Kerry Washington thinks her red-carpet style influences her career success

Speaking to InStyle, Kerry shared: "[Earlier] in my career, there was this project that I really loved and it went to another actor. I knew that part of why she got it was she was more of a red carpet It Girl.

"I was asleep at the wheel of my own marketing. I thought if you're just a good actor, you'll get the roles. But it turns out, no, you also have to market yourself because, again, you are your instrument. You are walking around in the car you're trying to sell. It should be shiny and waxed.

"I didn't understand that that was part of the game. But I realised there's a possibility that I could optimise my opportunities if I step into this world."

Kerry ultimately turned to Tracee Ellis Ross, her showbiz pal, for some style advice. And the turnaround was immediate, according to the actress.

She explained: "I called Tracee Ellis Ross - best teacher ever. She's got generational wisdom of fashion.

"Once I started to play the game, I saw the impact immediately. You're in different conversations, showing up in the weekly magazines. Now you're a person! In the world! Who exists!"

Kerry's family put "a real premium on intelligence and hard work" during her younger years, but the actress has created a persona called Red Carpet Kerry in recent times.

The Hollywood star explained: "I was raised in a household [where] my mom put a real premium on intelligence and hard work and less on appearances and fashion and beauty. It wasn't her wheelhouse.

"Red Carpet Kerry allowed me to play in that fashion and beauty space. It gave me permission to do that and not feel like I was compromising my values in some way.

"As I've gotten older, it's been part of the journey for me, integrating all of these selves. You can love a couture show and still work for the White House. You can be all of those things."