THE PRAGMATISM OF STYLE

A group of attractive, bright, eager Wellesley interns were introduced to (what my husband calls) "the pragmatism of style" last night in a 2 hour seminar designed specifically for them.

Each young woman (or "Whippersnappers" as Lisa Belkin called them in her NYTimes article - 07-26-07) had her own style, personality and presence. Each chose to wear a business casual "look" that exposed her "take" on fashion. Each would've been recognized as an intern in every corporate hallway across the country. Not a "bad" thing . . . not a "good" thing.

Because they are smart . . .they knew that "image" involved perception. However, they had very little idea how perceptions could sabotage or advance their life's chosen mission. As each woman revealed what other people "think" about them . . .only a few had developed specific strategies to create an "image" to deflect a particular (negative or unjust) judgment.

One even stated, "I care what other's think about me." (Did you hear me say "yes" emphatically?!)

"There are some things in life that you can't change," I stated, "one of them is your height; another your bone structure. Luckily you are women and, if you choose to wear them, high heels can extend your height from one to four inches. Furthermore, the manipulation of color, fabric, and texture choices will create the illusion that you are taller, shorter, smaller, bigger."

BUT, the real question is: "what purpose have you assigned to your image."

As an intern it might be good to have a "restrained" persona. A wonderful way to listen and learn from those "Geezers, Boomers, Gen Xers" who've walked the corporate halls for 5+ years. Be your own detective; who's style impresses you and "why" . . .who's style annoys you - "define" it . . .who's style makes you feel at ease - "embrace" it. What does somebody who impresses, annoys or puts you at ease "look like" . . . after all they're judging you and what they're learning about you will inform every decision they make about your future.

Wouldn't you rather be in control of your future?

As the evening progressed and each woman went through a "mini-transformation" . . .meeting her "potential" self . . . getting a clearer understanding of what was possible (and real) . . .in a room full of her peers, the real changes were reflected in sudden bursts of self-esteem. Some of them have only looked in the mirror through the eyes of a father, mother or roommate. With clearer vision, one-by-one, they began to embrace their beauty (along with their intelligence) and learned that not only is it OK to expose their assets but necessary.

The rather timid, slightly worn out, over-worked women that entered the room left recognizing their unique style, beauty, and potential as individuals about to enter a world over which they have more control than they originally believed. "To understand and manipulate your image is a pragmatic way to approach life, " I said, "after all, if you don't take charge of your 'brand' someone else will . . . and that's a whole different journey!"

How many of you really understand the "pragmatism of style?"

Stand beside me and watch these Wellesley women use what they have to change our world!