The times are slowly but surely changing and women are in more need than ever of those who can lead the way and be the aspiration the next generation needs. Women still face discrimination and unconscious gender bias in lots of industries. However, that doesn’t mean that becoming powerful and influential is beyond your grasp. Success is as much about image and how you live as it is what your work is. These tips are for women on their way to a life of opportunity and influence. Hopefully, these tips should help you become the woman you want to be.

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Fashion

The fashion world is always more of a minefield for a woman that it is a man. The rules for men are always simple. Suits for formal and business. Suit jackets and shirts plus jeans for business casual. Yet women face a lot of criticism for their choice of outfit no matter what occasion. The lines of propriety blur depending on individual bias. So develop your own style. Keep a working wardrobe that doesn’t sacrifice style or femininity. Wear blouses and skirts as much you want while retaining a look of business-like demeanor with these blogs listed by Forbes.

Makeup

Another tribulation that’s often only associated with women in regards to the work world.  Makeup is a difficult one to navigate, but not impossible. Makeup has benefits not just in attractiveness. Studies indicate it also has benefits in helping people assume trustworthiness and competence. So don’t feel like makeup is a frivolity that has no place in the business world. Easing up on eyeshadow and makeup that adds too much color can help people feel more at ease around you. But you also need to make sure that your makeup will last the whole day. Taking multiple trips to freshen it up will get in the way of your professional life.

CDC/Amanda Mills

Fitness

Part of looking like a force to be reckoned with has to do with how well you keep yourself. Body image confidence is a great thing to have, but there are still a lot of stigmas about different shapes in the professional world. More importantly, taking care of your health will take a lot less time out of your work life. It can also give you the drive and motivated mindset you need in a competitive industry.

Lifestyle

Success and being part of the business world is just as much about presentation as it is about the work you do. We’ve already established that when it comes to your physical presentation, but it goes beyond that. If you’re a boss or entrepreneur, you will want people to follow you. To do that, it’s best to assume an air of success, even luxury. It’s a case of emulating others at the same time establishing your own style. Until you make it, sites like Just Richest can give you some great ideas.

Chris Lawton

Jet-setting

Another part of that lifestyle is how it actually impacts you. Worldliness is one of the most helpful steps on the way to having the competence and flexibility you want to exude. Travelling is a great way to not only keep up that lifestyle image, but also give you experiences that build you as a person. Even before you make it as a business, there are plenty of ways you can travel on a budget. Expand your horizons and get yourself out there.

Body language

Confidence is key when you’re trying to give an impression of power and ability. Confidence and body language go hand in hand. Your confidence naturally influences how you carry yourself and express physically. But the reverse is also true. You can make use of body language to express confidence. In turn, this can help you build real confidence. In the meantime, it helps you establish yourself to others in the way you want to be seen. Learn some great body language for business situations and others from Beliefnet.

Steve Wilson

Success

Image is important, but it’s the surface level. You’re going to need to have the ability to back it all up. So, what does it mean to be successful? How do you reach it? It’s about self-evaluation. It’s also about work. You might be headed to the top, but don’t be afraid to start at the bottom. Be adaptable because you can be sure your male counterparts will be flexible. At the same time, don’t be afraid to assert yourself whenever responsibilities are on offer. You might get looked over naturally, so you’ll occasionally have to be the loudest voice in the room.