People who know me also know that I've always had a thing for fashion. Over the years, my style has evolved to be a lot less eclectic than what it used to be. I used to love putting bright colours on. I still do but in my thirties, with two kids and an advanced tech career, I find myself choosing more neutral pieces and focusing on elegance and comfort.
The tech industry is generally very relaxed when it comes to clothes. You'll find lots of people in hoodies and trainers but in my opinion, the higher you climb the corporate ladder, the more you need to consider your looks and what you wear. There's nothing sexier and more powerful than a woman in a stylish suit and heels.
So if you are thinking about revamping your work look and style to make you more professional, it won't be just a change in appearance but a powerful tool to enhance your confidence and take control of your professional image. Adapting your look to your career responsibilities can give you the upper hand and make you look and feel more confident about the working day and the achievements ahead of you, especially if you want to transition into a more executive role.
Here are a few ideas of what you can do as a female:
6 Style Updates for a More Professional Image
Sharp Clean Lines
Regardless of the type of clothes you choose, you need to make sure that you are choosing sharp, sleek lines that give you that uber-stylish look and make you stand out. You don't need to move away from your own style and what makes you look and feel good, but you do need to pay attention to how clothes fit your body to help you accentuate the style and give that professional vibe.
Update Your Hairstyle
If you are going for a complete style overhaul, then why not try out a brand-new hairstyle to match your new clothing style? Whether you choose a pixie cut, a bob, or the more modern hair cuts with curtain bangs that are in style to frame your face and accentuate your femininity while still reinforcing your personal look, there are many power styles you can choose from to help you look and feel the part and dress for success.
Capsule Wardrobe
A professional wardrobe update means that you need to invest in a capsule wardrobe that allows you to mix and match different pieces that work well in the office, giving you a range of outfits to choose from. Your capsule wardrobe should contain 10 to 12 pieces, including a tailored jacket, dress, matching skirts and trousers, blouses, etc. All of these pieces need to be styled around one main piece, which you can style in multiple different ways.
This is the best thing you can do for your wardrobe as it simplifies your clothing choices every day and especially when you have to travel a lot it makes it much easier to choose what to pack.
Stay True to Your Style
The last thing you want is to create a professional wardrobe that you don't feel comfortable in. It's crucial to stay true to yourself; your existing style should incorporate more items to benefit the office. If you prefer romantic, flowy dresses, then you need to find ways to incorporate this into your office style. If power suits or jeans are your personal style choice, then finding smart options that are at home in the working environment can not only make you feel good but look the part too. The more comfortable you are with what you wear, the more professional you will look and feel. Remember, your unique style is your strength so you can still mix and match.
Invest in Good Quality Tailored Pieces
A great way to update your wardrobe is to invest in high-quality pieces you can wear time again that won't lose their shape and style. Quality clothing will fit you better; if it doesn’t, you can get it tailored to suit you better for a smoother, more seamless look. The more you spend on each item, especially if you curate a capsule working wardrobe, the longer it will last and the less you will have to buy and replace moving forward. Remember, quality is always a good investment, providing a sense of security and wisdom in your fashion choices.
Self Care
While not strictly a wardrobe update, it is a look update. If you want to portray a more professional version of yourself, investing in self-care can help you look and feel your best every day. If you feel good, your outfits and style will look good. This means paying attention to what you eat, your health, and your skincare. It's about hair styling, accessories, and even treatments you indulge in, such as facials and massages.
Because those who don't feel good or feel uncomfortable in their own bodies won't be able to meticulously complete the look they're aiming for, and it can detract from what you're trying to create.
So pay attention to what you need and ensure that you're not only investing in your style and good haircuts, for example, but also looking after yourself as a whole to give your outfits something to accentuate and not use them to cover up.
Changing your work style to a more professional look can give you a completely new identity and allow you to play around and experiment with outfits and looks you might not otherwise have considered. But if you stay true to who you are and what you like and give yourself some look updates, you can provide the right message to the world and improve your professional image.
What is your fashion style now? How has it evolved over the years and throughout your career?
