“Dress for your day”, injecting self-empowerment into this work dress-code

More and more now businesses have adopted a less formal standard of dress in work environments, prompted by companies encouraging employees back into the office post-Covid. From the cliché sneakers and cap look of start-ups, to the navy suits of law firms and banks – “dress for your day” has landed most of us somewhere in between, bouncing up and down along the continuum depending on our work days. The standard is a message to employees to dress comfortably, and up the ante as appropriate to meet any formalities required for work activity. But let’s not forget or underestimate the concept of power dressing, and the impact donning an on-point work outfit can have on self-confidence and your professional branding. Yes you can choose to be formal only when formality is required, but perhaps comfort means more than sneakers and physical comfort. Rather, comfort could (and should) specifically encompass what makes us feel emotionally empowered and confident at work.

Many of us have had those days where we head into the office feeling undeniably fabulous and ready to take on all the stakeholders of the world. Why? Because we have fresh salon hair and are wearing that brand new blazer that cuts just so at the shoulders to be perfectly flattering. Don’t we want more of that feeling of invincibility in our everyday? Here are some quick tips for how to do just that.

1.       Identify your style descriptors

Pick three words to describe your style. They can be aspirational but most importantly, they should sum up how you want others to perceive you on first impression.  These “anchor” descriptors act as your core guidance on any decisions you make related to your wardrobe. Helpful style descriptors for example might be: timeless, feminine and elegant. Wondering if you should buy that coat on sale? Start by asking yourself whether the coat fits in those descriptors.   

2.       Find your “armour” item

A little Maria Kondo-esque but rather than sparking joy, what is that item that sparks power in you? The item that makes you feel put together, polished and looking your best self. This is the item that even if you are having a bad hair day, you can confidently walk into a boardroom and know that your “armour” has you ready to exude self-assurance and nail that presentation. It also helps if this item is something that you can readily and easily mix and match with your other outfits to maximise feelings of superhero – eg. that perfectly fitting double breasted blazer.

3.       Know your fail-safe colour

We have all seen that outfit that looks incredible on the model, but when we go to try it on it just doesn’t quite look as flattering. Sometimes it’s the cut, or the way the fabric falls. Sometimes it’s the colour just not quite working for our complexions. When you know the colour that always looks good on you, you’ll find it that much easier to build out a wardrobe and pull together a ‘fit that always makes you feel like Wonder Woman.  

Applying these three simple concepts will set you off on your way to dressing for both physical and emotional comfort – consider it “dress for your day plus power”. And we can all use that extra inner power in our day to tackle the challenges of work and life.