Fast Company recently released a new initiative: Best Dressed in Business 

They NAILED it and underscores what we call Intelligent Style: Their list of ‘best dressed’ highlights true diversity in STYLE, not fashion or trends, as well as leadership and what it looks like to show up as a leader.

“Because most of all, dressing well requires knowing oneself.”

You may not resonate with everyone’s style. 

That’s OK, you don’t need to. 

But, they can still inspire you. 

One of the first questions we always ask a new client or member is ‘Who is your Style Icon?” 

This doesn’t have to mean a celebrity — as this list illustrates — rather anyone you know whose style who inspires you. 

When you consider this question, think about what it is about their style that inspires you. Because it’s not really about the clothes. It’s how you’re perceiving them in their clothes. 

For instance, Michelle Obama is a common response we get to this question for our Member's profiles. 

But that can mean SO many different things. 

It can mean classic and confident. 

It can mean bold and intelligent. 

It can mean inviting and powerful. 

And, Michelle Obama is an excellent example of Intelligent Style for another reason: She navigates the dance of dressing for the audience AND for herself flawlessly every time. 

Meaning, she’s respectful of the occasion and the audience while not sacrificing herself. A lot of the history of ‘executive presence’ is based in ‘shoulds’ an ‘appropriate.’ It’s about fitting in. But true leadership can’t be about fitting in. It’s about creating buy-in. And you can only do that if you build trust. And you can only build trust if you are truthful. And you can only be truthful if you’re in alignment with your values and vision. 

What’s the best piece of fashion advice you’ve ever gotten? 

My mother told me, “dress for you.” That simple truth shaped everything. Fashion is comfort, not just physical but emotional. When you feel at ease in what you wear, you move differently. You lead differently. Confidence is the most powerful thing you can put on.

We’re heading back to the office, back to our conferences and our board meetings soon, so let's put your Intelligent Style into action. 

Intelligent Style Exercise: 

Take a second to consider these Best Dressed. What would YOUR Best Dressed profile say? 

(Hint: Focus on your next level — what are people saying about you? What is the energy you bring to the room? How do others react to your presence? What is your vibe? There are no wrong answers.)

And if you’re ready to take the next step to bring your Best Dressed to life, we have different paths to meet you where you are: 

🖤 Rebrand – You’re stepping into a new chapter (promotion, business shift, new stage of visibility). This is our CEO 1-1 VIP experience—an in-depth transformation of how your style reflects your leadership with Boutique Box CEO Catherine Cassidy.

🖤 Refresh – You mostly like what you have, but it needs a tune-up. A few intentional updates, edits, or fits. This is the 1-1 fitting—available in Chicago or virtually.

🖤 Rebuild – Your current wardrobe just isn’t cutting it. Nothing feels like you. This is where the Boutique Box Membership shines—curated, customized style delivered to your door.

🖤 Reinvent – You are beginning to position yourself for your next level. This is where our soon-to-launch Intelligent Style 101 program supports you in building confidence and clarity with your current closet. You don’t need more clothes, yet. 

Not sure which is right for you? Join Catherine LIVE on September 2nd for Reinvent & Rise: An Intelligent Style Activation

The first Fall delivery for Fashion Brands in mass merchandised stores is typically between June 30-July 15. 

As a consumer this doesn't make sense because you're living through the change in seasons and realizing that you need updates to your wardrobe to meet your moments now. 

Consider the 'Yes, And' of improv -- you take what is given to you to work with and you build upon that. And perhaps, this gives you something even better. 

The 'Yes, And' of Intelligent Style: 

Start thinking about what your Fall calendar requires now and create an Action Plan for updating your Fall Wardrobe to be ready and avoid the last minute stress of 'what do I wear?' 

Because that last minute approach typically includes rushed and forced shopping, impulse purchases, and complete outfits that you wear once because 'whatever this works' but then sit in your closet because they never were really quite right. 

Not very fun. 

Consider instead: 

You've added 3-5 new pieces over the last few months that could build out a capsule on their own, but also integrate into your closet to work with pieces you already have. 

So, you're getting ready for that big work conference and you go into your closet to decide what to wear. 

You see that new blazer you love and realize that it could work perfectly with one of your favorite skirts. You see a blouse that ties the colors together. Quickly you throw on all 3 pieces and realize you just created a new outfit, effortlessly. It needs a simple finishing touch, though you skip the belt because the blouse tucked into the skirt is enough definition and the button on the jacket would compete. Instead, you add a simple necklace, your classic watch stacked with a couple of silver (or gold!) bracelets, and some simple studs. You complete the look with a comfortable pair of lower block heels. And you're out the door!

Now, that's fun! Plus, you keep getting complimented and you're comfortable and confident!

So, if the first Fall Delivery lands in stores by mid-July, that gives you 6-8 weeks to get ahead of your Fall Calendar.  

The Intelligent Style Framework for Curating your Ideal Wardrobe

1. Take a Closet Inventory of what you already have. 

Style is personal -- so your inventory and what that means for what you need is going to be personal too. Some women love a good dress for the one and done outfit. Others, prefer pants. Still others will mix it up between pants, skirts, and dresses. 

