new opportunity.
Her thoughtful query was clear: she wanted to ensure that her presence authentically aligns with the elevated level of leadership she is stepping into.
She asked me: “Should I dress to fit in or to stand out?”
It’s a simple question. And yet, it holds layers—personal, professional, cultural. It’s also a timely one. Today, I want to explore it with you.
For this, I want to introduce a concept I’ve been shaping and refining over the years—one that’s become central to my work with women leaders: Style as Strategy™. This is more than a concept. It’s a tool. A framework. A way to lead.
Throughout history, iconic women have used clothing not just to dress—but to communicate.
Their style was never accidental. It was purposeful. Symbolic. Strategic. It was their unique voice, their choice, their way to lead."
• Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth II was rarely seen in neutrals. Her vivid coats and matching hats were part of her leadership toolkit, ensuring visibility in every crowd and reflecting her sense of duty. “I must be seen to be believed,” she once said. Her wardrobe was not about fashion; it was about presence, consistency, and clarity of message. Read more of her story here.
• Madeleine Albright, the first female U.S. Secretary of State, famously used brooches to signal her stance before saying a word. A sunburst pin for optimism. A serpent when diplomacy turned cold. Her pins became her language—small, exquisite declarations of power, conviction, and wit. More in this article.
• Iris Apfel, the late icon of creative freedom, taught us that style can be defiant, joyful, and fiercely individual. Her oversized glasses and layered jewelry weren’t just personal flair—they were a refusal to shrink. A celebration of self. Read more about her remarkable life here.
These women remind us that style is a choice. And when used with intention, it becomes a leadership tool.
Now let’s bring it closer to home.
Living just 20 minutes away from Washington D.C., I’ve been sensing a shift—one I know many of you are feeling too. The energy has shifted. The tempo is different. Everything feels in constant change.
Women are back in the office—some five days a week after years of hybrid schedules. Others are navigating new leadership roles, career pivots, or the weight of uncertainty after layoffs. Expectations are shifting. Dress codes are blurred. And the unspoken rules? They’re being rewritten in real-time.
In the midst of all of this, the question “Do I dress to fit in or to stand out?” becomes more than a style dilemma. It becomes a leadership choice.
Because how we dress isn’t just about appearance—it’s about leadership.
And this is why Style as Strategy™ matters now more than ever.
It provides a compass—a decision-making framework rooted not in fleeting trends but in your truth. It guides you to dress appropriately for every occasion, while authentically staying in your lane, your flavor, your uniqueness.
Seeing your style and dressing as strategic leadership allows you to enter every room, lead every meeting, and step onto every stage with clarity and intention.
Your outfit choice becomes a reflection of your inner alignment and purpose.
Sometimes, this means fitting in—honoring the culture, the people, and the energy in the room, allowing others to shine. Other times, it means standing out—setting the tone, signaling change, commanding attention with elegance and presence.
Ultimately, it’s about discernment—knowing when to blend in and when to boldly express your individuality. It’s about dressing and leading with vision and intention.
You’re dressing for alignment—with yourself, your values, your mission, and yes, with what feels and looks good to you, too. It’s all part of the big mix—just like life, just like nature. Ever changing, yet always rooted in your essence.
PS. Did you enjoy this Q&A format? Let me know in the comments below or send me an email at susana@susanaperczekstyling.com—I'd love your feedback!