Showing Off Your Personal Style at Work
/Most of us have boring assumptions of what we can wear to work. We’re used to certain rules about what we’re “allowed” to wear to work. For us women, it can be especially tough to find a balance between comfort and formality and stylishness and professionalism. It’s time to let go of these rules and to add some of your personal style into your work wardrobe.
Showing your personality through your style can actually be beneficial, especially in client-facing roles. People want to do business with people they know, like and trust. By dressing in a way that shows off your personality you show you’re a person, you’ll appear interesting, and you’ll stand out.
Conversely, wearing attire that’s too professional creates social distance. When you’re all buttoned up or always in the same plain black dress, you may be seen as stuffy or stuck up and boring. This also gives off a very linear vibe and may give the impression that you’re not a creative thinker, not approachable, unrelatable, and unapproachable.
Hopefully, I’ve convinced you that you should be incorporating at least a little bit of your personal style into your work wardrobe. Now you may be wondering exactly HOW you can incorporate your style into work in a way that makes you feel confident but not in the same way as if you’re going to rock concert.
To decide how much of your personal style you can add to your wardrobe you should consider your industry and whats going on in your office. Do you work in a traditional industry (lawyers, doctors, accountants)? If yes, then you just want to add your style with small details. If not, what’s your office like? Are there other stylish people? Is it a casual environment? Do people wear jeans? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then it’s appropriate for you to show more of your style and creativity than if the answer is no.
Now, the challenge is to figure out HOW to incorporate these flashes of your style and personality into your work wardrobe. Here are some of my suggestions:
When you’re not sure how much is too much, remember that you’re on the clock, just keeping the work environment in mind should keep you in check.
Wear a print shirt under a blazer or cardigan.
Wear a dress that’s a little bit more of a weekend dress but add tights and appropriate shoes. Sometimes a belt can help add a polished look.
Stick with your typical formal dress but incorporate a fun shoe.
Find a conversation starter. It can be a necklace or an earring. Even with traditional clothes, a real statement piece will make a lasting impression.
Replace your blazer for a vest (which is essentially a sleeveless blazer.) They’re very flattering. Try a vest over a dress for a chic look.
Want to push the envelope? A little riskier fashion statement would be to wear leather pants paired with a sweater or blazer.
Create a signature item. Become the woman with the funky necklaces or the cool shoes. It helps you stand out and people know what to expect but it’s still fun, creative, and you.
The key is to know what you have to accomplish that day. Maybe you play it down a little if you;re meeting with the president of the company. Maybe on a casual Friday, you have a little bit more fun. A great time to play around with your look is when you;re traveling for work. You can try out some new looks and styles and since which feels the best.
The goal in all of this is to feel more like YOU. You don’t want to feel like you’re wearing a costume. Sometimes when we’re in the corporate environment we become this rigid person and we lose ourselves. Wearing your clothes and things that speak to who you are, helps to neing up new ideas. It can spur creativity and a level of comfort and confidence that can benefit your work.
If you’re looking to upgrade and polish your wardrobe, I can help. Let’s figure out your style and get your clothes to create the look and send the message you want to send
