6 stylish boss ladies on how to build a work wardrobe that isn't boring
Morning PTA meeting followed by brainstorm session and then romantic dinner to celebrate your promotion? We got you
We live in a world where ‘Netflix Tagger’ and ‘Chief Shopping Officer’ are actual jobs. Which means your work wardrobe doesn’t have to look as unimaginative as a school uniform… just as long as dressing up doesn’t sap precious minutes out of a day that’s already precariously packed with deadlines, meetings and social commitments. What you need is a wardrobe that multitasks as well as you do. So we chased down six supremely successful — and stylish — women across industries as diverse as pharma and hospitality to understand how they make it work, despite the constraints of corporate dressing.
Aabha Bakaya, 38
Consultant anchor & founder, AB Network, Mumbai
Bakaya’s front-facing role as anchor led to her cultivating a classic style peppered with neat lines, striking cuts and colours.
Her style…
“The nature of my job demands a certain level of formality in dressing but given that we are often in front of the camera, a little flair always works well.”
Her work wardrobe staples…
“A classic dress or blazer from Anne Fontaine, Max Mara or Joseph. I’d recommend Veronica Beard for the ideal suit. I feel most powerful in a classic, well-fitted, bright red dress.”
On a night out…
“I’m a big fan of Luijo, Pinko and Sandro. I’m always on the lookout for multipurpose outfits. While most of my clothes can be worn into the evening — dresses especially — I think a nice slip dress with a blazer from All Saints for example or a jumpsuit from Namrata Joshipura are easy slip on options for the evening. Accessorise the look with some striking diamonds from Anju & Pranav. Keep a classic Chanel bag in your car to transfer your cards and makeup to before you head out. ”
How to go from desk to drinks…
“Use a primer before your makeup in the morning so it remains long lasting and you only need a minor touch up later. Black pumps go with everything and nude inners are the safest option. Always keep a bright lipstick handy, it will lift your spirits even when you’re tired.”
Style icons
“Amal Clooney. I love the suit and pearls combination you see on corporate icons. Teresa May for always adding that dash of colour in her heels and even Kareena Kapoor: she can really rock a suit.”
On her best investment purchase yet…
“A pair of strapless, closed toe shoes that work as both dressy and formal.”
Archana Jain, 54
Managing director, PR Pundit, Mumbai
As MD of one of the foremost PR firms in the country, Jain realised the need for smart, transitional attire for all the extended days which morphed into evening engagements.
Her style…
“Overs the years I have learned what works best for me which is usually fuss free, minimalistic styles. I pick up my dresses from COS and Love Birds. As a traditionalist, my wardrobe is full of handloom/textile saris from Kanjeevarams and Banarasis to linen.”
On a night out…
“I’d opt for a silk dress or a silk shirt with trousers and a defining jacket on a night out. I love Eka and Artisau for their easy dresses. A jacket from péro or Shanghai Tang adds that perfect accent for me.”
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How to go from desk to drinks…
“Add a statement piece of jewellery, either from Outhouse or precious jewels from Gem Palace, a luxury watch (mine is from Panerai), smart footwear and a clutch for which I’d recommend Tod’s and Christian Louboutin.”
The outfit she feels most powerful in…
“A sari or a Max Mara dress.”
Style icons
“Grace Kelly & Gayatri Devi.”
On her best investment purchase yet…
“My Vacheron Constantin watch, Tod’s footwear and Christian Louboutin handbags.”
On how she would dress up a workplace staple, the white shirt…
“With a string of pearls and a smart jacket.”
Namita Thapar, 42
Executive director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals. CEO, Incredible Ventures (Young Entrepreneurs Academy)
Thapar’s take on traditional boardroom dressing, which her job demands, is fashion magazine-worthy. She ditches the conventional black pantsuit for vividly hued alternatives and playful accessories to boot.
On how to make corporate dressing your own…
“The pharmaceutical industry is fairly conservative so I enjoy pantsuits while at work. I’d stick to the conventional version for board meetings but pick fun colours like red, bright blue, dark green or lavender for marketing meetings. Even if it’s a plain black suit, I try to brighten the look with silk scarves or a necklace. My shirts are always interesting–I enjoy silk shirts and anything with ruffles. High heels are a must, they ensure I have a certain posture and walk which exudes power. I own way too many shoes.”
