One of my favorite compliments to receive is “I like your outfit.” When preparing to attend the MSA, where business casual attire is required, I spent endless hours scrolling through clothing websites and brainstorming outfits that I could wear to class. While some may view this as a shopping addiction, for me, it is a form of self-expression that I genuinely enjoy.
I have discovered that dressing professionally not only boosts your confidence but also enhances your image, paving the way for success in both your personal and professional life.
During undergrad, I refused to wear anything besides comfortable clothes to class. The idea of taking time out of my already busy day to look put-together for a short class and a long trip to the library had no appeal to me. Coming into the MSA, instead of dreading the fact that I could no longer spend all day in sweatpants, I shifted my mindset to be excited about dressing up. After just a week of class, any dread I had about wearing professional attire was gone. I noticed that my clothes positively impacted my motivation and my ability to focus. By choosing comfort over my personal image in undergrad, I was much less inclined to pay attention during class. However, by simply wearing professional clothing, I find myself more eager to interact with others and to perform well in class, meetings, and presentations. Subconsciously, your actions emulate your clothing, which is why it is essential to dress in a manner that represents your behavioral goals.
Another apprehension I had about wearing business attire was that I would look the same as everyone else and not have the ability to incorporate my own style. Initially, I possessed the misconception that professional clothing could not have bright colors or fun patterns. However, as I searched for examples and explored different stores, I quickly realized that I was wrong. Once I saw the endless options available in business apparel, I became eager to find clothing that captured my personality.
I love to wear bright colors, so I incorporate various shades of blue, pink, green, and many other colors into my outfits. I also believe that a pattern like stripes, plaid, or gingham can completely transform an outfit, which I took into consideration when building my business wardrobe. One of the main ways that I have always expressed myself is through my shoes. I have continued to do this in my business attire by selecting footwear that I love rather than just copying what everyone else is wearing. For example, one of my favorite shoes to wear is a pair of silver flats. While they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they bring a small spark of joy to my day.
Especially coming straight from undergrad, it can be daunting to enter the professional world. Even small things like dressing in professional attire can be scary. By finding ways to incorporate my personal style into my professional wardrobe, I not only embraced this change but also discovered a higher level of confidence in myself. The clothes that you wear play a role in determining not only how others perceive you but also how you perceive yourself, which can ultimately impact your ability to succeed. Instead of looking at dressing in business clothing as an intimidating requirement, you can reframe it as an opportunity to cultivate successful habits while displaying your unique style in a professional light.
Columnist: Ava Konopka