Dressing for a professional setting doesn’t mean you need to dress drab, boring, or devoid of those style elements that make you…you! I wouldn’t exactly call this my “boss lady” outfit, but rather my “ready for anything” outfit, from a meeting or conference to a power lunch, an interview, and catching up with friends after the work day is done for some good food and spirits. Dressing with confidence is the most important way to accomplish your daily musts and goals with gusto, and according to a survey that Marshalls did of 1,000 women nationwide, a staggering “71% of women wish they were more confident,” while “61% of women employed full-time say they have a “go-to” item of clothing that they wear to instantly boost their confidence.” Do you have a said “go-to” item that you wear to work?
I certainly do; this lbd, topped off with a standout, structured jacket, and in this, a moto-styled jacket, makes me feel professional, polished, and stylish, which certainly leads to a smile and boost of confidence. A pop of color on my lips and feet doesn’t hurt as well. When you do find that go-to item, or purchase new ones to wear to an important event or job interview, career expert Nicole Williams gave a great tip when I spoke to her at a Marshalls event this week. She advised to use your phone or a recording device to make a video of yourself in the outfit before the big day, to see how it looks, moves, and even sounds!
Sometimes our apparel and accessories can be distracting, and not necessarily in a good way, if you have squeaky shoes, loud, banging bangle bracelets, or a blouse that gaps in the wrong place. By filming yourself, you get a new perspective on what the viewer sees, and you can make changes before you head out the door. There’s certainly an emphasis on career basics, which is great, but don’t be afraid to go beyond that, especially when there’s great pricing to be had at stores like Marshalls!
In This Look:
Designer Dress from Marshalls (gift card to shop the store provided courtesy of the retailer)
Club Monaco Nolicia Moto Jacket via Shopbop (courtesy of the retailer)
ShoeDazzle Davos Chunky Block Heel by Madison (c/o the brand)
LOFT Cuff Bracelet and Hoop Earrings
Designer Ring and Handbag from T.J.Maxx (gift card to shop the store provided courtesy of the retailer)
Baume et Mercier Linea Collection Watch (c/o the brand)
DVF Sunglasses (courtesy item)
On my lips: Avon Ultra Color Bold Lipstick in Bold Bordeaux (c/o the brand)
Need a bit more style + confidence inspiration? Check out the “Styled with Confidence” Marshalls Pinterest board, where you also can expect to see a familiar face…
[…] “Dressing for a professional setting doesn’t mean you need to dress drab, boring, or devoid of those style elements that make you…you,” advises fashion blogger Julia DiNardo of Fashion Pulse Daily. I couldn’t agree more! In her style post, DiNardo shows us how to take a simple LBD and kick it up a notch, while remaining office appropriate and preventing a call from the “HR Nazi.” CLICK THROUGH to find out what DiNardo is wearing and where you can buy it. […]