Her work wardrobe staples…
“Well tailored black pantsuits from Lanvin and Alexander McQueen. I love Ralph Lauren’s jackets and shirts. I also enjoy pantsuits by Alice and Olivia. They make great transitional pieces and which look good on all body types.”
For a night out…
“Long dresses or then tight midi skirts with silk shirts. I’d recommend Maje, Iro, Sandro, Paule Ka, Alice and Olivia and Marchesa. If it’s a special occasion, I opt for glamorous gowns that I usually pick up from Neiman Marcus, Saks or Bloomingdales.”
How to go from desk to drinks…
“When I have to go straight to a party from office, I opt for gorgeous long skirts worn with white or black silk shirts and a fun necklace such as my Chanel one which also doubles up as a belt. False eyelashes, fabulous highlighter for my cheeks and a bright red lipstick can make any office outfit look super glam. My hair is usually up in a high ponytail for comfort at work but I always let my hair down for a night out. I carry hair styling tongs because a few curls can really amp up a look and it barely takes five minutes.”
Style icon
“It has to be my stylish mom. Also, Jessica Pearson from the TV show Suits and power women like Sheryl Sandberg and Michelle Obama.”
On her best investment purchase…
“My solitaires as they are timeless. And a classic rose gold Rolex watch that can be worn anywhere, anytime.
Vanika Choudhary, 36
Founder & chef, Sequel, Mumbai
Chaudhary quit her corporate job, which demanded powersuits on the daily, to start the highly celebrated Sequel Bistro and Juice Bar. Her current work wardrobe staple is now a pair of blue jeans along with a shirt or crop top and a comfortable pair of sneakers.
Her style…
“I was so used to wearing pant suits that it took me a while to shift when I quit my job to start Sequel. I’ve created my own style depending on what works for me and what I find comfortable. There was a slow switch from pant suits to denims with relaxed shirts/T shirts, and easy-to-wear dresses.”
Her work wardrobe staples…
“I love wearing comfortable, yet stylish cotton/silk dresses during the day from Three Graces, Vivenne Westwood, Prada, Iyla and Rosetta Getty. On a formal day, I’ll put on an oversized jacket from Acne Studios or Hugo Boss with skinny denims and finish the look with Gucci or Tod’s loafers or slip-ons.”
For a night out…
“Metallic short dresses from Missoni, silk dresses from BCBG Runway Collection, asymmetric striped or sequin dresses from Jonathan Simkhai, bespoke couture pieces from Monisha Jaising.”
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On transitional essentials every woman should own…
“A pair of blue denims, a white shirt, a blazer or oversized jacket, comfortable yet stylish sneakers, slip-ons or stilettos and finally, a pantsuit. I would accessorise with pearls (I pretty much wear them everyday) and switch my day bag to a chic clutch.”
On her best investment purchase…
“Since I am from Kashmir and a huge fan of winter wear, it’s my ‘Kani Jamawar’ shawl that I team up with everything from saris and dresses to winter coats.”
How to go from desk to drinks…
I change the T-shirt to a ruffled top or a shirt with a jacket. I usually pick them from Jonathan Simkhai or Vivienne Westwood. And I switch from sneakers to either wedges or slip-ons from Tod’s, Gucci or Jimmy Choo.”
Sanjana Shah, 24
Creative director at Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai
Shah uses fashion to showcase her aesthetic sense and creative personality as it works to reiterate her aptitude as an art/design curator.
Her style…
“Curating fashion is just like creating art. The only difference is that each individual is their own canvas. I have flexibility to wear what I feel like, but my outfits need to go from day to night as attending events and networking is a crucial part of my job.”
Her work wardrobe staples…
“I stick to casual shirts/dresses from Zara, Mango, Cos, Ted Baker or Topshop that have a pop of design or colour. I also like wearing Indo-western styles where I’ll pair a western top with a solid coloured dhoti from Fabindia. A blazer can never go wrong, especially if it’s quirky in design — my black and white suit from Absence of Color is elegant but has a funky contrast.”
