Debate
:ebateD FOR Dr. Claire Nightingale, Consultant Anaesthetist, Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
P
ower Dressing: A clothing style intended to convey the impression of assertiveness and competence. As long as humans have worn garments, there has been an element of power dressing. If one thinks of tribal chieftains, Roman Emperors and ancient Egyptians, it is clear that clothing can be used to signify power and influence. The term “Power dressing” was first recorded in the New York paper the Post-Standard in September 1979. It reflects the style of dress worn by influential women of the time, including Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana and the cast of Dynasty and Dallas. All of whom became and still remain iconic people in their fields. The aim of power dressing is to convey that you mean business, that you are a competent and successful person. This is very true of millions of Chinese who, with their increasing influence on the world stage, have changed from wearing Mao suits 20 years ago, to being avid consumers of European fashion.
I believe that if attention is shown to the way you dress, your patients will hopefully feel they are in the care of a person who takes pride in their profession and has high standards and regard for detail, meaning they have more confidence in you and respect your judgment. In the past women often felt that they had to emulate men in the way they dressed in order to be taken seriously, however with increasing equality, the rules are relaxing and women now feel confident to dress in a more feminine manner. Giorgio Armani, the fashion designer, recently said that women no longer need to wear powerful clothes in order to earn respect from their colleagues. However, style is as relevant as it has always been, and women need fashion to make them feel confident, to elevate them to a higher sphere and therefore raise expectations of what we can achieve. My view is summarised by the singer Sam Cooke who said, “I dress my best because I want to give my very best”.
ON THE FENCE Dr Ceri Murphy, FY1, Leicestershire
P
resentation in today’s society is becoming increasingly more important. ‘Power dressing’ began in the 1980s as a fashion phenomenon characterised by women’s suits with shoulder pads, shorter skirts and stilettos. Not exactly functional attire for a medic! Self-presentation initially propagated, seemingly related to female empowerment in the workplace; and thereafter became a way of women feeling both confident and capable in their professional environment. For the modern working woman, power dressing is a way of evoking a desired reaction from those around us. If utilised conservatively, the way we present ourselves can be extremely striking and powerful. This is a useful extra tool for medical women aiming for promotion and/or career progression whilst simultaneously fitting in maternity leave and/or a family life. However, readers beware for if the mark is overstepped such that one’s presentation [is expressed] or takes on a sexual manner www.medicalwomensfederation.org.uk
then the respect of peers and patients alike is instantly lost. Abusing one’s sexuality in this way undermines your credibility as a female doctor. We are placed not just in a position of complete trust but are also expected to have a more approachable side than our male counterparts. For example, Margaret Thatcher only ever referred to her makeover as ‘advertising’ when she became Prime Minister (and she never had any cleavage on show). She demonstrated better than most that it takes more to command the attention of a room and retain its respect than flashing a bit of flesh. Undoubtedly, it is imperative to maintain a smart and personable professional manner in the workplace, but there is nothing wrong with dressing to command people’s attention. However, making ourselves inferior by over sexualising the persona of the female doctor won’t win us any battles and will serve only to keep that ‘boys club’ door firmly closed. 21