What to Wear as a Female Founder & CEO: The Riveter’s Amy Nelson
As part of the #ArmoireForAll campaign, we interviewed Armoire member Amy Nelson. Read on to learn about her background, her style and what she’s wearing.
Her Story
Past. Spent the past 10 years as a corporate litigator, starting her career with a Wall Street law firm. At the same time, she worked in political fundraising to advance pro-choice candidates.
Present. Female founder and CEO of venture-backed start up The Riveter, based in Seattle and Los Angeles. Mama to 3 girls 3 and under.
Future. Growing our remarkable team of Riveters and working hard to build a movement for women and allies!
Her Style
Height… 5′ 6″
Go-to outfit… a dress that shows off my legs — I love v-necks — and a bomber jacket over my shoulders
Mostly dresses for… pitching to VC firms, mingling with The Riveter members, mentoring and growth meetings with my team, and spending time with my daughters of course
Based in… Seattle, WA
What’s your style?
Unapologetically powerful, feminine and edgy, often paired with pumps and a statement jacket. Think: a pop of yellow on a panel, or sleek black pants [I love the ones from Brass] and a blazer for jetting between our locations in LA and Seattle. I’ll wear anything Adrianna Papell.
How does Armoire fit into your life?
When I became a mother, questions I’d had about my career took on a new urgency. I was seeking an answer—or better yet, a solution—to the question I grappled with every day: Is it possible to be the best mother, the best CEO and the best partner all at once? We all make choices and tradeoffs in our lives, but I refused to accept the implicit notion that “wanting it all” was not a real option for women.
Being able to know I can pop downstairs in The Riveter and have exactly what I need to wear — on my next panel, in my next pitch or for my next [rare!] vacation with my family — keeps me sane. Plus, I dress for my body today, 8 months postpartum, knowing that change is constant.
What’s your get sh*t done mode?
Make a plan—but don’t make it perfect. I think sometimes we hold ourselves back by wanting to have all of our ducks in a row, a finalized plan, all unknowns known. But I think starting a business [or anything for that matter] is sometimes an exercise is being okay with 70% “great”—and trusting that you’ll figure out the 30% on the way.
Faster, easier, and more fun than shopping — so you can focus on what matters.