How to go from desk to drinks…
“I use accessories and makeup to turn any outfit from my work wardrobe night-appropriate. Changing from casual pants/jeans into formal trousers or a midi skater skirt helps. For jewellery, I prefer geometric shapes and choose contemporary Indian brands like Prerto, Misho and also some more niche art-jewellery brands like Mamta Dalal’s Artysnal.
Back combing hair for some quick volume and using makeup tricks like strong winged eyeliner and darker brown shades of lipstick also works well. I use Charlotte Tilbury’s Burkin Brown or Glastonberry for my lips. I also like Huda Beauty’s matte Trendsetter shade that is nude and can be finished with a Fenty Beauty gloss for a shinier finish.”
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On whose style she loves…
“Rhea Kapoor for her unique yet elegant style. Kareena Kapoor Khan for the sharp cuts and fitting silhouettes and Payal Khandwala, not just for the drapes she designs but also for her artsy personal sense of dressing.”
On her best investment purchase…
“A denim blue Chanel tote bag. It is so versatile along with my matching Chanel espadrilles. I have three classic coloured blazers from Zara – black, white and brown. They go with anything and can always be popped on for a last-minute meeting or night out. And finally, classic Dior pearl stud earrings. They instantly spell elegance.”
Srimoyi Bhattacharya, 46
Founder and MD, Peepul Consulting
Bhattacharya personifies the term business casual with her feminine and whimsical clothing choices which she believes is incredibly important in a people-facing business of representation.
Her style…
“In my line of image building, our attire can speak volumes on individual style. As a result, I am neither too casual nor too corporate. I like to dress up and prefer to wear pieces that represent my personal style and complement our weather, from day dresses to floral suits.”
Her work wardrobe staples…
“I’m a fan of dresses with detailing and motifs. The quality of fabric is as important as a flattering silhouette. My current favourites are Sri Lankan label Maus for its minimalistic organic comfort wear, Payal Pratap for her easy separates with striking embroidery, and indie French labels like Sessun, Claudie Pierlot and Des Petits Hauts for great tops and denims. Back in India, my new discovery is the lovely homegrown brand, Jodi, whose prints and fabrics keep me going from AM to PM, on work or holiday. I love my suits with bold motifs, I have a few from French fashion retailer The Kooples that make me feel boardroom ready.”
On a night out…
“Recently, I have loved wearing some of our homegrown brands – one being Nupur Kanoi, as her rich silks with tie-dye designs are always high-octane. The bohemian side of me is drawn to kaftan-like dresses for the evening, and when I host dinners at home, I wear the Indian-made French label Idli, for its breezy prints and fitted cotton tunics. I have collected a few pieces across the years from iconic labels like Dries Van Noten, Peter Pilotto, and Mary Katrantzou for their offbeat prints and flattering cuts. I am happy to keep repeating them.”
On how to ace day to night dressing…
“One of my favourite fashion brands is D’Ascoli, originally a textile brand which retails across the world for its timeless style, its impeccable quality and refined printmaking. I can wear their silk-printed dresses through the day, add a few accessories and I am ready for a night out, even if it’s straight from a meeting. During the day, I’d pair my dress with flats, subtle earrings and a delicate chain necklace, and then bring out my statement accessories at night. To me, the secret to feeling ‘ready’ for a night out, despite a hectic day, is all about accessories. One bold neckpiece or a pair of statement earrings can make the difference to your work wardrobe, as can a pair of kitten heels, and a touch of shimmer to your makeup.”
Style icon…
“I find former French model and Karl Lagerfeld muse Inès de La Fressange effortlessly chic. I am constantly inspired by real women who are professionals juggling many avatars – one of whom is Annika Fernando (designer of sustainable label MAUS and founder of Sri Lankan concept store PR) for her distinct minimal style and the other is Tina Tahiliani, founder of multi-retail store Ensemble for being an ambassador for the best of Indian fashion. Both of them champion homegrown talent, prioritise comfort, quality and prefer a natural look.
On her best investment purchase…
“Last year, I bought a vintage Chanel denim tote that I find myself using a lot – it travels well, is discreet enough at work and stylish enough to make the cut for cocktails. And then I have a collection of Repetto ballerinas that help me saunter from meetings to parties.”