From Suits to Self-Expression: How to Build an Authentic Work Wardrobe That Works for You
“If you love something, wear it all the time… Find things that suit you. That’s how you look extraordinary.” – Vivienne Westwood
Workwear has undergone a major transformation over the last few decades. Gone are the days when professionalism was defined by stiff suits, ties, and pencil skirts. Today, work wardrobes reflect not only the culture of our workplaces but also our individuality, creativity, and values.
This evolution is something I’ve personally experienced throughout my career. When I started out in fashion, what I wore wasn’t just about me. It was about representing the brand I worked for, especially in a retail setting where first impressions were everything. Every outfit was carefully chosen to reflect the company’s image and values. Later, when I transitioned into corporate environments, I found more space to bring my own personality into my looks while still aligning with the brand. This shift helped me not only feel more like myself but also build meaningful connections with the people around me.
Now, as someone who’s also worked from home, I’ve faced a new challenge: how to maintain that same sense of confidence and professionalism when I’m not physically present. I’ve learned that what I wear, even in remote settings, directly impacts how I show up for myself and others, whether it’s on Zoom or in person.
As work environments continue to evolve ex. hybrid setups, remote roles, or more casual office cultures, the way we dress for work has shifted dramatically. But one thing remains constant: your clothing sends a message. It can help you project confidence, build trust, and align with your professional goals while staying true to your authentic self.
Let’s dive into how you can build a work wardrobe that’s intentional, versatile, and completely you.
The Evolution of Workwear
Photos of women’s workwear through the decades, see full descriptions on Mashable
For decades, workwear was synonymous with conformity. In the 1950s and 60s, when corporate culture and the advertising industry were booming, workwear was all about sharp tailoring, structured silhouettes, and strict dress codes. Think crisp suits, pencil skirts, and neatly polished shoes. By the 80s, this formality evolved into the buttoned-up power suits we often associate with corporate dominance, and later into the more relaxed business casual uniforms of the 90s.
But with the rise of tech culture in the early 2000s, dress codes began to relax. Hoodies, jeans, and sneakers started showing up in boardrooms, championed by tech CEOs who valued innovation over tradition.
Fast forward to today, and we’re seeing an even greater shift, this time influenced by the pandemic and the rise of work-from-home culture. Suddenly, the line between “workwear” and “everyday wear” blurred, and comfort became king.
Yet, even in today’s more casual world, the way you dress still matters. Why? Because your wardrobe has the power to shape how others perceive you and, more importantly, how you perceive yourself. Dressing with intention can:
• Help you feel more confident and prepared.
• Show clients, colleagues, or higher-ups that you take your role seriously.
• Communicate your personal brand and values, such as creativity, professionalism, or approachability.
Example:
Think of someone like Steve Jobs, who famously wore the same black turtleneck and jeans every day. His look was simple, yet it became iconic. It symbolized focus, innovation, and authenticity. The lesson here isn’t to adopt a uniform but to recognize that intentionality in what you wear can make a lasting impact.
WORKWEAR ICONS Top Row (Left to Right): Diane Von Furstenburg creator of the iconic wrap dress who revolutionized women’s workwear in the 1970s with a design that was both professional and feminine, Steve Jobs in his minimalist, functional yet approachable uniform, Anna Wintour long time editor-in-chief of Vogue known for her polished, classic, and authoritative vibe with a fashion-forward edge.
Bottom Row (L to R): Katherine Hepburn a trailblazer in women’s fashion normalizing wearing trousers in the 1930s & 40s inspiring generations to come, Michelle Obama former first lady who became a modern style icon known for bold yet elegant fashion choices, mixing high-end with more accessible brands, Diana Vreeland legendary editor of Harper’s Bazaar and later Vogue was known for pairing elegant, richly textured ensembles with chunky jewelry and bold red lips, and finally Grace Coddington the long time creative genius at Vogue recognized for her simple, often oversized black outfits that are timeless and functional, fitting her creative role.
Why Authenticity in Your Wardrobe Matters
In the past, dressing for work often meant “fitting in.” Today, it’s about standing out in a way that feels true to you. Dressing authentically is not about following trends; it’s about aligning your outward appearance with your inner confidence.
I remember when I first started embracing more authentic styling in a corporate environment. It felt so freeing to add elements of my own vibe to my outfits, whether it was through statement jewelry, pops of color/print, or even styling my hair in a way that felt more ‘me.’ Those small shifts not only helped me feel more confident in my day-to-day life but also made me more approachable and memorable to colleagues, clients and executives.
But I know that creating a cohesive, modern wardrobe that reflects your personality can feel overwhelming. Many of my clients come to me feeling stuck. They know they want their clothes to say something about who they are, but they’re not sure where to start or how to put the pieces together. That’s where working with a stylist can make all the difference. I help take the guesswork out of the process by showing you how to bring your authentic vibe into your wardrobe while keeping it polished, intentional, and aligned with your goals.
I truly believe that when your wardrobe reflects your personality, you:
• Attract opportunities and people who resonate with your energy.
• Feel more comfortable and capable, whether you’re pitching a client or leading a team.
• Create consistency in how you present yourself, which helps build trust.
Tip: Start by identifying your “style pillars.” These are 2-3 words that define how you want to look and feel at work. For example:
• Polished, approachable, creative.
