Tuesday Takeover: Dean Jennifer Prilliman

Welcome Jennifer Prilliman to takeover this Tuesday! I first had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer in person in her role as Oklahoma City University School of Law’s Associate Dean for Administration and Distance Education when discussing the possibility of teaching a class for OCU Law. However, prior to meeting her, I had been following her social presence and was a fan. Over the pandemic so many of us grew, took on new projects, hobbies, and one I noticed was Jennifer’s running blog. Her story of how she used running as a way to get through the pandemic was inspiring and I immediately wanted to know more about her transformation and how she balances work, home life, and now training for marathons. I’m so excited to share Jennifer’s take on being true to yourself through fashion during this takeover.

I was always a shy and quiet kid. In some ways, I was a typical introverted child. I loved hanging out in my room for hours and reading, writing, and other solitary activities. But I also had extroverted tendencies. I was never afraid to speak in front of a crowd, even though I often struggled with one-on-one conversations with new people or in small groups. I enjoyed spending time with friends, and being involved in school activities, but I tended to be more of an observer, at least until I felt comfortable. As a professional in a highly extroverted field, I have learned to participate more actively in conversations and put myself out there when needed.

Though I was not always verbally expressive, I never had trouble expressing myself through my clothing. It was often how I made myself stand out in a crowd. I loved mixing styles and trying new combinations of my favorite clothing pieces. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Stay True, Not Trendy

I never felt the need to hop on trends or wear what others around me were wearing. I just liked pretty clothes.

To one of my proms, I wore a pair of my grandmother’s silver slingback heels from the early eighties. No one else had my shoes. It was great! I was not intentionally trying to wear vintage clothes, I just loved these pieces that were true to my style.

Clothing was one thing I always did for me, and I always felt confident about it. I dressed to amuse myself, not others.

Expressing is Flexing

I continue to express myself through my clothing, I mix and match current and professional pieces with vintage jewelry or patterned shoes. The legal profession tends to prefer conservative dress, and this was something I lamented as a young lawyer.

It has been so fun to see the rules loosen a bit and to watch women continue to dress professionally but still find ways to express themselves.

My style today is best described as mostly classic, structured pieces with bits of flare for dramatic effect. I love mixing solid color blocks and interesting geometric cuts. I do not wear a lot of prints. I appreciate a good suit, but I tend to gravitate more towards dresses. I love costume jewelry and handmade pieces.

Tailored to Today’s Tone

My clothing is tailored to the day ahead of me and varies as widely as my job. Most of the time, I work as the Associate Dean for Administration at Oklahoma City University. I spend my day interacting with students and faculty, meeting with the Dean and other university and law school leaders, reviewing the work of our vendors and contractors, participating in conference calls and occasionally actually working at my desk.

For work I need to appear professional, but I have a little more leeway than if I were in a more conservative setting like court. I do go to court sometimes, and I try to tone down the flare just a little, without quashing it completely.

Pre-Covid, I frequently had evening events  and activities to attend which varied from children’s recitals and games, to public lectures, networking events, and fundraisers. My clothing has to be wearable all day, allow for breaks to walk outdoors on campus and downtown, sit for half-an hour in a carpool line and then transition to the appropriate evening activity. For kids’ events, I may swap out a suiting jacket for a lighter sweater or top and the heels for softer flats. For an evening event, I would lose the suit jacket, put on bright lipstick, and add a fun purse or accent jewelry to brighten up my outfit.

The ways we choose or choose not to express ourselves through clothing can say a lot about our personality and who we want to project to the world. What I enjoy is seeing people feel confident and comfortable in their skin, or the little ways they find to express themselves even within the confines of our professional uniforms. Whether it is wearing large earrings, their favorite t-shirt, or an Hermes belt, it is delightful to get that little glimpse into who they are.

My only professional dress or fashion advice is to wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident in the moment. GM’s dress code is two words, “Be Appropriate”. I would say “Be You.” And be whichever you, you need and want to be that day.

GET THIS LOOK

Pink shoes – Ted Baker of London

Blue dress – Theory

Red pants – J Crew

Black Tank Top – Banana Republic Factory

Black bag – Tory Burch via Thred Up

Black jacket and black heels – White House Black Market

Gold clutch - Vintage

Jewelry – Vintage necklace, cuff from the Paseo Arts Festival circa 2008, and earrings are unknown, but I have owned them since at least 2005.