What you want is a wardrobe that mixes and matches, not a wardrobe of outfits. 

2. Consider your goals, your events, and anything that has changed that impacts your Style Evolution. 

What does the next evolution of YOU look like as you walk into the room? Most of your closet comes with you through this next evolution, but this informs how you're stepping it up with these new pieces you'll add. 

Are we elevating the colors, the fits, the fabrics? Are we shifting from pants to skirts and dresses? Are we adding the statement jackets to match the authority of that expected promotion? 

3. ID what would add value -- this is your Wardrobe Action Plan

What do you want and what to do you need? For instance, if you were recently promoted and it's time to revamp your wardrobe, you may need more than just 3-5 updates for the Fall. You will still have plenty from your current closet, but you're stepping it up, so your list could look like: 

• 2 blazers -- including 1 that will work with X dress
• 1 fit and flare dress
• 1 power dress
• 1 new dark pant
• 1 printed/textured pant
• 1 new skirt
• 4 new blouses
• 1 dark flat 
• 1 bright heel 

4. Set your Budget

Elevating your wardrobe is an investment in your energy. And yet, there tends to be guilt for women around spending on clothes. We live in a society -- and especially in our work environments -- where your presence creates your opportunities. You can't afford NOT to invest in how you show up. 

So, to build the muscle and give yourself permission -- set your budget and work from there. 

Remember: There is only one letter different between Expensive vs. Expansive. 

If you love a piece, you'll wear it for years to come in so many ways and it's not expensive, it's expansive.

Now, get into action!

If some additional guidance would help, sign up for our free Power Up Your Presence workshop hosted by Boutique Box founder and CEO, Catherine Cassidy:

We don't need to go into a diatribe of the pressures put on women to 'fit in' to society. 

The ideal 'body' has changed numerous times over the course of history. 

So let's just leave it at YOUR BODY IS THE PERFECT BODY. 

Now, since your body has shifted, the best thing you can do for yourself is wear clothes that fit. You don't need a whole new wardrobe, but you do need to make sure you have at least a small assortment of pieces that mix & match that fit & feel good NOW. We hesitate to call it a capsule because that's a trendy word designed to try to simplify style for women. Understandable, but style is so personal and the capsule wardrobe is so formulaic. With Intelligent Style, you'll develop an innate knowing for how to play with the clothes in your closet and know what will add value when you do want to add something new. Each new piece should create 2-3 new outfits. As your wardrobe evolves and your Intelligent Style (ISQ) improves, you'll be able to create 8-10 new outfits with each new piece. 

So this is less about a capsule and more about a foundation.

And so, before you buy anything ...  

STEP ONE: GET IN YOUR CLOSET 

Try everything on!

Assess what fits and what you can wear now. 

Anything that doesn't quite fit or definitely doesn't fit, you can set aside. Ideally, not in your closet. This will help with your clarity for each morning to mix & match a new outfit. 

STEP TWO: PLAY WITH THE PIECES YOU CAN FINAGLE

Some pieces may be too big or a smidge too small, but they can still work. They won't be as comfortable (we do want more comfortable), but they'll get you through the transition until you add more pieces you LOVE beyond the first foundational 5. 

• Jacket that is too big can be belted at the waist. 
• Bottoms that are a smidge too small can be worn with a blouse untucked (but not too big nor too flow-y). 
• That blouse untucked can be belted at the waist, slightly front tucked into the bottom, and/or left to flow if they skim the body.

STEP THREE: ADD YOUR FOUNDATIONAL FIVE

These pieces are intended to work well now and shift with you if you do find your body shifting again. Some you may already have in your closet!

-1- Simple Pant or Skirt

This is basically a great fitting but very versatile bottom. Whether it's a pant or skirt is depending on your work environment and your personal preference. We've found people tend to err towards pants or skirts as a go-to and then like to have some options in the other category for time to time. You know which one you are. 

-2- Great Neutral Long Sleeve Blouse

We love a white blouse, but that doesn't work for everyone. Neutral is something that will literally go with anything -- patterns, darks, lights, etc. This gives you maximum versatility. Then, you add your accessories for color and personality. 

-3- Update your Go-To Blazer with Some Stretch

You may say you don't want to invest in a new blazer when you don't know if you'll shift again, but to have a go-to great blazer changes the game for getting ready quickly. And this is YOUR style of blazer. Maybe that means it's actually a moto, maybe it's a sweater jacket, maybe it's a boyfriend blazer, maybe it's a classic one-button. But, a great blazer is going to usually need to fit pretty close to the body to look it's best, so a style that has some stretch to it will give you more comfort while getting that close to the body fit that makes you look your best. 

-4- An Updated Elevated Casual Bottom

This could be a jean, a skirt, or a stretchy linen pant. We're less business formal these days and we also have lives out of work, so a bottom in a more casual, but still elevated fabric takes us through many occasion. 

-5- Great Knit Short Sleeve Top

A great quality knit reads like a silk blouse for underneath a blazer or with your favorite bottoms, but it gives you the comfort, versatility and flexibility of the knit. Any color, print, etc.