By: Asia Shamir Ferguson
As the new year approaches, many are choosing to step into new routines and maybe even new roles. It is believed that showing up as the woman you want to be attracts everything your higher self desires, which is why a killer outfit could be the start to an amazing workday and life.
Use these fashion tips as a guide to inspire a new approach for dressing for success.
What’s on the Outside Does Count
As much as we may not want to admit it, aesthetics play a large role in our selection process. For example, think about the Yelp reviews of a restaurant we’ve been dying to try. If the pictures of the menu items aren’t appealing, we assume the quality of the food won’t be as pleasant and ultimately will give the establishment a chance that does catch some aspect of our visual interest. This same concept can be reflected in the business world with our fashion.
Not only do first impressions matter, but our wardrobe can also reveal our level of care, attention to detail, organization skills, and ability to be consistent to others at a glance. While you cannot control how people perceive you, dressing up for a successful meeting or traditional workday works more for your benefit than you might imagine.
You don’t have to wait until you’re in the C-suite to start dressing like a high-ranking executive! If that is your goal, why not invest in the wardrobe now? Some may call it delusional. Others call it manifesting. Don’t let your own fears get in the way of your success. Borrow audacity and courage from your male counterparts and dress for your future success regardless of the role you’re currently holding. This could look like investing in high quality corporate basics like a solid black suit, trench coat, court shoe, and statement blazer. Channeling the art of role playing makes us show up confident and powerful. And that power starts with our clothing.
Developing Power-Looks
Clothing provides a sense of protection and expression. Luckily, we’re in a season where the weather calls for many layers of protection and various tools to express our fearlessness. It may be nuanced to accept that looks have power. Yet, this idea can take us farther than we realize, especially in business.
As women, we all have unique takes on what power looks like. During the winter, the chilly weather grants us the variety in our wardrobe to translate that excellence in infinite ways. A turtleneck, wool trouser, down jacket, and scarf are corporate fashion basics that act as great additions and power pieces for your winter wardrobe.
Invest in Expansion
Abundance is directly associated with optimism and endless possibilities. Be honest with yourself about what fabrics, colors, and styles flatter your body type and make you feel powerful. When you identify these, invest in expansion. For example, if three-piece suits make you feel like a million dollars, buy the same thing in multiple colors and textures. This not only consistently helps you to show up like a million dollars, but it helps you to eliminate some of the guesswork of figuring out what will look good on you. While many of us aim to rise to the top in our careers, building this practice also follows into other areas of our lives. Giving more attention to wardrobe can improve your mental health and double as a business strategy for success. As we evolve every day, so does our style and clothing. Being audacious enough to show up powerfully and with intention in the business world can attract better for our future and our pockets.
Asia Shamir Ferguson is an Atlanta-based fashion, culture, and entertainment journalist. Asia is part of Generation Z of storytellers, fashion writers, and creatives.
