Imposter syndrome is a widespread phenomenon that spans all genders, races, ages and is in many (if not all) fields of work. This collection of feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success is very common among highly successful people. A Harvard Business Review Article wrote;
“They seem unable to internalize their accomplishments, however successful they are in their field. High achieving, highly successful people often suffer, so imposter syndrome doesn’t equate with low self-esteem or a lack of self-confidence… some researchers have linked it with perfectionism, especially in women and among academics.”
Imposter feelings can have a large impact on how one presents themselves to the world. This is evident in not only how they carry themselves and how they act but ALSO affects their style of dress. In working with many high-achieving women, especially in the medical field, I have seen imposter syndrome play out in someone’s wardrobe in three common ways.
1. The desire to blend in – you already feel you don’t belong so maybe if you try to look like everybody else no one will find out you actually *don’t belong*.
2. The wish to be perceived as “serious” to convey competence - You worry if you dress in a way that highlights your uniqueness others might think you "care too much about how you look" or that "you aren't very serious about your position/career/title" and that that translates to your skills and abilities.
3. The struggle of comparison - When you look to others in your field who you admire you think "she/he can pull it off because they are _________" <-- fill in the blank here (eg. smarter than me, more talented than me, more capable than me . . .).
Overcoming imposter syndrome isn’t as easy as the simple advice “dress for success!”. It can take a lot of intentional mind work. This article by the American Psychological Association eloquently summarizes seven strategies to help overcome imposter feelings.
I don’t want imposter syndrome to hold you in a style rut. Embracing a style that aligns with *YOU* can aid in the m i n d s h i f t to "yes I do belong here". Being intentional with decisions in how you present yourself to the world can shift your energy to a place of confidence in your abilities and accomplishments.
Learn to use style to get one step closer to showing up unapologetically you and taking credit for the achievements and abilities that got you where you are!
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