Reinventing Your Career (and How to Look Great Doing It)
A few weeks ago TSALT posted an inspirational piece celebrating our friend Ginny Brzezinski’s book Comeback Careers that she co-authored with her sister-in-law, Mika Brzezinski. I thought it would be fitting to build on Tamara’s piece with a little style inspiration. Ginny and I met on the playground at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy when our children were in kindergarten. In fact, she was part of the group of women who encouraged and supported me when my part-time job at that sweet little boutique called Hysteria turned into a full-time position launching me into a world of fashion and styling. Ginny’s relaunch landed her a spot on the Today Show recently where she shares her own moment of overcoming self-doubt and pushing through the psychological barriers we all create out of fear. One of my favorite takeaways from Ginny’s Today Show segment is you need to fear never trying, don’t fear failure. Comeback Careers will walk you through how to reframe your value. Ageism does exist but understanding how to overcome our own limitations and have realistic expectations will put you in the right mindset to create the opportunities.
I asked Ginny to give me a synopsis of the book along with a few things she advises when you are considering returning to work after a “career pause.’
“Returning to work after a career break or reinventing a career at age 40, 50, or beyond shouldn’t be an uphill battle. That’s why Mika and I wrote Comeback Careers – to get women confident, current, connected and crushing it, at any age. The book is a blueprint for anyone looking to relaunch a career, turn a side hustle into a main event, pivot to a new field, or simply find purpose, fulfillment, and a steady paycheck. We have a plan for everything you need to know, from regaining confidence, calling BS on ageism, and owning your story to revving up your networks, rebooting your resume, dealing with a resume gap, updating rusty skills, creating a killer LinkedIn profile, and so much more. It’s your reinvention roadmap.”
~ Ginny Brzezinski
Ginny’s top five things you need to do (and the corresponding CC chapter!) if you are considering a return to work after a career pause:
- Blue sky your future. Figure out what it is you want to do. (hint: it might be different than what you used to do.) (chapter 4)
- Update accordingly! Get current in your field: read, research, reach out, take on pro bono work, strategically volunteer. (chapter 5)
- Get your pitch down. Be able to tell your career story in a way that shows your value and connects you to the right professional opportunities. (chapter 6)
- Rev up your networks – online and IRL – start having strategic conversations. Let people know you are looking and what you are looking for. (chapter 8)
- Embrace LinkedIn – put together a profile that gets you discovered! (chapter 9)
Below I have created examples on Ginny that take her from interviews to speaking engagements. The outfits below don’t have to be purchased all at once but incrementally. The trick is to build on your investments to create an overall continuity.
The Interview
My advice is to do what may seem unnatural when you don’t have the job and go out and treat yourself to a power outfit. Consider it Wonder Woman’s cape. I believe you dress for the job you ultimately want and execute that hands-on hip power stance, look in the mirror and tell yourself aloud, “I’ve got this!”
The Jacket – Veronica Beard Theron Blazer available at The Hive
The Shell – Elie Tahari Judith Shell in Fresh Pearl available at TSALT
The Pants – Veronica Beard Zip Back Scuba Pant in Black available at The Hive
The Shoes – French Soles Flirt Pump in Black available at The Shoe Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
The Second Interview
You may find yourself in a very business casual environment which is becoming more the norm. You have an opportunity to show how relatable you are as you take it down a notch. This type of dress is very useful as a lifestyle dress as well. If the dress feels unfinished with the self-belt, try adding a little statement with a belt like this one from Veronica Beard. Notice I am using the same shoe…you still don’t have the job but are in a classic pump that will work with most outfits.
The Dress – L’Agence Rivi Long Shirtdress in Olive at The Hive
The Necklace – ASHA Lantern Cage Charm (chain sold separately) at The Shoe Hive
The Belt – Veronica Beard Cinzia Belt at The Hive
The Shoe – French Soles Flirt Suede Pump in Black available at The Shoe Hive
The First Day
Utilizing the same necklace and shoe will help you slowly build your wardrobe. I’m suggesting adding a stylish and “on trend” pant that sends the message that you are a modern woman. This pant is absolutely stunning since it is high waisted and really accentuates the waist giving a great opportunity for a belt. The leopard print comes in play in an upcoming look – here it is an interesting print that reads neutral without choosing a white or ivory solid top.
The Shirt – A.L.C. Emerson Top in Leopard available at The Hive
The Pant – A.L.C. Colin Pant in black available at The Hive
The Belt – W. Kleinberg Hermes 1 1/4” Strap Belt available at The Hive
The Shoe – French Soles Flirt Suede Pump in Black available at The Shoe Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
Staff Meetings
Get in front of your peers in a look that speaks a little authority while remaining feminine with this leopard skirt that offers quite a bit of sashay when you walk. Diversity of looks is part of the key to getting dressed day to day. Learning how to use separates well will keep the amount of pieces you own tight.
The Shell – Elie Tahari Judith Shell in Fresh Pearl available at TSALT
The Blazer – Veronica Beard Scuba Jacket in Black available at The Hive
The Skirt – A.L.C. Lev skirt in leopard available at The Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
The Shoe – French Soles Flirt Suede Pump in Black available at The Shoe Hive
The Belt – W. Kleinberg 2 3/8” Contoured Calf Covered Buckle belt available at The Hive
Client Meetings
Now we have the look of a dress with your separates! Client meetings usually mean you want to bring your A game. Making the most out of less is executed so well with items such as the Emerson blouse and the Lev skirt from A.L.C. Use the Scuba blazer in the early spring to get to work and then take it off for the rest of the day as you appear to be wearing a dress – Buy Less, Choose Well!
The Blazer – Veronica Beard Scuba Jacket in Black available at The Hive
The Skirt – A.L.C. Lev skirt in leopard available at The Hive
The Shirt – A.L.C. Emerson Top in Leopard available at The Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
The Shoe – French Soles Flirt Suede Pump in Black available at The Shoe Hive
Speaking Engagements
Public speaking or media spots require clean and clear attire. Prints can add a lot of distraction so I suggest using color to your advantage. This beautiful Moonstone color makes a stunning suit. I love pairing it with the navy shoe seen here. Another suggestion would be to rotate in the Theron Veronica Beard blazer from the Interview Look with the Nigel pant or even try something like the Angelica Dress in Navy with the Oren jacket. Utilizing accessories such as belts, necklaces, and even scarves can really pull unexpected items together and brings more overall value to your wardrobe.
The Jacket – A.L.C. Oren Jacket in Moonstone available at The Hive
The Pant – A.L.C. Nigel pant in Moonstone available at The Hive
The Tank – Veronica Beard Sandra Tank in Off-White available at The Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
The Shoe – AGL Navy Snake Embossed Sandal available at The Shoe Hive
Casual Friday
It’s the end of the week and you’ll be channeling “easy breezy” in a khaki A.L.C. shirtdress. You’ll be finishing the week strong by simply subbing out an elevated belt and some sensational shoes…it must be payday!
The Dress – A.L.C. Emma Dress available at The Hive
The Necklace – Lizzie Fortunato Daisy Chain Necklace available at The Hive
The Belt – W. Kleinberg Hermes 1 1/4” Strap Belt (reversible navy to tan) available at The Hive
The Shoe – Rodo Navy & Tan Heel available at The Shoe Hive
