“A great shoe can change everything”
No two days are ever the same for Neena Jivraj Stevenson. As the MD of The Sloane Club – currently in the midst of a relaunch, complete with fresh uniforms designed by Field Grey – she’s just as likely to be on a construction site as she is hosting members or pitching to investors. So she needs a wardrobe to keep up. A fan of go-with-everything neutrals and sharp tailoring, Neena’s style is cool, calm and collected – with a side of sparkle. For our latest edition of My Uniform, we chatted about the power of a great heel, owning your femininity in the boardroom and the invaluable fashion advice she learned from her mum.
Hi Neena. Do you have a typical ‘work uniform’?
I do wear a lot of black. Generally I’m quite understated in the way I dress. I don’t wear many bright colours or patterns, it’s lots of neutrals. Jewellery and make-up are my little ways of making an outfit mine. I never leave the house without my eyeliner – ever – even if it’s just to go to the supermarket! Also earrings – I have a few piercings in each ear, so those are a constant.
What are you wearing in the photo you shared? Is it typical of your day-to-day work wardrobe?
I’m wearing Zara, and I think the shoes are LK Bennett. I do have two ends to my wardrobe for The Sloane Club. If I’m going to be visible to members or representing the brand, I’ll make more of an effort – heels, something smart and polished. But if I’m running between meetings and the construction site, it’s more likely to be a jumper dress, tights and loafers.
How do you adapt your outfits to different parts of your day?
Sometimes it’s as simple as popping on a good pair of heels or a swipe of lipstick, it can just move you from one part of your day to another. A great shoe can change everything. Clothes are a bit like a coat of armour – they help you show up the way you want to. So I’m mindful of what I wear, but I also like to be accessible to my team, so I’ll sometimes show up in jeans and trainers because why not?
Are there specific pieces that give you a confidence boost?
A good blazer always helps. I’ve also got quite into a good suit – a tailored trouser, a good blazer, a pair of heels and a simple body underneath. That always helps me to feel more confident, especially if I’m going to be talking in front of people. But equally I think there’s always room for a really good dress and heels. I’ll generally favour a flowey midi length dress, something quite feminine. I think it’s important to own your space as a woman around the table, and sometimes the way to do that is to wear a really good dress.
Do you have any favourite brands or go-to designers?
Zara is a staple, and I love Rixo for feminine dresses. Right now, the office is having a bit of a Me+Em moment. For jewellery, I wear an elegant watch and simple diamond studs most days. They give me a little sparkle and boost my confidence. I also have two bracelets with my kids’ names on them. I wear them everywhere.
How do you dress off duty – do you ever slob out?
I’m that mum – leggings, socks over the top, oversized sweaters and trainers! But I’ll always put my eyeliner on, even if I’m just going to the park on the weekend.
Has your style changed over time?
I’ve always kept an eye on trends but I’ve stayed true to neutral and understated. My mum taught me the power of a great handbag and shoes to elevate a look, and I still live by that advice.
Field Grey worked on The Sloane Club’s new uniforms. What was important to you when designing them?
We really wanted the uniforms to reflect the essence of The Sloane Club – elegant but welcoming. Field Grey really got under the skin of what we were trying to achieve, from a brand and experience point of view. We’re creating experiences for people through people. And your uniform is part of that first impression. It gives people their identity at work. And it’s really important we get that right.
How do you feel about the results?
They’re beautiful. There’s an elegance and a simplicity to the uniforms because they need to sit in some really ornate spaces without jarring. At the same time, clever accessories allow staff to express their individuality. Like with the Readywear neckerchiefs. I can imagine those being worn all over the place – in people’s hair, round their wrists or necks… And we want to give them license to experiment, because that’s people bringing themselves to work, and that’s really important.
Watch out for a sneak peek of The Sloane Club’s new uniforms -– coming soon!
Photography: Sam Walton, Raft Creative https://raftcreative.com/