SS27-Christine Lagarde: The Power of the Scarf
The shift from rigid corporate attire to the empowering realm of personal style is redefining what we wear to work.
I explored this exciting transformation in my latest piece, What We Wear: The End of the Corporate Uniform.
Power dressing is no longer about conforming but about expressing individuality. While crafting your signature style might seem daunting, it's an exciting and rewarding journey. Today, I spotlight a global leader whose impeccable style sets the bar for us all.
Meet Christine Lagarde.
Lagarde is a trailblazer and world leader who has shattered numerous glass ceilings. She was the first woman to serve as the Finance Minister of a G-7 country, the first female head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and now the President of the European Central Bank.
Her Story
In 1981, Christine Lagarde, then in her mid-twenties, was in line for a job at one of Paris’ largest law firms. During her interview, a male interviewer remarked, “Don’t expect to make partner here—you’re a woman.” Lagarde’s response? “Oh, yeah? Well, I’m gone.”
She left and joined the Chicago-based Baker & McKenzie, one of the world’s largest law firms, where she not only made partner at age 31 but was also elected the firm’s first female chair at 43.
In 2007, French President Nicolas Sarkozy appointed Lagarde as the nation’s first female finance minister, making her the first woman to manage the economic portfolio of any G7 country. Now 68, Lagarde has broken through so many barriers that it sometimes seems “first female” is her actual first name.
Lagarde has left an indelible mark on the global financial landscape throughout her career. “She is one of those rare leaders who combine vision with action. She approaches age-old problems in fresh, innovative ways to strengthen the ties that bind the global economy,” says fellow financial leader Janet Yellen, the first woman and the 78th Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Her Signature Style
Lagarde selects high-quality, yet simple pieces that are elegant and figure-flattering. Many of her pieces are timeless, but she also incorporates ready-to-wear runway pieces that seamlessly fit into her overall aesthetic.
Some anchor pieces of her signature style include:
Tailored suits
Silk pattern scarves
Quality pearl jewelry
Luxury leather handbags
In particular, Christine Lagarde loves to wear silk scarves. Whether it's a bold pattern or a vibrant color, her scarves often serve as a statement piece that draws attention and adds a touch of elegance to her look.
She masterfully highlights her features and color palette by strategically selecting the most flattering shades, then coordinates her scarves with her outfits to complete the looks.
Understanding her Arena
The world of finance is still largely male-dominated. Christine Lagarde uses her style strategically to navigate this environment. She asserts her confidence and authority amid a sea of suits by embracing her unique fashion sense.
Her style sets her apart and showcases her individuality. She confidently wears suits paired with scarves in bold abstract prints or vivid colors like magenta, jade, and crimson. She is unapologetic about loving her classic, timeless, and luxurious items. Lagarde also wears her scarves with a touch of French indifference—casually knotted or draped around her neck. This makes her memorable and unique.
The Impact of a Scarf
“Research shows that women look at the face of people they are interacting with, but men don’t as much,” said Dr. Carolyn Mair, a behavioral psychologist. Then it’s brilliant that Lagarde chooses a scarf to help draw men’s attention to her face and get better communication.
A vivid accessory can also brighten the somber clothes often worn in offices. “A scarf lightens the outfit and reduces its severity,” Mair said. Wearing the right colors around your face is like choosing the perfect frame for a painting; it can enhance or divert attention.
Lastly, whether we like it or not, being seen as attractive brings advantages, said Mair. “We make decisions whether we like someone in less than a minute. If we can draw attention to something bright near the face that lifts the features, the person interacting with us will perceive us as more attractive and pay more attention to what we say.”
Style as a Strategy
Every style choice sends a message.
Consider world-known leaders like Madeleine Albright, who wore pins to express her mood, and Margaret Thatcher who embraced her signature skirt suits with shoulder-padded blazers, to project authority and meet the heightened scrutiny she faced.
One piece of clothing is like a word in a sentence.
Christine Lagarde has made scarves an essential part of her statements. She strategically chooses scarves that convey an emotion, a value, an opinion, or a message based on the occasion, time, and place.
The Right Scarf
Choosing the right scarf can elevate your outfit and make a powerful statement.
However, finding the perfect scarf involves more than just picking a pretty design.
Here are some suggestions:
Choose hues that complement your color palette first, then work with your outfit.
Find patterns that work with your facial and body features. It is all about alignment.
Invest in quality. The fabric makes a big difference in how a scarf folds and bends.
Think of the audience and location to build your message.
If this sounds like too much information, I get it. Working with a stylist or image consultant can help you choose the right one. She or he can guide you to create your signature style while saving you time, money, and frustration.
In Conclusion
As we consider the impact and potential of personal style, it's clear that few embody this as effectively as Christine Lagarde. Christine Lagarde has become a beacon and icon for many executive women. She always appears at her utmost best, embodying grace and authority. Widely known for accessorizing her outfits with luxury scarves of various sorts, Lagarde demonstrates how a simple piece of fabric can become a powerful signature garment.
Her scarves are worn with effortless style, glamour, and refinement, asserting her individuality and femininity in a male-dominated arena. Through her distinctive style, Lagarde not only enhances her professional presence but also inspires other women to embrace their unique fashion sense as a form of empowerment and self-expression.