Inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Sasha Kapadia Snares Classic Office Style
Sasha Kapadia, the Director of International Development at Mastercard, believes that – for better or worse – women “have always been (and likely always will be) defined by their style.”
Though Kapadia currently works in the private sector, she’s spent many years at a DC non-profit before leaving to pursue a Masters Degree from The Fletcher School at Tufts University. Having graduated from Fletcher in 2013, Kapadia rejoined the workforce, but she doesn’t consider herself a businesswoman – in fact she prefers not to use the term. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t serious about her career. “I have, however, always thought of myself as a confident, professional woman,” says the Director of International Development.
Currently based in Washington D.C., Kapadia believes that 21st century “power women” have received a serious professional makeover. “They’re portrayed as super serious in both their professions and their style,” explains Kapadia in praise of modern businesswoman, and the entertainment industry’s recent portrayal. “Compare that to the idealized tech bro in a hoodie, jeans, and flip-flops.” One can’t help but draw parallels between HBO’s Silicon Valley – following a band of computer geeks – and HBO’s Veep, where even during the show’s funniest blunders, Selina Meyer always looks impeccable.
USA’s Suits is another show where today’s professional women excel in exemplarily style, and Kapadia can’t get enough of Jessica Pearson, Donna Paulsen, and Rachel Zane’s wardrobe. “I wish I could say my work style resembles theirs’ – beautiful, tailored, super sexy, sky-high heels – but alas, heels and I don’t mesh,” Kapadia admits.
But opting for flats doesn’t mean Kapadia hasn’t nailed her office look. Instead of USA’s Manhattan attorney- chic, the Fletcher graduate models her look after the breathtaking, Audrey Hepburn “with shades of variation.” Combing Hepburn’s look with Kapadia’s personal affinity for both Parisian style and vintage flare, her classic style stays lively and professional. “Some days I’ll add a modern edge with a leather pencil skirt or funky pleated pants, other days I’ll make my look a touch more feminine with floral scarves and shawls. But, below it all, I am almost always in ballet flats.”
As the colder months descend upon the Nation’s Capitol, Kapadia keeps her style both fun and seasonally appropriate with tights. In fact, she can’t get enough of them. “I love interesting tights. Fishnets, patterns, colors, all of it,” she exclaims. But she also offers a few words of fashion advice as a lover of winter’s number one dress companion.
“Of course, you don’t want to look like a super hero or clown, so striking the right balance is key,” She suggests pairing the patterned, colorful tights with knee-length, straight skirts, flat boots, and a simple top “to pull the look all together.”
But her number one style tip is just a bit more practical. “Don’t be afraid to be yourself! We spend a ridiculous amount of time at work, and it is so very important to feel like you.”
How do you bring your best self to work?
Photos courtesy of USA Networks, Wikipedia, and Sasha Kapadia
TAGS: dressing like the stars Women in entertainment