Tags
Boardroom Basics, Corporate style, Dresses, Fashion, Fashion General, Fashion is an attitude, Not just another pep talk, What to Wear, What to wear to work, Work
It has taken me a very long time to recognise that the most important aspect of looking good is not an item of clothing but an attitude or a way of thinking. People who get dressed in the morning hating themselves and wishing they were different can still pull together a beautiful look but there will be something in the way they hold themselves and the way it makes them feel that is different to how you should feel when you manage to look your best.
I’m not here to try to “Oprah” you, I can’t fix or even really know your problems from this end of the keyboard or spend thousands of dollars on a make over to make you feel beautiful but I can tell you this; the day you wake up and decide that you don’t have to hate how you look just because it’s not how other people look, I promise people will see a little something extra.
This is not a fat girl problem or even a shallow girl problem, this is something I think most of us struggle with to some extent and it’s a big part of the reason why on some days we just don’t try that hard. I’m cutting myself some slack today though and just enjoying the things about me that I think are wonderful. I know I’ll stand taller because of it.
Interestingly since beginning this little blogging adventure I have begun to take more notice of what I am wearing, I used to be the girl who made the effort 2 to 3 days a week to look my best and that felt like it was good enough. Now I make more effort every day and it has paid dividends in the way my colleagues approach me and also their reactions when I am in meetings. I’m not a different person but some combination of the way I feel when I deliberately dress up for work and the actual dressing up helps me argue my point better or convince them quicker.
So…. basically my point is make an effort to dress in a way that makes you feel great today, do it for your own benefit, do it just for yourself. Soon enough you’ll reap the rewards, trust me.
Here are a few more work wear ideas for you to enjoy. Let me know in the comments which one you would or you already; rock in the office.
ABCs of Style. 
The second to last set is my fave! Stunning.
I agree that I have been making more effort since ABCs of Style started (today not included! H.A.N.G.O.V.E.R) and it has improved my confidence and work ethic… I even got a payrise!!! Haha!
I love the cat print on the scarf in that outfit, you were sort of my inspiration for it if I’m honest so I’m glad that it turned out to be something you like.
I love all of these! I totally agree about the dressing up for work affecting your attitude and confidence. Since starting this job I have had to dress in a more ‘corporate’ fashion, and I am loving it.
Wearing an outfit that is comfortable, attractive and professional makes me feel like I am able to do the things that are required of me here, and do them well. I am already looking at ways to expand my wardrobe so that I can also make an effort on weekends so that I feel fantastic all the time.
You 3 are definitely shaping the way I think about how I dress every day – thank you!
Firstly you’re welcome, this has been so much fun so far.
re: expanding your wardrobe – excellent! I live in comfy, but smart looking wider legged pants in winter with cute tops, jackets and scarves.
Yeah, I think ‘winter’ up here will be a new experience for me – this year I will defintiely still find it warm, so can probably do the loose legged pant with a nice top and still feel as though it’s appropriate.
Can you do scarves in warm weather? I always wear them when we are in Brisbane or Melbourne in winter, because it seems appropriate. But up here it’s never really going to be cold enough – do all kinds of fabrics do the original scarf job of keeping you warm? If they do, I might have to go for jewellery instead!
I have similar problems in Perth which is still going through 38/40 degree weather at the moment and typically ahs a very mild winter. I find if you are wearing them loosely around your neck you shouldn’t find them too oppressive in the realtive heat or a tropical winter. In fact I have just finished knitting something that might be perfect, I will get your address off you via email and send it up so you can have a look at what I mean.
I think that you will probably find that accessories are a better bet if you do really feel the heat and of course you can wear them year round.
I like styles one, three and six but definitely don’t wear them at the moment. Couldn’t really do the heel thing either – not exactly optimal in my job. But definitely very pretty and something I wish I could do. I need a style guru to come to my house, dump out all my dodgy clothes and then take me out to buy awesome things that suit me (and probably pay for them too). 🙂
I think we all need a friend to help us get our act together from time to time. I try and do a clear out once every six months and shed the things that were misguided or don’t make me feel as good as they should, I usually invite a girlfriend around and we drink champagne while I organise my stuff with her acting as my deciding vote.
As for the heels thing I agree that for certain jobs a lower heel or even a cute wedge is a better choice. I saw some awesome low kitten heels the other day that I think would work with just about everything I posted here.
You’re on a roll missy. If only I had the $$$ to update my cupboard with new clothes!
I think I need to do some saving 😀
Yes! and then you can do a “haul” post 🙂