Pairing Style and Business to Create Confidence
Madison Bolls isn’t afraid of stereotypes. In fact, this Washingtonian librarian is out to break them.
“The library science field exists to help people find any kind of information people need, so we’re very cutting edge with using the newest technology,” says Bolls, officially an Internet Reference Librarian for the federal government. “Naturally, many of us also think outside the box with how we dress.” Apparently, it’s not all glasses and cardigans in this reading room.
Though, technically Bolls became a professional upon earning her Master’s degree she believes professionalism is a state of mind more than anything else. “It comes from caring about what you do, and working constructively with others to achieve shared goals.”
Pair that mindset with the perfect outfit and – viola – a businesswoman is born. A lover of simple, modern style, this librarian credits several celebrities as her style icons. “Kate Moss, Carrie Mulligan and Angelina Jolie all have a slightly rock and roll look, but they properly layer colors with textures, and select cuts that seem effortless as well as professional,” explains Bolls.
But it’s J.Crew’s creative director, Jenna Lyons, whose fashion outshines them all. “Dressing well is part of her job, but she turned J.Crew from a store where you used to buy basics into a premiere retailer specializing in edgy but polished looks.” Lyons’ use of color is just one of several things that Bolls appreciates. “She knows when to make it fun and weird, and when to scale it back to simple and stunning. I’ve never seen any photo of her with a terrible outfit, and she is always professional to boot!”
Bolls also includes the House of Card’s character, Claire Underwood (played by Robin Wright) as a fashion inspiration. “Her style is not the typical politician’s wife, but she looks so good even the first lady looks up to her.” Specifically, it’s the combination of minimal, modern and “those asymmetrical necklines paired with her killer confidence, that have helped Claire steal the show, and made her the anti-hero we all love.”
Considering Lyons’ real-life profession, and Claire Underwood’s fictional political character the fashion side of business seems to be changing. “I love that women can [now] preserve their individuality and creativity in the workplace.” Bolls references Hilary Clinton’s style as an example of the shifting sands. Clinton, the “ultimate business lady works it with those colored pants suits,” proving that there are fun possibilities within today’s work attire guidelines. And that’s not the only change Bolls has noticed.
These days there’s an ever-widening selection of affordable business clothing. “The designer collaborations that are happening with stores like H&M and Target offer women of all tax brackets a chance to find great pieces at virtually no expense.”
Other than confidence, Bolls offers two pieces of dressing like the stars advice: Don’t be afraid to wear black, “It’s fierce, chic, professional, and carries the cool of Johnny Cash, so you can wear it anywhere.” And statement pieces: “One or two big statement pieces – like a great pair of shoes or a chunky necklace – can transform a nice outfit into an amazing one.” And – pro tip – this also prevents over-doing a look. “Keep it simple, except for maybe one thing.”
Photos courtesy of Nathaniel Bell for Netflix, and Wikipedia.
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