By age 50, the average career woman will have spent 6,500 days (average) deciding how to show up at work.
For many years, I chose to show up quietly.
Neutral suits. Dark pants. Subtle makeup.
Not because I loved those choices – but because I thought that’s what it took to be taken seriously.
I didn’t want to draw attention.
I didn’t want to seem “too feminine.”
And I certainly didn’t wear red lipstick – it was too loud, too bold, too much.
But something shifted.
I began to ask myself:
Why do we assume that power must look masculine?
Why do we equate softness with weakness, or color with distraction?
I started showing up differently — in dresses, in vibrant colors, in styles that felt like me.
And yes, I started wearing red lipstick.
Because here’s what I’ve learned:
You can be a confident, assertive leader in a dress.
You can command a room in heels and a bold color.
You don’t have to sacrifice your femininity to lead with power.
Leadership has no uniform.
And authenticity is a far more powerful tool than any suit.
To the women building careers, leading teams, and making decisions every day:
Don’t hide your light to fit in.
Reclaim your 6,500 days.
Dress to lead – and lead as yourself.
PS: What are your thoughts on this?
Linda Reddy