I’ve been in an industry where dress codes were more about comfort than conformity—think dresses, shorts, tube tops, and the like. Since the beginning of my career, my seniors never focused on what I wore; they cared more about how I got the job done. Yes, smart dressing was appreciated but never enforced.
But as I moved up the career ladder and switched jobs, I began to notice a shift. Despite working on how I communicated with my colleagues, I sensed that some of them didn’t take me as seriously as I deserved. I understood that being in my early 30s but not necessarily looking my age seemed to contribute to this perception. But I came with a lot of experience, and it added more to my frustration.
Realising this, I decided to experiment with my wardrobe and how I dressed up for work. I didn’t want to lose my original sense of style, but I knew I had to make some changes to be seen in a different light. So, I made a few strategic adjustments that, while subtle, made a significant impact:
1. Blazers and Structured Outerwear:
As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t let go of my crop tops. So rather than discarding them whole, I introduced blazers and structured jackets into my wardrobe. I layered them over my tops, dresses, and whatnot. Not only did these pieces add an air of authority to my outfits but did it without making me feel like I was compromising my style.
2. Neutral and Monochromatic Palettes:
My wardrobe was all about bright colours, ranging from neon tops to patterned skirts. Then I started leaning into neutral and monochromatic colour schemes. These tones are timeless, and they give an impression of professionalism and maturity, which helped shift how others perceived me. I even mixed and matched some of my colourful wardrobe pieces with something muted, like a pink shirt with a beige trouser.
3. Trousers & Jeans
It was with a heavy heart that I decided to retire my distressed or ripped jeans from my work wardrobe. However, on the rare occasion that I do wear them, I make sure to pair them with kurtas to create a more polished look. On most days, I’ve transitioned to wearing trousers or linen pants, which I pair with casual tops, satin shirts, and even some of my quirky favorites. Dark-washed wide-legged jeans have quickly become a staple in my closet. They offer the comfort of denim while appearing less casual, helping me strike the right balance between being stylish and being taken seriously.
4. Statement Accessories:
Let’s be honest—who can resist those adorable accessories, from quirky hair clips to playful earrings and bracelets? Definitely not me. I’ve even been guilty of wearing quirky slippers to work. But those days are behind me. It was a tough decision, but I’ve shifted away from overloading on trends. Instead, I now choose minimalistic statement accessories. Think delicate gold-plated jewelry, classic watches, and a pair of glasses that exude purpose and sophistication. I’ve even switched my bag pack with a statement tote bag that fits all my things. When the occasion calls for it, I still mix in a few of my fun pieces, but with a more thoughtful approach.
5. Structured Dresses & Skirts
I’ve always loved wearing skirts and dresses—not only are they effortlessly feminine, but they’re also incredibly easy to style. However, as part of my wardrobe shift, I replaced most of my frilled skirts and dresses with more solid, basic pieces. The ones that made me look like I’d just stepped out of college were swapped for pencil skirts and midi skirts, which offer a more refined and professional vibe.
Featured Image: Personal