How to dress for success

So, a while ago Polytechnics in Bulawayo and Nigeria introduced a dress code and I’m not going to lie I didn’t get it at first. That was until I got older and became a corporate cutie, LOL. When I got in to corporate, I started to understand the vision. The dress code at work was smart casual but people were moving mad with really high slits and off shoulders tops and dresses. So, the company introduced a new dress code policy called, “Dress for Success“.

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‘Dress for success’ extends beyond the professional realm. Dressing for success means being appropriately clothed for the occasion at hand. Our problem is that we all want to be rebels without a cause. We just want to break the rules just for the sake of breaking the rules. Have you ever attended an event with a theme or a dress code and half the people didn’t adhere to the theme? It’s an all-white party and you decide to wear black head to toe just so you are “different”. You see why Gilmore Tee hasn’t invited you to The PiChani? You don’t listen. When you are in Rome, you do as the Romans do. Even your billionaire faves adhere to the theme/dress code for events but you think you know better?

Dress codes exist for a reason, and understanding the context of a situation is key. Imagine a construction worker in flip-flops or a lawyer rocking a floral shirt in court during a trial. While personal style is important, respecting the occasion demonstrates an awareness of professionalism and courtesy. Let’s face it, snap judgements are inevitable, it’s human nature. So, why not leverage that initial impression to your advantage? Dress appropriately for the occasion, whether it’s a themed party or a casual get-together. By taking the time to curate your attire, you’re not just expressing yourself, you’re making a powerful statement.

It’s normal for young adults to gravitate towards self expression through their clothes. I followed the online debate over the Polytechnic dress code and the memes had me rolling. At first, I didn’t understand why the dress code was necessary but after experiencing life a little bit, it’s becoming more and more clearer. Concisely, higher tertiary institutions are a gateway into adulthood. They are meant to give you workplace readiness. This includes appropriate attire and dressing for the part. The problem is, most people don’t know where to draw the line when it comes to dressing appropriately for specific occasions.

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Achieving a “corporate girlie” style requires balancing femininity with professionalism. Ensure your clothes fit well, not too tight or baggy. A tailored fit creates a polished and put-together look. Clothes that fit too tight can either give off the wrong impression or just prove to be uncomfortable. Baggy clothes on the other hand if worn incorrectly give hobo and quick reminder you’re not trying to give hobo chic in a place of work.

You also want to opt for a base of neutral colours like black, navy, grey, and beige. These colours are versatile and project professionalism. You can also get away with wearing some of these pieces more times than you would if it was a brightly coloured item.

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Another thing you want to invest in are good quality fabrics like wool, silk, cotton, and linen. They drape better, last longer, and feel more comfortable. Some things look really nice online until you see them up-close. That’s when you see that the quality is not so great. Cheap is expensive ladies trust me you’ll pay for it in the long run.

Stock up on classic blouses in feminine cuts like pep-lum, ruffle, or pussy-bow. Choose muted floral prints or polka dots for a subtle touch. You can pair these with so many items like pencil skirts, midi skirts, sheath dresses are just a few of the great options. Look for feminine details like ruffles, pleating, or A-line silhouettes.

Now don’t forget the accessories! Add some je ne sais quoi to your outfit honey, be bold and fierce. Think pearl earrings, delicate necklaces, silk scarves, rings, or watches.

Last but not least you want some great versatile, comfortable shoes so you want to go for classic pumps, loafers, or flats in neutral colours or subtle textures. These are also great for getting to work. If you’re like me and commute to work you’ll want a comfortable pair of loafers to get you to work and then you can slip in to your heels when you get to the office.

My advice would be to start building your wardrobe in neutral toned colours and when you’ve accumulated enough items in these colours branch out in to other colours, go crazy.

Remember, the most important element is to feel confident and comfortable in your outfit. You can also find visual inspiration on platforms like Pinterest by searching for “corporate girlie outfits“.

Some days I’m not particularly excited about having to leave the house but I’ve noticed that the outfit makes it worthwhile and borderline gets me excited to step out. Dressing up makes me happy and makes my day a little bit better so remember even when your day is going bad your fit looks lit.

The old adage “dress for the job you want” holds true for a reason, and it goes beyond simply looking snazzy. Our clothes act as a visual introduction, silently communicating our personality and approach to life. A polished and professional appearance in the workplace tells employers you’re not just qualified, but also detail-oriented, self-assured, and highly motivated. In today’s competitive job market, a sharp first impression can be the difference between landing an interview and getting lost in the pile of resumes.

Disclaimer: Research your company’s dress code and adjust your style accordingly. This is just a guideline for the girlies.

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