Do you believe that you should not dress too fashionable and feminine because it may hurt your image in the work place? If yes, you are not alone.
Nothing appears more offensive than the premise that one could not possibly be both, beautiful and smart. As if beauty and mental acuity were mutually exclusive. What century do we live in that such bias has not yet been debunked? Maybe the even bigger question is why do we still adhere to it? Aren’t we ready to go out there and be our best even if it requires ever so slightly pushing the fashion envelope? One thing is for sure, women do not have to act and dress like men to be successful in their profession even if it is still dominated by men. Fact is that if you cannot get into the boy’s club — dressing like one isn’t going to increase your chances. So, just relax and join the girl’s club instead. Dressing down is not a requirement for success! Dressing up, however, can serve you more than you may think!
Do you know that women professionals who are dressed the part exude an air of confidence? Why? Because they are not afraid to be who they are. These women wield their power by drawing on their innate abilities rather than trying to copy their male counterparts. As such, they create their own niche that no man can easily fill. In the law profession and the corporate setting, men never try to copy women yet women often try to copy men. I think it is time to end that practice collectively as it is no longer serving us.
For starters, go shopping and look for a nice outfit– I call that shopping therapy. You can make time for that, no excuse. It does not have to be an outragegously expensive outfit. Just look for one that flatters your figure. You don’t even have to buy it. Just try it on and see what it does for you. If it makes you happy to see your image improved, you are in a good emotional space. If it confuses or irritates you, you may need to get some shopping assistance. If it frightens or depresses you, you may need to get back in touch with your feminine side.
Lawyernista 