Creating your own style - Beauty and style: for the new Black woman - Brief Article

Ebony, May, 2002

HERE'S a tale of two stylish Sisters: Both are involved in the banking industry, both prefer Afrocentric hairstyles and dress outside of the box. And they have very different methods of achieving their creative looks. Hilda E. Thompson is 6 feet tall with rich, dark, skin and well-kept 'locks. The Belizean native is a marketing executive for a German bank (Westdeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale, located in New York), and has an adventurous sense of style.

"I have never been afraid to step out confidently in something that's off the beaten path," she says. "Hence, my sense of style has always taken me outside the norm, but I think in a tasteful and elegant way. And being 6 feet tall and blessed with curves has resulted in my discovery of the beauty, ease and advantages of tailored garments."

Vonda Bailey of Washington, D.C., is 5-foot-9, wears neatly braided hair and says her complexion is agreeable with just about every color on the wheel (although she is partial to wearing white). The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) program analyst describes her style as very sophisticated.

"My mission is to always look sophisticated and sexy and provocative 'all in one," Bailey quips. "The first thing I want to capture is that I'm a sophisticated-looking woman. I'm a personable and professional person, and I carry myself in a no-nonsense way. When I speak, I am going to have your full, undivided attention."

Both women work in an industry that was once known for its navy-blue-business-suit dress policy. But in today's business-casual work environments, there's plenty of room to showcase individual style--if it's done tastefully.

"Our company went business casual, which allows me to be more innovative in my way of dress," explains Thompson. "My work attire is usually a combination Of creations from Moshood, Courtney Washington, Exodus Industrial and b. michael. I usually get clothes tailored, keeping in mind what I already have, so that I can have some flexibility in my wardrobe. I also love to mix and match tailored designs with upscale urban looks."

Bailey says her wardrobe doesn't get too creative when she's on the clock. "I work in a casual corporate environment," she says, "however, I'm in the policy area, and we want to present ourselves in a corporate manner--polished, very professional and businesslike at all times."

Not too long ago, wearing braids in the workplace was a hot-button issue for Sisters--and was generally frowned upon by corporate executives. Thompson says there's a new wave of acceptance for "professionally styled" natural hairstyles.

"We have come a long way when it comes to the acceptance of 'locks in corporate America. If natural hair is worn in a well-groomed and presentable manner, as is casual dress, acceptance is more forthcoming," Thompson explains. "I've had my 'locks for nine years, and I groom my 'locks bi-monthly and twist them as needed to maintain a neat and well-groomed appearance."

Bailey, who wears braids, agrees. "I think the hairstyle that women choose should fit their character," she says. "I wear braids that are very tasteful, very neat and well-put-together. My braids have never hindered my acceptance in the office, and they complement any attire."

Finding your own sense of style is key to dressing out of the box successfully. And you don't have to break the bank to do it, says image consultant Darlene Mathis, author of Women of Color: The Multicultural Guide to Fashion and Beauty.

"Decide what your style is and stick to it," the author notes. "You'll find you can build your wardrobe over the years by buying basic styles made of the best fabric, and, of course, replacing or repairing them when they are worn. With this approach you'll always be well-dressed, elegant and stunning."