How to look intimidating?

[MagicalHamSandwich]

Slightly unusual one possibly: I'm having some business contacts come over for a few days. They're not people I'm on good terms with. They've also announced that they'll be managing our joint venture - I'm having none of this (they're basically Ineffectiveness Plc) and need to scare them into submission. Or that's the plan.

Unfortunately for me I'm pathologically friendly (I can work with that), very slender and basically look like a 13-year-old with unlikely wrinkles. I need to look scary and to achieve that I need some serious help!

I'm so far thinking midi pencil skirt (aggressively red or governess black?), updo, stiletto heels and ...

Would black eyeliner be too much? Bright red lipstick? What to wear on top? A blouse or some serious I dare you to look cleavage?

I'm basically going for a look that says 'poorly masked danger'. Any pointers?

[ApocalypseNowt]

Have you got glasses you can peer over the top of? Or take them off and gesture with them?

Otherwise i like your ideas. Look immaculate. Hair up, severe. Yes to red lipstick. Black pencil skirt.

[CheersMedea]

Anything severe and super-smart should work.

Sharp tailoring - smart suits.
Black. Lots of black.
I'd say no cleavage or anything sexual. Sexuality on show indicates a desire to attract men (ie. seeking approval) so is the actual opposite of intimidating (unless you are going to go Liberace/Lilly Savage!)

Heels to increase height - high heeled boots if you can't take court shoes.

DON'T have crazy weird makeup that you wouldn't normally wear (red lipstick, eye liner) because it will make you feel self-conscious and that will undermine the effect.

This kind of look really - a bit masculine but smart -

www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2907658/Kristen-Stewart-dons-menswear-inspired-outfit-Stella-McCartney-event.html

[Buttercup443]

Straight sleek lines, no patterns except stripes. I'd wear a dark pair of trousers, like cigarette pants, small heels or nice ballet shoes, a white business shirt and a black or blue blazer open.

Add a nice scarf or jewellery and put on neutral make up and a good lippy.

Act confident, it's your own space. Be polite but stop yourself from babbling. I had problems with that until I learnt to use the 'pause', just learn to keep quiet and let them do most of the talking. Learn to endure silence, don't fill it.

I'd also have tea, water, juices and biscuits on the table with enough glasses and a carafe so you're not having to play servant. They have to help themselves. Sit with your back to the window and let them squint into the sunlight.

[vichill]

I think I'd find it a bit weird having a business meeting with someone who had vamped up.
I think being prepared, assertive with a strong delivery are going to be more effective than tits and red lips.

[MoreGilmoreGirls]

Agree avoid cleavage and red lips too obvious. Trouser suit, heels, shirt, chunky masculine jewellery, no scarves. Good luck

[CheersMedea]

I would add that I think you should be focussing on a look of power rather than danger. So boardroom no sex.

[breezeharbour]

look like this and strike this pose when they walk in

sorry I can't do serious I'm the least intimidating and most scruffy person ever. I can only do steely glares when pushed :(

[HairySubject]

I would avoid being overly sexy too it will undermine your authority. I would go smart tailoring, slim line trousers with a cami and blazer.
Natural but immaculate makeup, perfect nails and hair up in a tidy style.

[rubybleu]

Tailored suit (jacket plus dress, trousers, pencil skirt) and good jewellery.

Basically dress like a female City law partner.

I would be raising an eyebrow if someone turned up to a meeting with me with vamped up makeup and boobs on show. Very unlikely to be intimidated by it!

[whitershadeofpale]

As you're slim I think you could rock the androgynous look. Well taloured black trousers and jacket, white shirt, high heels. All clean, straight lines. Look as tall as possible.

[EdithWeston]

Black suit, traditional cut, knee length (give or take). Pencil skirt fine if not tight. Shirt that looks like a man's shirt, or a shell (maybe in taupe or some other non-eye catching neutral). Black court shoes not more than about 2inches, no stilettos.

Hair smart, but not overly done. Discreet makeup.

Think Margaret Thatcher, but not such bright colours (she needed to stand out for the cameras, you don't) and without the pussycat bows, or Hillary Clinton/Angela Merkel if you prefer trousers.

[Leigh1980]

Do this! Very intimidating 😂😂😳😱

[cressetmama]

Power jewellery. Like a very stylish brooch on an ultra plain suit... and yes, definitely a suit. Says you haven't done more than a man, and don't need to. The rest, I agree. Plain, understated. You aim to project effortless power and authority. Don't talk too much.

[burnishedsilver]

I suggest going more Margaret Thatcher than vamp.

[MagicalHamSandwich]

Margaret Thatcher might work!

The thing is, I'm in consulting - the city lawyer look is my everyday uniform (and theirs). I'm trying for something that will confuse them - preferably queen bitch!

[IguanaTail]

Keep your head totally still.
Say fewer words rather than more.
Hold their gaze.
Leave gaps after they speak before you do. Don't feel awkward with a loud ticking clock.
Don't apologise or giggle.
Have your papers in order and with a smart clip, not a stripey paperclip or anything "fun". Use "I" and clear, short phrases a lot. "I will need to give that some thought"; "that is my decision" "could you explain that please?" "I will give you my decision in due course". Get some phrases ready "your plan does not align with my vision"; "I am not satisfied that this proposal meets the needs of our company". Etc.

Clothes: dark, smart.
Face: minimal make up

The intimidation does not come from the way you dress after 3 seconds, it comes from the way you move and act. Movements should be slow, calm, deliberate.

[MrsNoraCharles]

Looking very the top of glasses is hugely helpful to me when I want to be quelling. I was mega-excited when I got to the age I could wear reading glasses.

Looking vaguely disappointed when people speak is also a good skill.

And a bit weary.

[SayAGreatBigThankyou]

Angles -so pointed shoes/boots rather than rounded ones, sharp bob rather than an updo, hard as opposed to slouchy leather bag.

[AwkwardSquad]

Do NOT wear heels unless you are very confident when walking in them. Women wobbling or teetering or taking tiny little steps do not look confident and in control.

[HappyGirlNow]

I don't think you'll look intimidating as you described in the OP, I think you would be in danger of looking like an 80s power dressing caricature..

Surely it's more to do with your manner than what you wear?

[PirateSmile]

It's all about your attitude. When I want to look scary I sniff. Sounds crazy but it works, although I wouldn't recommend it in a business context
A bit of passive aggression could work? If somebody is droning on, why not say "as fascinating as this conversation is..."
I sound like an absolute bitch

[Brillenbar]

Iguana has it so right about keeping your head still. Try it on your partner for 2 mins -head still, hands still, fixed gaze. Your confidence level soars because you are in control.

Otherwise, don't do sexy. Neat and minimalist. The best place for a real power dress is the fold.

[Toffeelatteplease]

Think about how you use space. Ive noticed Men are very good at filling as much if the available space as possible, making themselves physically bigger. So for example when they sit at a table them might open up a large A4 note book (with the cover and notebook), stretch to reach a jug of water slowly pour it put the cup right at the edge of "their" space and stretch to put the jug back.

[SmellOfPythonInTheMorning]

"Tales of your incompetence do not interest me"

Maybe watch Devil Wears Prada?

[travailtotravel]

OOh, I'm making some notes here. I am loving the sit back facing the window one - make the bastards squint. Don't pull the blinds.