If you work in a corporate or startup office, you have probably heard the expression "dress like a boss." The modern workplace has never been more relaxed. Dressing up or down in an office setting has become a norm. However, to gain an edge, try dressing formally, whether you are at the top of the corporate leadership or setting your sight on that position for now.
Start by upgrading your outfits when you receive your promotion. Leadership necessitates that your style at the office differs from your staff's. If you are eyeing a leadership position, it is always crucial to dress for the job you want rather than the one you have. Project you have the confidence required to get there.
Clothes convey authority and competence. Formal dresses in the corporate sector can show respect, confidence, and power, especially if you are a woman working in a male-dominated industry. Your clothes will show you own the room rather than work in it without you having to say anything.
Let's look at how you can dress like a lady boss and enhance your leadership game with formal attire.
Dress for Your Role
Being a female leader in the corporate world, where men have traditionally held power, requires more than just being appropriate for the position; you need a personality that no one will ever take for granted. Clothing gives off that perception.
As you shift to a leadership position, buy clothes to match your style and role. However, exercise caution when styling formal clothing for women. Dressing for the part can be very diverse, if not a little confusing.
Dressing as a lawyer, banker, or accountant entails wearing power pantsuits, sleek pencil skirts, and sophisticated dresses. If your workplace has a semi-formal theme, button-down shirts, tailored jackets, and trousers are the way to go. If you work in a casual environment, dressing chinos, knit sweaters, and flowy skirts in a formal way are ideal.
Keep in mind the leader who dresses formally is the one who is taken seriously. Dress your accessories and clothes in a way that makes them appear sophisticated while exuding diligence and without exposing too much skin.
Find Qualities Pieces over Quantity
Quality over quantity is the way to go when it comes to material things. Fashion also adheres to this adage; you can look your best in high-quality items without exceeding your budget.
Tailoring is a preferred route to take for formal jackets and blazers to up your leadership attire. Sure, it will cost you more than that Walmart blazer you bought when you were hired, but it will fit perfectly, accentuating your personal characteristics and demand everyone's attention – as a leader should always receive.
Purchasing at least one luxury overcoat to differentiate your wardrobe from an employee gives you a perceived edge. Yes, you will remove your coat before sitting at your desk, but remember that first impressions are essential. You want to make an impression that people will remember long after leaving.
Accessories are an essential part of your outfit. They provide a touch of personality to your persona while still looking elegant. It is highly recommended to invest in a few high-end and luxury jewelry pieces that will last you a long time. Handbags that suit your attire without looking excessive are also an appropriate investment. Look for sleek watches rather than flashy ones for topping off your look. Just make sure that any accessory you pick is minimalistic. If you are a fan of huge and heavy accessories, find classy pieces and wear them individually with other minimalistic pieces to create a signature style.
Find Your Comfort Zone
Experimenting with new formal articles is essential if you do not want to end up feeling awkward or self-conscious while working in them. Before purchasing any formal clothes, it is vital to know each item is well-fitted and does not cause discomfort. No one wants to spend their hard-earned money on something they will never wear to work.
If you know that pantsuits complement your personality, invest in a few pairs in dark and neutral colors like black, navy, maroon, burgundy, white, camel, and beige.
If you prefer dresses and pencil skirts for the office, stick to basic colors like black, white, beige, navy, and red. Adding texture and pattern to them for a personal touch is always recommended. If pants and blouses are more to your taste, buy them in neutral colors and layer them.
Keep in mind that all of your formal outfits should make you ready to take on whatever your workday brings you.
Stylish Picks
Once you have decided which formal wear items are comfortable for you and best suited to your personality, it is time to style them. Here are the top 5 stylish picks for you to try out to work.
1. A Textured Button-Down Shirt
A button-down shirt is an adaptable piece that can be styled with trousers, pants, and skirts, as well as an inner shirt with blazers and jackets. A textured button-down shirt enhances your already strong personality. Add a checkered print to your button-down shirt and you have a new statement piece you can wear with plain pantsuits and plain skirts. Elegante has a handpicked selection of checkered button-down shirts for you to wear to your next business meeting.
2. Straight Black Trousers
Black trousers are a wardrobe staple. They can be worn in official and casual settings. They add a touch of sophistication to your ensemble while keeping it elegant and comfortable for you. Elegante has a selection of black trousers for you to pick from when putting together your leadership attire.
3. Classic Pencil Skirt
As much as they evoke thoughts of 50s fashion, pencil skirts are still a classic piece of clothing that make you look put together without being overdone. They come in various styles, including buttoned pencil skirts, tie-waist, tweed, and knit. Look for skirts below knee length to keep everything covered and exude sophistication.
4. Powerhouse Pantsuit
The pantsuit is a timeless item of clothing that always packs a powerful punch. It instills confidence in you while making you look every bit the lady boss you are. Look for pantsuits in the same color. If you like making a statement, look for vibrant pantsuits like pink, red, or light blue. Shine in the boardroom while making heads turn.
5. Blazers
If you are not a pantsuit buff, blazers can be your lifesaver. They can be dressed up or down and keep you warm in the cold weather. Traditional blazers with wide lapels always elevate your leadership game. Look for neutral colors and textures to add. If your wardrobe has a pop of shade, try adding red, blue, and green to your new wardrobe.
Whatever formal clothes or style you choose, make sure it enhances rather than detracts from your personality. It should elicit both respect, trust, and confidence from your personnel. Formal attire is one certain way to ensure that you are seen as a professional leader in both work and wardrobe.
