It’s Friday and as I was pondering over what to wear, I recalled with great fondness how Equally Fierce once advised me, with the best of intentions, that I ought to reconsider my dressing, after I was promoted to a global role.

Come to think of it, I’ve only ever dressed “appropriately” in the first few years at my first job. I put that down to a huge desire to blend into what was a conservative corporate environment, and to conform to the stereotype of a “professional/serious/intelligent young woman”. Hence, sensible suits. Pant suits a la Angela Merkel and skirt suits a la the Queen! Ok, collect your jaws from the floor. That phase didn’t last very long.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I don’t show up in the office in leather (Christine Lagarde, admirably, did – leather pants AND jacket), shorts (I’m not into the Singaporean “uniform” of shorts and T-shirts) or midriff baring tops and cut-out dresses (I did get the memo that The Firm is not Hollywood). What I do is embrace fashion. That means I am attuned to fashion trends, and will build into my wardrobe elements that work for me (note: I’m not a fashion victim). Florals? Check. Prints? I love Mary Katrantzou. Culottes? Sure. Pleats? So long as they don’t add bulk. Short skirts? Depends on your definition of short, but don’t worry, no minis. Metallic brogues? Why not, on casual Fridays. Otherwise, it’s killer heels. Four inches, no less. Median is probably five.

Of course, there are pitfalls. People on first meeting me tend to assume I’m very junior, maybe even ditzy (stereotypes, remember?). I recall attending meetings with a former male subordinate and the assumption would invariably be that he was my boss – until I opened my mouth. I must confess to enjoying, just a teeny bit, the surprised look on those faces. I can’t help it if people judge this book by its glossy cover, but I can at least have some fun out of it, no?

At times I do wonder if I ought to play the game a bit better. You know, go back to the suits, and embrace sensible footwear. I have not found the conviction though. I mean, I can see how Alexander McQueen or Roland Mouret can be a constraint if I’m trying to get the most out of a buffet, but getting the most of my team? I can certainly appreciate how Bata and Geox would perform far better than Jimmy Choo or Sergio Rossi if I’m running after a bus, but running a business? Everything I ought to give to my job – my time, my brain cells, my energy – I give 110% (though my boss may disagree..!). This final bit, my fashionista wannabe identity, I’d like to keep for myself. I hope this won’t affect my chances at breaking the glass ceiling, but time will tell.