Work Attire: Establishing a professional fashion identity

The dress code for the workplace has changed over time with an era's trends, for both men and women. However, the times of women wearing tailored suits and heels may be less prevalent—depending on your work culture, but wearing something that brings the confidence to ace the meeting or presentation, or helps get through the long work day is still in existence, and an endeavor I've grown to love.

I see fashion as an ensemble that sets me up to seize the day. At times, it is a reflection of my mood and even has the powers to influence my disposition or mentality for how I will approach my day. For instance, wearing black can reflect a certain amount of sadness I may be feeling, or simply, that I am aspiring for a more classic, professional look. Either way, it is an attestation to my internal thoughts and feelings at that moment, but that informs the observer that I am ready to work.

Fashion has always been a passion of mine. No matter what field I was in, or type of job I have, I make it a priority to assess the culture and office dress code as I enter and exit an office from an interview. By adopting some of the office trends while also expressing my own style, I adapt my style to flow with the culture. By doing this, I gain more enthusiasm for the work and the boost of confidence to navigate the day. In this way, fashion becomes a device for approaching the day with the esteem that can only be achieved by my personal suit of armor.

"Don't be into trends. Don't make fashion own you, but you decide what you are, what you want to express by the way you dress and the way to live." —Gianni Versace

For decades, women have had to work hard to assimilate themselves into the modern day workplace of the era, and have changed their style with that of their male counterparts. It wasn't until the late 1980s to the early 90s that pants became a trend for workplace attire for women, mostly due in part because of the introduction of tech-culture in Silicon Valley. Up until that point, fitted dress and skirts with knee-length hems and hosiery were prominent among working women from the late 1940s to the early 50s, when women became more notable members in the workforce.

Today, I observe women's fashion for inspiration for my own wardrobe. When I put on those great pairs of jeans, with the bold printed top and perfectly fitted sweater, and heeled booties: I feel as though I could achieve anything, and nobody can intimidate me or belittle me. But, if I am wearing the slouchy top, with looser fitting jeans, and sneakers, no doubt that I feel relaxed, but I also think less assertively and confidently about myself while at work. The former is saved for a day reserved for my leisure time at home, and the only important decision I have to make in my day is where to go for lunch.

The days of selecting a nicely tailored and fitted dress, skirt, and top, have inspired me to be more courageous in my selection of clothes. In some ways, my wardrobe is an homage to the millions of women that worked so hard to establish fair working conditions for all the women that would follow in their footsteps. Nonetheless, I believe that women had outstanding achievements during those times of the tailored suite. For that reason, I don't disfavor the benefits of consistency and uniformity. I think, whatever your style is that it is wise to have a style that is your own and that can be utilized during your work week as a uniform in the morning. This allows for more efficient use of time, and coupled with your work, is now identified with your sangfroid and confidence.

#Fashion #Style #Confidence