Power, Presence, and the Politics of Style

Mandy Tucker is a Personal Stylist and confidence coach for Midlife professional women. She helps you close the gap between your style and your success – transforming how you show up, lead and feel every day

www.mandytuckerpersonalstylist.com Instagram: @mandytuckerstylist

Last week, I had the honour of being in a room filled with brilliance — women of colour from every corner of industry, and corporate allies who came not just to celebrate Black History Month, but to listen, learn, and connect.

And as I looked around, one thing occurred to me. The style in that room? Unapologetic. Bold. Intentional. There was colour. Texture. Heritage. And that quiet-but-undeniable energy that says: “I am here.” No blending in. No playing small. Just women showing up fully — and stylishly — in their power.

Was I surprised Hell NO!!!… I know how black women can show up, think Tracee Ellis Ross, Grace Jones or Iman the list is endless. But it did remind me of something I see over and over again in my work as a stylist especially with women in Corporate who are on the rise.

There’s an unspoken dress code in corporate culture. And let’s be real — it was never really designed with us in mind. For generations, “professional” has been code for “palatable”. Neat. Neutral. Predictable. Safe. But the modern Black woman in leadership? She’s rewriting that code every single day and I applaud her from sidelines, but know how hard it is to embrace your true authenticity when the leadership team and Board members are looking for a watered down Ally Mcbeal. Look her up if you don’t know.

So, let’s break down what this really means. When a Black woman walks into a room, her presence is already political. Before we even speak, we’re read — through the lenses of bias, expectation, and assumption. And in that split second, our clothes communicate who we are, what we value, and whether we “fit.” But here’s my hot take, and what is often missed! We’re not here to fit. We’re here to stand firm — to define success, leadership, and professionalism on our own terms. And style, in its own not so quiet way, is how we do that. Because style isn’t just about fabric and fit.

It’s a language. A mirror. A declaration. It’s saying: “I define me” on my terms. In the ’80s, “power dressing” meant trying to look like the men who ran the show — shoulder pads, dark suits, sharp lines. But for us, power dressing in this era looks very different. It’s about authentic authority. It’s the freedom to choose colour over camouflage.

To let your heritage and femininity coexist with your expertise. To wear your natural hair, your prints, your statement earrings — and know it’s all still professional.

For the women in the back… wear your braids with pride! Because your wardrobe isn’t about blending in anymore. It’s your visual manifesto — a reflection of who you’ve become and the story you’re still writing. When You Walk Into That Room…

Here’s something I tell my clients all the time: If you’ve ever toned down your style to feel “appropriate,” it’s time to recalibrate. Style, when done with intention and strategy, helps you:

✨ Command attention — without demanding it.

✨ Create consistency — so people remember you for the right reasons.

✨ Conserve energy — because when you know who you are, getting dressed becomes effortless.

Power. Presence. Politics. They’ll always be connected, because corporate spaces expect conformity, it is a way to herd people into the same way of thinking — but you can make it work for you.

So, the next time you’re getting dressed for that big meeting, presentation, or panel, pause and ask yourself: “Am I dressing for acceptance — or for alignment?” Because when your wardrobe aligns with who you really are, something shifts. You stop shrinking. You start shining. And suddenly, your style isn’t just being seen — It’s being felt.

Consider this your official style strategy memo from your Chief Style Officer: confidence has a dress code – and I’m here to help you define in. ……………………………………………………………………….

Black Fashion Through the Decades: A Stylish Revolution Discover how African American fashion evolved from the Harlem Renaissance to modern trends. Explore iconic styles, culture, and the designers who shaped fashion history. (CLICK ON IMAGE TO GO THROUGH TO YOUTUBE LINK)