[JUICEBOX_GALLERY]
MANILA FABULOUS — HBO has a knack for filling its original TV series with female characters who reflect a range of archetypes that real women love to dissect, and to a certain extent, emulate. From 1998 to 2004, Sex and the City did this for Generation X. Less than a decade after SATC concluded, the cable network replicated the phenomenon for the younger set with Girls.
These shows, however, indulge frivolous fantasies about work life. After all, not everyone can be a gallerina, a freelance writer, or a PR maven with a very flexible schedule. HBO breaks the habit with The Newsroom, which offers a slightly more realistic view of corporate life in big media.
The program itself is aware of previous vain portrayals of these urbane heroines. In the first season’s finale, distressed producer Margaret “Maggie” Jordan flips out after being splashed by a SATC tour bus: “I’m a typical single woman in New York City! I don’t wear heels to work because the typical woman’s job doesn’t exclusively involve gallery openings! And I know Carrie must’ve made boatloads writing her eight-hundred-word column for a newspaper no one’s ever heard of, but I just spent my last seven dollars having a bite with my best friend, who, by the way, is not available at 3:00 p.m. on a Wednesday to console me about some guy because she, too, has a job!”
Further, the show takes on a new angle to the group of ladies represented in the cast. Instead of contemporaries in similar stages of diverse careers, it presents women in different levels of one vocation, from intern to owner of a media conglomerate.
Although The Newsroom still injects a healthy dose of melodrama into the workplace, it easily conveys the fact that, at a minimum of 40 hours per week, our jobs consume our existence. Its characters, therefore, are worth analyzing to obtain some self-administered career Rx. Style cues included, of course.
In anticipation of the Philippine premiere of the second season on August 5 at 9:00 p.m., here is a breakdown of the female leads and what their wardrobe says about them, plus some advice on how to dress for success in the mold of each protagonist.
Jennifer Johnson, News Intern
Jennifer is the university student who, at the start of the series, asks News Night anchor Will McAvoy the question that sparked his infamous tirade about US social ills: What makes America the greatest country in the world?
At the end of the first season, she applies for an internship at the program because she has grown to admire Will’s brand of journalism. In the second season, we’ll see her trade in her jeans and hoodie for short-sleeved blouses and nondescript trousers – perfect for running around on higher-ups’ errands.
If you are a student on OJT, keep campus casuals out of the office like Jennifer.
Draw focus to the face with tops that have neck and chest details such as a Peter Pan collar or a pintucked bib. Wear tailored pants in sturdy, low-maintenance fabrics combined with flats or low heels, preferably in leather. Jewelry and accessories should be minimal. The idea is to show that you are invested in extending your stay beyond school credit, and are ready to work hard for it. Your outfit would never, ever, get in the way of any task.
Maggie Jordan, Associate Producer
The aforementioned crazy who took out her stress on gawking tourists, Maggie is smart and full of potential, but is insecure and easily frazzled. The first season shows her many lapses of judgement, primary of which are double office romances. But her undeniable diligence keeps her upwardly mobile.
Maggie favors cardigans, A-line skirts and button-down shirts, or relaxed sheath dresses. She’s in ballet flats to keep her comfortable during crunch time.
In the early years of your career, polish your look by adding skirts and dresses to the rotation as projecting some amount of poise counts in being considered for a promotion. Remember, though, that you still don’t have delegating authority – so choose footwear that still allows you to be nimble.
Sloan Sabbith, Financial News Reporter
Here, the power dressing truly begins. Sloan panders to the hot news anchor stereotype by taping her segments in tight skirt suits and low necklines, albeit in staid colors. But then she transcends it by educating the public on fiscal issues using her Ph.D. in economics.
She is proof that even with tremendous skill, some amount of charm never hurts in getting the job done. To avoid undermining her, especially as she takes on more primetime appearances, the second season tones down the cleavage with a parade of cowl necklines, but the body-conscious silhouettes remain.
So, at the cusp of opportunity when you are most visible to the decision-makers, balance feminine allure with the strength of your abilities. Your clothing should fit impeccably, but should not be too showy that they distract from your credentials. Have a deep-V blazer and 3-inch pumps in your arsenal to pair with your favorite pieces.
Mackenzie McHale, Executive Producer
Mac, the idealistic E.P. behind the revamp of News Night, is probably the most set in her style among the ladies: silk shirt, pencil skirt, pumps, necklace, tiny hoop earrings, watch.
What does this tell us? That the most successful women cannot be bothered – just find a uniform that works and stick to it. Make sure to update it with the season’s key hues and a few new trinkets.
Along with Sloan, Mac is a testament to the shoulder-grazing bob being the hairstyle of choice for the modern thinking woman. It’s chic when left down but long enough to tie when you need to get down and dirty (for Mac that means show time, with a headset on top).
Leona Lansing, Atlantis World Media Owner
Arguably an antagonist in the series, Leona Lansing watches over News Night like a hawk, trying to prevent the program from hurting the viability and influence of her cable network. But there are hints that she understands and appreciates Will and the team’s courageous take on the news.
The way Leona wields power is reflected in her outfits – heavily feathered and highlighted hair, suits in richly textured fabrics, long strands of fat pearls – which is to say, quite comfortably.
Leona’s message is: at the peak of your success, don’t be afraid to display the fruits of your labor. To the public, they are signals to the respect earned, even before others witness your talent.
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