HOW TO DRESS FOR SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE

Alia Motani, Creative Director and Charta Romano image consultant at Brands Luv U (BLU) shares her top tips on how to dress professionally and turn heads for all the right reasons.

For the working woman trying to build a career while taking care of a range of other responsibilities, finding the perfect outfit each morning is often the least of your worries. However, it’s important to pay close attention to your work attire – whether it’s for an interview, a normal working day or an important business meeting – to ensure you always feel on top of your game. 

Here’s a helpful checklist every woman should keep in mind to make sure you’re killing it at work every day. 

1. Every industry has a dress code. For instance, dressing for a job at a corporate company is not the same as the accepted work attire at a graphic design agency. Make sure your clothes reflect your work environment, instead of making you stick out like a sore thumb. If you’re unsure of an appropriate outfit to wear for an interview or even on your first of work at a new company, you can always check with your interviewer beforehand – they may even give you credit for taking the initiative to understand how things work on their turf!
2. Keep it tidy and, most importantly, clean. A killer outfit means very little if you’re rocking chipped nail polish, creased clothes or scuffed, worn-down shoes – not to mention questionable personal hygiene habits! Keep your nails neatly manicured at all times, and remember that nail polish isn’t always encouraged or allowed in certain work environments, so be mindful of this before interviews or important business meetings. Make sure your clothes are pressed and smelling fresh, and give those heels a good wipe down before the big day.
3. Smart and professional always wins. When in doubt, you can always rely on a well-fitting pair of pants, paired with a blouse or blazer and heels as a winning outfit no matter where you work. Go for neutral, complimentary colours and add one or two dainty items of jewellery, like a simple watch and earrings, to top off the look. If you’re sporting an up-style, make sure your hair is tied back neatly without too may bells and whistles in the form of hair accessories, or understated and chic if it’s left loose. 
4. Avoid showing off too much skin. Certain things are best left to the imagination, and this is especially true in the workplace. Skirts that give your colleagues a peek at ‘London and France’, blouses that let it all hang out and tight-fitting spaghetti strap tops are generally a no-go when it comes to dressing appropriately for the office, but you can always incorporate stockings, tailored jackets and cardigans to cover up a little. Once again, remember to keep it tidy – make sure there are no rips in your stockings and carry a spare just in case, and go for smart sweaters and cardigans. 
5. Be comfortable. Interviews and first days at work are stressful enough as it is without having to worry about walking around the office in the world’s most uncomfortable heels. There’s no need to try to be someone you are not, so avoid clothes that make you feel awkward and self-conscious – opt for outfits that make you feel confident in yourself and your abilities. 

Make your mark in the working world with these top fashion tips from Alia and BLU, the house of international design and fashion. Visit www.brandsluvu.co.za to browse a wide range of clothing and accessories that are sure to start your year off with a fashionable bang.