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Despite the fact that I do it often, speaking before big groups of people — especially peers — makes me nervous. Years ago, I had to give a toast at my best friend's wedding, and consequently, couldn't sleep for a month before. It didn't matter that she was my best friend; the stakes were high, and thus, there was serious pressure to deliver. Recently, another friend, Sophia Amoruso, asked me to interview her at her #GIRLBOSS book-launch event. Sophia herself doesn't make me nervous, but imagining I might blow it on her big day absolutely, positively DID. Deep breathing and Champagne help, but my secret weapon, this time, was a Power Outfit.
TV producer and media coach Tim Braun once extolled to me the specialness of a Power Outfit — a look in your closet you can turn to, again and again, when you need an extra (huge) boost of confidence without even thinking. Giving the toast, acing a big interview, delivering your biggest presentation, even just a promising first date can be terrifying. But, these are opportunities to shine, too, if you're properly armed.
Alber Elbaz once told a story I love about a woman on her way to a particularly horrible divorce hearing. She was wearing a Lanvin dress, and she told Elbaz later on that in that dress, she felt "protected." Exactly. Now, let these seven super-woman looks kick off your own search for the perfect Power Outfit. Because, we all need one, no matter what.
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