• Comfortable, confident, modern.
Use these words as a filter for every outfit you put together. If something doesn’t align, it’s probably not the right piece for your work wardrobe. And if you’re not sure where to begin, that’s where I can help, guiding you to define your style pillars, select pieces that align, and modernize your wardrobe so it feels cohesive, authentic, and empowering.
Workwear in the Era of Hybrid and Remote Work
The pandemic changed everything about how we work, including how we dress. In the early days, “Zoom casual” became the norm, with business on top (blazer, button-up) and comfort on the bottom (sweatpants, slippers). But as remote work matured, so did our approach to dressing for it.
Working from home has been one of the biggest transitions for me personally. I thrive in environments where I can connect with people in person and express myself through how I show up, not just in what I say, but in what I wear. Early on, I struggled to feel comfortable or confident in a fully remote setting. It felt like something was missing when I wasn’t able to fully present myself as I would in person.
Eventually, I found a balance by focusing on pieces that still made me feel polished, even if it was just for a Zoom meeting. Adding a bold pair of earrings, or colorful layers on top, or just completing my look on the bottom (lol) helped me feel more ‘put together’ and ready to tackle the day. Putting in the effort to present myself better on Zoom didn’t just help me look the part, it made me feel more present, focused, and engaged in my work. When I feel like my best self, I show up with more confidence and energy, even in virtual settings.
Actionable Tips for Hybrid & Remote Dressing:
• Invest in elevated knitwear: A chic, cozy sweater can feel just as professional as a blazer but much more comfortable for long Zoom calls.
• Focus on waist-up dressing: Play with bold colors, statement jewelry, or textured tops that pop on camera.
• Keep one go-to outfit for last-minute video calls: For example, a tailored button-up and earrings that instantly polish your look.
Moodboard Inspiration: Visualizing Your Work Style
Sometimes, seeing a concept visually can make all the difference. Here are three moodboard themes to inspire your work wardrobe:
1. The Polished Minimalist:
Neutral, timeless pieces like tailored blazers, silk blouses, and sleek loafers. Not too oversized, not too fitted. Perfect for when you want to exude elegance and confidence.
2. The Creative Professional:
A mix of colors, patterns/textures, and unique accessories to reflect your personality and energy. *Your outerwear choices can easily make a strong statement!
3. The Comfortable Power Look:
Hybrid-friendly outfits that balance comfort with structure, like knit sets, tailored joggers, and polished sneakers.
How to Build an Intentional and Authentic Work Wardrobe
The key to building a work wardrobe that works for you is focusing on quality over quantity and choosing pieces that are versatile and true to your personal style.
a. Define Your Staples
Every work wardrobe needs a few essential pieces that can be dressed up or down, depending on your environment. Staple items not only save you time but also give you endless flexibility. For example, a well-tailored blazer can seamlessly fit into all three of the workwear moods we’ve discussed:
• Polished Minimalist: Layer it over a silk blouse and tailored trousers for a clean, professional look.
• Creative Professional: Pair it with a bold patterned skirt or a vibrant top to showcase personality while staying polished.
• Comfortable Power Look: Throw it on over a knit top or tee, and wide-leg trousers, finished with sleek sneakers for a more relaxed vibe.
Investing in timeless staples like blazers, tailored trousers, midi skirts, and versatile shoes, ensures that your wardrobe is cohesive and adaptable, no matter where or how you work.
b. Add Personality with Accessories (and Color)
Staples are the foundation, but accessories and even your color choices, are where you can inject more personality. A bold pair of earrings, a statement bag, a fun scarf or unique shoes can transform a simple outfit into something that feels entirely you.
Another way to bring personality into your wardrobe is through color. Your wardrobe can be a powerful tool for reinforcing your personal or business brand, especially if you’re frequently showing up online, in front of clients, or on stages.
For example:
• A speaker might wear a vibrant blazer in their signature brand color to stand out on stage.
• An entrepreneur who shows up online could add pops of their logo colors into their outfit, like a scarf, earrings, or even a nail color, to create a cohesive presence.
Whether it’s through accessories or colors that align with your brand, these details can help you feel confident and recognizable in professional settings. Showcasing your brand colors in this way is just another tool for creating consistency and connection, no matter where or how you work.
c. Create Go-To Outfit Formulas
Save time by creating 2-3 outfit formulas you can rely on:
1. Blazer + White Tee + Trousers + Loafers.
2. Silk Blouse + Midi Skirt + Heels.
3. Knit Sweater + Dark Jeans + Statement Flats.
Have some fun and play with what works best for you!
Conclusion: Dress for the Role You Want
Looking back at my career journey, I’ve learned how much of a difference it makes to dress intentionally. And let me say it again, your wardrobe is more than just clothes, it’s a tool that helps you show up as your most confident, authentic self.
With workwear evolving to fit the flexibility of our lives, there’s more opportunity than ever to make your wardrobe work for you. Gone are the days when you had to suit up just to fit in. Now, your wardrobe can tell your story, and help you build the connections and confidence you need to thrive.
There’s so much more where this came from. If you’re ready to modernize your work wardrobe, feel confident in your style choices, or discover brands that align with your personality and goals, let’s chat!
