The Elegance Edit: Issue 1

Olga’s Note
Dear Ladies,

Today marks the very first edition of our weekly Elegance newsletter!

Starting now, you’ll receive curated insights and refined tips every Thursday in the morning. Each edition will include current research on body language, elegance, or style, along with timeless elegance tips to elevate your presence.

We’ll also keep you informed about elegant events happening around the globe—so you’ll always be ready to attend with confidence and poise.

And to add a touch of charm, each issue will close with our Elegant Game. The answer? You’ll find it revealed in the following week’s edition.

Thank you for being part of our community. We're so glad you’re here.

Dressing
The Power of Professional Dress

In this first issue, I would like to open a discussion on Executive Presence—the subtle yet powerful force that shapes how we are perceived in professional environments.

According to a 2010 report by Taylor & Francis Group, women often underestimate the impact of visual appearance on their presence. In efforts to integrate and be taken seriously, many have adopted male-influenced styles, suppressing their femininity for fear of being misjudged.

However, executive presence encompasses far more than clothing. It is communicated through grooming, posture, voice, and body language. It’s how you show up—not just what you say. Today, we focus on one critical element: attire.

Dr. Regan A. R. Gurung and his colleagues at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay examined this dynamic in The Journal of Social Psychology (2018). Their study investigated how adherence to institutional dress codes impacts perception. The findings were clear:

• Women dressed in accordance with institutional norms were rated significantly higher in professionalism, intelligence, and competence.

• Their appearance was perceived as more appropriate, less tight, and less revealing.

This demonstrates that dressing in alignment with professional standards is not merely about conformity—it is a strategic tool for influencing first impressions and reinforcing credibility.

When selecting attire, several factors should be carefully considered:

• Your current role and responsibilities;

• The expectations and standards of your industry;

• Your company’s dress code policies;

• Your long-term career goals;

• The specific activities and engagements on your schedule.

Dressing with intention is not superficial. It is a form of communication that conveys confidence, authority, and respect.

In high-stakes environments—client meetings, negotiations, presentations—even details such as footwear are critical. Closed-toe shoes and modest heel heights (ideally under 3 inches) offer the optimal balance of professionalism, functionality, and style.

There is, of course, much more to mastering the art of professional dress. I invite you to join us next week for an in-depth Business Dress Codes class. This session will offer practical insights and nuanced guidance on building a wardrobe that supports your executive presence—refined, elegant, and authentically feminine.

Details are provided below.

Upcoming Events
ONLINE LIVE ZOOM CLASS

BUSINESS DRESS CODES
1:00PM EST
MAY 28, 2025
ONLINE VIA ZOOM - JOIN FROM ANYWHERE

IN-PERSON NYC CLASS

BUSINESS DRESS CODES
6:30PM EST
MAY 28, 2025
MANHATTAN, NYC

Olga’s Tips
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Events
It’s Race Weekend

If you're reading this newsletter on the day it reaches your inbox, you're stepping into one of the most glamorous weekends on the global social calendar: the Monaco Grand Prix. Held in the heart of Monte Carlo since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is more than just a Formula 1 race — it’s an emblem of high society, timeless glamour, and refined European tradition. 

The Monaco Grand Prix reminds us that grace and glamour are not reserved for the red carpet alone—they’re part of how we show up in the world, especially when surrounded by tradition and excellence.

Game
The Elegance Game

In the following week, we will share the answer to this question. Click the answer that you think is right.