Building Confidence through your Work Wardrobe

Florals. Polka Dots. Animal Prints. Are these things you would wear to your office? If so, why or why not? Obviously, every office is different – with different dress codes, management, and culture. However, I am a firm believer that if you look good, you feel good. And looking good doesn’t mean being a certain size, height, or what have you. Nor does it mean steering clear of colors or prints that bring you joy. It simply means that you actually put in effort to feel your most confident. For you this could be putting on some lipstick, a certain pair of shoes, or even just ironing your clothes!

Starting off as a young attorney at a large firm came with a lot of challenges. I was 26 years old my first year in practice, and many of the paralegals I was working with were 2-3 years younger than me, some straight out of undergrad (it was a super young team). But I was the youngest attorney on the team. At the time, I was the youngest attorney in the whole office! I struggled with my confidence and getting people to take me seriously as a both a professional and a manager. I obviously also had zero experience as an attorney, so I had to try really hard to demonstrate my abilities and also gain respect.

It may sounds silly, but one thing that really helped me thrive at work was being confident in myself and brave enough to express my personality through my clothing. On days that my clothes made me feel like a boss, I felt like I could actually be the boss, and people respected that. Feeling good in my clothes made me sit up a little straighter, feel more put together and confident during meetings, and all around just gave me an extra pep in my step. I wasn’t a scared baby attorney in an ill-fitting pant suit. I was a professional woman that commanded the room. It was an empowering feeling.

Now, how do you figure out what clothes are going to make you “feel like a boss?”

• Find clothes that fit. Don’t focus on the size, just focus on the fit! I spent many years in uncomfortable clothes (not only at work, but in my regular life) because I refused to go up a size. You should be able to breath, sit, and bend! There is such a variation in sizing from brand to brand, and even piece by piece within the same brand! Take the time to try multiple sizes to see what works best with your body. Don’t worry about the size on the tag! No one sees it, or cares!
• Listen to your instincts. What prints or colors do you gravitate towards? Don’t feel like you need to steer clear of these because they are bold. Incorporate them into your wardrobe in ways that are appropriate for your work environment. I love pattern and color, so I would wear a polka dot button down under a solid sweater. Or I’d wear something like this – a bold floral print, in a structured button up style dress with a midi length. If you love leopard print, pair it with another neutral color.
• Keep it professional. There are definitely pieces that can work for the office as well as the weekend. Collared shirts, solid or dressier tanks, pencil skirts, and dresses can be super versatile. But then there are some things that need to be reserved for your days off – long to-the-floor maxi dresses, mini skirts, tops with cut outs, etc.
• SHOES and accessories. This last one is definitely specific to me and any other purse or shoe lover out there. Clean and classic shoes and accessories can make all the difference in how an outfit makes you feel. While I do wear heels a lot for work, I do also wear flats and I think that both can be equally mood-boosting. A great purse, a simple watch, a delicate chain or a statement earring can honestly sometimes be that finishing touch that makes you feel like the Beyonce of your office.

What is one piece of clothing you wear that boosts your confidence at work?

Until next time,

Jannette