When it came time to create The Duos, we had our women in mind. Women who have plenty to do and need their wardrobes to roll with them from daycare dropoff, to boardroom, to flexing their creativity at night. We wanted these pairs to work for your life, not simply fit into it.

Our 3 Duo models exemplify the hustle and flow of the pair they wore. They are amazing women from our local community who inspire us with their robust lives and dedication to making changes in their closets and (far) beyond. We asked them each about what they take into consideration as they get ready to take on all that they each accomplish in a day.

Molly, The Essential Duo

Molly is a special education teacher, a policy fellow and the founder of Boston Women's Market.

What do you think about when getting ready for work? What are you considering when it comes to your outfit and what you want to wear?

On any given day, I’m teaching, designing curriculum, working on policy briefs, or attending meetings. My days are long and my nights are packed, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So when I get ready in the mornings, I pick pieces that are comfortable and versatile. But equally important to me is showcasing my strength, creativity, and confidence. That means that I might wear the same pair of black work pants 3 days in a row, but I’ll be dressing them up 3 different ways for whatever each unique day brings. 

How does appearance play a role in how you present yourself every day? 

I believe appearance is deeply personal and one of the most visible forms of self-expression. People aren’t static. Teacher Molly is different from Weekend Molly, who is different from Molly, founder of BWM. I’m constantly changing and adapting to all the different roles I take on and different facets of my personality and my appearance reflects that. Wearing a crop top doesn’t make me any less powerful than a cashmere sweater, it just reflects a different side of a very dynamic woman. 

Lucinda, The Level-Up Duo

Lucinda is the founder of consulting company focused on improving communication in corporate cultures, particularly in regards to gender bias.

What do you think about when getting ready for work? What are you considering when it comes to your outfit and what you want to wear?

I think about what I’m going to be doing that day and what clothes will help me feel most confident and comfortable in those situations. Am I going to be really active? Inside or outside? Sitting or standing? With a new group of people or some I’ve built a relationship with? Sometimes it feels a little bananas to think about everything I consider (consciously or semi-consciously) when I’m getting dressed, but it’s definitely the reality of being a woman in the workplace

How does appearance play a role in how you present yourself every day? 

I think of the output and the input of my appearance. The output is the presence I convey to the world around me and the input is what I perceive those around me think or will think of how I look. I absolutely know my appearance has lost or won me business opportunities in the past. I also know if I’m not completely comfortable I can’t present my best self, so there’s a real component of deciding to wear what I feel gives me the kinds of feelings I want on a given day, regardless of what others think.

Lauren, The Non-Stop Duo

Lauren is a Startup Operations Manager and a Creative Community Advocate.

What do you think about when getting ready for work? What are you considering when it comes to your outfit and what you want to wear?

When getting ready for work I have to consider a range of things. I work at a startup where business casual is the norm, but when I go to external meetings with partners and clients I need to dress more professionally. I also do a lot of creative and community-based projects opposite my day job, so being able to transition my outfit is a must. I always want my wardrobe to reflect my personal style, so I tend to accessorize over simple pieces so I can easily change my look from casual to professional and from day to night. 

How does appearance play a role in how you present yourself every day? 

Appearance always plays a role in my day, as I need to represent the business I work for, the groups I represent, and my own personal brand all at once. What I wear is important to me because it’s an outward manifestation of my inner creativity but also my poise and business savvy. Your clothing also affects your mood, so I like to rotate pieces that make me feel most empowered and strong. Sometimes that means a leather jacket over a loose cotton dress and a bandana on my neck, sometimes that means a long tunic with fitted black pants and tall boots, other times it’s a chic sweater over a skirt with tights and flats. I like to mix and match, but no matter, I pair outfits that make me look and feel my best!