*Originally published in Japanese in Precious.jp on July 24th, 2019.
English translation by the author.
An International Image Consultant Based in NY Shares Insight:
The Global Standard for Female Executives – 5 Key Points to Establish Your Presence
The essential factor for establishing a strong presence as a female executive is "appropriateness." This concept goes beyond just actions and words—it includes the "attire" that forms part of your personal brand. Dressing in a way that merely "suits you" is self-centered, and being "fashionable" alone does not fulfill the important role of leading others. True "appropriateness" relates to the "elegant" style required in a professional context. Executive presence is a form of expression that reflects your responsibility not only to yourself but to others and society. Through your attire, you can elevate your business elegance by one or two levels.
Today, international image consultant Niena Etsuko Hino will share the key points to help you achieve this
"The world’s top business executives form an impression of you in just 0.1 seconds," says Niena Etsuko Hino, who has spent 25 years consulting on image and presence after studying fashion and image consulting at Parsons School of Design in New York.
Hino has coached numerous global executives and business professionals to compete on the international stage and maximize their potential. Her key message today is the importance of instantly conveying a positive message through "appropriate" presence and appearance.
The Intelligence of "Appropriateness" That Enhances Executive Presence
How can you discover the right way to express the intelligence behind "appropriateness," which enhances and solidifies executive presence? The first step is to accurately assess your current presence and appearance. However, even highly capable individuals often struggle with where to start or what to focus on. This is why Hino is here to explain the five key points for achieving the "appropriateness" required for female executives at an international level.
◾️1. "Appropriateness" as the Common Standard Among Top Executives Worldwide
While studying fashion and image consulting at Parsons School of Design in New York, one of my mentors shared advice that I still value to this day:
"Your clients will instinctively judge how they will be treated based on your attire, makeup, and behavior. That’s why it’s essential to always maintain an appearance and presence that is simple, clean, high-quality, and, above all, appropriate for your role and position."
This idea of "appropriateness" in attire, behavior, and presence is not just a standard in New York—it is a universal evaluation criterion among elites worldwide. In my 25-year career as a consultant in both New York and Japan, I’ve seen firsthand how much this principle has opened doors for me.
No matter the time period, industry, or country, executives and leaders who shoulder great responsibility are expected to embody an image that is not focused on what "suits" them personally or what is "fashionable." Rather, it is about demonstrating "appropriateness," combining intelligence, sophistication, and social responsibility.
In the film The Princess Diaries, Anne Hathaway’s character, Mia, who is a royal heir, wears a certain outfit and asks her grandmother, played by Julie Andrews, "How does this look?" The response is not, "You look wonderful," or "It suits you," but rather, "It is appropriate."
"Looking wonderful" or "suits you" are personal evaluations that don’t account for the social context. There is no sense of responsibility attached to these statements. On the other hand, "appropriate" is a social evaluation that takes into account not only the individual but their position in society, the role they must play, and the occasion at hand.
As someone in a leadership role, responsible for others, it’s time to graduate from simply what "suits you." What is required in your position as an executive is a presence and appearance that is "appropriate" for both you and the situation.
◾️2. "Elegance" is Essential for Executive "Appropriateness"
So, what does an "appropriate" presence and appearance look like for a female executive? The best way to describe it is with the word "elegance."
Elegance reflects the quality, refinement, calmness, sophistication, and knowledge that are essential for a woman in a leadership position. The most immediate and visible way to link the elegance that exists within you to your professional standing is through your attire—your clothing, makeup, and accessories. These act as expressions of your intention and resolve as someone in a position of responsibility. When done correctly, this leads to a confident presence that resonates both socially and personally.
◾️3. The Fastest Path to Optimizing an Elegant Presence: "Objective Self-Assessment and Wardrobe Review"
What should you do to take the first step toward cultivating an elegant presence that is "appropriate" for a female executive? What is the quickest way to get there? Begin by reassessing the wardrobe that shapes your presence and appearance.
Using your current job, position, and personal style as a guide, employ a simple method: upgrade the quality of your wardrobe by one or two levels.
Is that it? You might wonder. But this simple and straightforward practice is something that many people overlook. Yet it forms the foundation of how you are perceived on a daily basis. If this basic step is something you haven’t yet done, now is the time to stop overthinking and take action.
Overanalyzing leads to procrastination, and as an executive, every second counts. You now have more responsibilities, more people evaluating you, and more opportunities for advancement.
If you delay making decisions or taking steps toward improvement, you risk losing the positive evaluations and opportunities that could have come your way—not just for yourself, but also for your company and team. It’s important to recognize that postponing these actions can be seen as a neglect of responsibility.
As someone in a leadership position, your presence in society carries a greater responsibility than simply "suiting" your personal preferences. Recognizing and embracing the need for "appropriateness" and high-quality elegance is a crucial part of the transformation process. Your appearance is a reflection of your inner self, and your awareness shapes your outward appearance.
Take the first step now by elevating your attire by one or two levels.
◾️4. Practical Tips for Enhancing Business Elegance: "Upgrade by One or Two Levels"
Many people, when thinking about "elegant fashion," tend to focus on changing their entire wardrobe, investing time, effort, and money into perfecting every detail. This was confirmed during a group consulting session I conducted with female executives on a recent business trip to Tokyo.
If you have the resources to do so, that’s great—high maintenance is something only an executive can manage. However, once you begin, you’ll realize that changing habits is no easy feat, and before you know it, you may slip back into your old routines.
For someone in a leadership position, who is already extremely busy, adding too many new elements to your routine is counterproductive. Moreover, "appropriate" elegant attire for an executive doesn’t follow a rigid design formula.
Instead, it should reflect confidence and sophistication that naturally stem from your knowledge and education. Quality attire isn’t solely about practicality. Its value also comes from the time and care it requires to maintain it, demonstrating that you can manage both your appearance and your responsibilities with ease.
Rather than making drastic changes to your style, focus on these four key points to enhance your wardrobe without disrupting your routine:
- Upgrade the Fabric: High-quality fabrics feel smoother against your skin and create a more refined silhouette, elevating your presence.
- Improve Tailoring: Good tailoring enhances the fit and comfort of your clothes, improving the balance of your appearance and boosting your performance.
- Reassess Fit and Silhouette: Know your body’s current shape and choose clothes that best complement your figure, regardless of size labels.
- Evaluate Colors: The navy, grey, and black shades you often wear—do they still suit your skin and hair tones, enhancing your expression?
Upgrading your wardrobe by just one or two levels, while maintaining your current style, will have a profound impact on how others perceive you. It will amplify your executive presence and create an elegant frame for your sharp expression.
◾️5. Conveying Your Message in 0.1 Seconds: Managing Your Image and Expectations
Executive presence involves fully understanding your current image and its potential, while also being aware of the expectations others have of you. The key to enhancing your presence lies in controlling how these elements are perceived.
Your presence should serve two main purposes: to act as a motivator for yourself, allowing you to switch on confidence in any situation, and to give others a sense of trust and assurance. The most immediate tool you have for achieving this is your wardrobe. When you carefully curate your appearance to reflect your role, personality, and social standing, you can communicate your best self in just 0.1 seconds, even without speaking.
Investing in an executive presence that meets global standards is one of the most effective personal investments you can make, bringing substantial rewards both in your career and personal growth.
Begin by reflecting on your satisfaction with how you present yourself and how others perceive you. Then, take action by upgrading your wardrobe. The awareness and habits you build through this process will help you develop an elegant, "appropriate" executive presence that aligns with who you are.