Trendspotting #3

Her kommer artikkel nr. 3 i K7 Bulletin, studentavisen til NHH hvor jeg har egen motespalte:

THE POWER OF POWERDRESSING

In these times of elections, in the U.S and even here at school, I cant help wonder if maybe fashion is all too superficial. Maybe so, but in that case, then the phrase «powerdressing» wouldn’t exist.

So what is powerdressing? Well, according to the dictionary its a stylish and expensive clothing style, intended to convey the impression of assertiveness and competence. It’s a term used since the 1980s, mostly in the U.S. and UK, to describe the big consumerism and the yuppie-culture of that period. Yuppie stands for young urban professional, and was used to describe the successful men and women, with highly paid jobs, and the goal: Work hard - Play Hard; make money and spend money. Come to think of it: the same slogan as the students`s at NHH! And the look? Men and women both wearing masculine suits with big shoulderpads designed by high-end designers such as Armani, Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren. Think Dynasty and Wall Street mixed with some Grace Jones and Miami Vice. And who doesn’t love Miami Vice!

Today powerdressing isn’t just a matter of fashion, but also a way for you to get a job. They say the way you dress is a way of showing who you are - your personality. So when you want a job, it is about sometimes faking it, and making hopefully your new boss think you are the most up and coming student this college ever popped out. For the men, its an easy way out; the suit. Why all men dress the same is with good reason, and I quote Seinfeld; “If they are all the same, might as well dress them all the same!” Personally I would personalize the suit, and throw in a red tie. And spend some money on it, you can easily see if the suit is bought at Dressmann.

For women however, it gets tougher. How much cleavage to reveal, if the skirt is too short, or if its just looking to Margareth Thatcher. And the question we all ask ourselves is: Do I look professional?

First of all, girls, don’t try to look like men. Recently Michelle Obama was voted best dressed in politics, even though her femininity shines trough in whatever she wears. And second, don’t look like a forty year old. You are in your twenties and can practically wear anything. Leave the moccasins at home, and put on some high ankle boots. This season the oversized jacket is a hit among the workingwomen, mixed with a tight skirt and a statement necklace, or maybe beige chinos with some killer heels. Change the regular white shirt with a silk blouse, and don’t be afraid to use colours. Yes, you heard right, but with precautions of course.

I recently read a study on women and beauty. On a scale from one to ten, the ultimate rating is a seven to get a job. If you are above, people get intimidated, and if you are under, well, then you are just ugly. So maybe it is all about hitting the seven? If a five, pull your skirt up! If a ten, well, just go and die! And with these words in mind, who says fashion isn’t important?

Pow pow!

Vaishali Lara Kathuria