If you’re like me, you know that clothes have power. The right shirt can take your day from drab to fab, and the smallest stylistic detail—matching striped shirts and socks—can make you feel like the chicest person in class. Yet, what happens to the way we dress when we are exploring unknown territory?
What happens when a fashionista must go corporate?
How does clothing as socially communicative objects interact with the corporate sphere? How do we, as creative fashionistas, interact with the mundane dress code that has become the dominant image of professionalism?
These are the questions I asked myself as I sat on my bedroom floor amongst a behemoth of polka-dotted polos, striped sleeves, bedazzled belts, statement scarves, and shiny shoes—packing for my first business trip.
My Life as a Creative Intern
Three months prior, I had excitedly accepted a remote position as a creative intern at an experiential marketing firm. If you are unsure what this means, let me explain: Large corporations of all types will hire the company that hired me to produce their National Sales meetings. At its most basic, the company I interned for produces fun corporate events for other companies. Specifically, I was onboarded for the National Sales Meeting of one of the largest big pharma companies in the world.
With the click of a heel, it was the night before my flight to Orlando, where I would be meeting the company for the first time. With my suitcase agape on my floor, I stood in my closet staring at the collection of eccentric clothes. As a fashionista, I assumed I would have the belts, pants, and shoes to dress fabulously for any occasion. Yet, here I was—immobile as I struggled to turn the page to a new chapter, titled: Now I am an Adult who Goes on Business Trips to Orlando.
Is this the moment I must say goodbye to you, gothic bedazzle tee? How can I leave you kooky khakis and polka polos? Must I trade you in for slouchy slacks and colorless cardigans?
Doing Anything But
I present the outfits and clothes I wore in the order I wore them and my thoughts.
Day One
This is how I pulled up to Oceanic Ballroom on the first of four days at 6 AM. This outfit set the tone for the rest of the week. In this get-up, I was confident, assured, and powerful.
The hat and scarf, although not necessary, pull the blazer and pants into a sphere of fabulousness. Their excessiveness contrasts nicely with the efficiency associated with professionalism. I am here to prove that efficiency does not mean sacrificing the added bits that make things unique, even if it takes more time. The hat and scarf are not here to keep me warm or to help me get from Point A to Point B faster; they’re here because I want them to be!
These pants are a modern take on classic trousers. It’s fun to see how corporate classics can be altered via shape and cut to create drama while still being chic.
In this outfit, I rely on the hat and scarf to remind me that although I am in a new space, I can still be my most sensorial, over-the-top, and full self.
Here is the unique message this outfit says about me: I wear hats! Not only that, I wear awesome hats on the first day of work! I am bold and confident. Would someone meek pop their collar like this? Oh, and yes, I am walking into the room with sunglasses on even though I haven’t been outside… you want to know why… because they make me feel awesome. And when you feel awesome, you are awesome.
Day Two
It is now the second day. I feel much more comfortable but still slightly out of my depth. I rely on my clothes to remind me who I am and what I am capable of.
Now that it is the second day, I can start taking risks. I decide to throw on this wonderful vest over my ruffled white top. Even with the fun and attention-grabbing pieces, the proportions are professional.
This outfit carries duality, breaking the monolithic dress code of corporate professionalism. Its shape and cohesion keep it professional, while the pieces themselves are bright and colorful—just like me!
I strategically wore my conventionally professional outfit first to communicate that I have a clear understanding of what professionalism looks like. Once this is established, I throw on my vest and prince-like ruffles. After all, there was an artist under that suit yesterday.
The unique message this outfit says about me is: Hello corporate America, I am a kaleidoscope of color, texture, and character. I am not afraid of ruffles, excess, or ambitious patterns, just as I am not afraid to speak up, contribute, and work hard to reach my goals. I have a blinged bracelet on to let you all know that I am ready to turn any space, at any time, into a disco. At the same time, I am sleek. I am focused and ready to accomplish what is asked of me while my ruffles blow in the convention center air conditioning.
Day Three
The sun rose on my third day, and now I feel like a pro. I have made friends and have begun connecting with people on a deeper level— showing off that I am more than my whimsical style. I want to continue being the most fabulous intern and strut into Oceanic Ballroom B.
Professionalism called me in my room last night. They told me the neutral blues, grays, and blacks were becoming dull; it’s time to spice it up! In line with their request, I am wearing all brown!
Indiana Jones was an inspiration for this look. We’re both badasses exploring new territories!
The jacket in this outfit was a gift from my mom. It was extremely comforting to have it with me as I was experiencing a ritual of adulthood. Whenever a co-worker commented on it, I would excitedly ramble about my fabulous mother.
I love the beaded fringe belt and how it works with the outfit. Its movement is impeccable. Its subtle yet undeniable flair told my team that I am always thinking of ways to elevate and execute. Plus, it was perfect to fidget with as as I waited for the printer. At times, I was twirling it around so vigorously that I felt I was going to fly away.
Company Night Out!
Yay! I can’t believe it; I’m going to my first company mixer. This is the night I can show off my fashionista flair!
The star of this show, undeniably, is this fabulous, perfectly fitted jaguar jacket that was gifted to me by my mom. It is grommeted down the collar, creating a safety hazard if hit by bright lights a certain way. It is made of a reflective, sheen material that adds texture and character.
The second, smaller star of this outfit is the petite gold watch on my right wrist. What is more professional than a distinct consciousness of time? With this, I never have to worry about missing a meeting, a call time, or having a boring right wrist. With this watch, my right wrist is always right.
Again, the silhouette anchors this whimsical outfit to professionalism. The flawless fit of the pants and the cohesiveness of the two statement pieces make this outfit incredibly attention-grabbing but also very digestible… Dare I say mature?
This outfit forced me to expand my conceptions of what could be considered corporate-appropriate. I was very nervous about wearing it, as I thought that I wouldn’t be taken seriously or people would think it was too much. I was completely wrong! My co-workers loved it. This shows that a large part of transforming the corporate sphere means trusting your co-workers and not being afraid to share your unique style with them.
Day Four
It is the fourth day, and I can taste the finish line. I have exhausted the means of my miniature suitcase and need to get resourceful. I have got to finish strong and end this journey with a perfectly styled exclamation point.
Now, I am subversive. I am wearing a voodie—vest hoodie. I would wear this hoodie to a rave. Raves and the corporate sphere have a significantly wide middle circle in their Venn diagram, and I want to make it larger.
Lasting Lessons
The major lesson I have learned from these work-appropriate yet new-age outfits is that you do not have to surrender your individuality to professionalism. Through intention, statement pieces, an emphasis on silhouette, and a good attitude, you can be the intern who enters and leaves the trip on the path to fabulousness.
Less major lessons I’ve concluded are:
- Accessories are the best way to show off your flair while dressing professionally. Wear that scarf, fasten that tie, clasp that watch, and rock that bedazzled fringed accouterment!
- It is important that you feel ready to show up and do your best work. If that means wearing all gray, then rock that! Your expression is up to no one but you!
- Silouhette is everything. Professionalism comes much more from the shape of your outfit than from the pieces themselves. If you have a crazy vest, throw that over your most perfectly fitted tee and jeans, and I guarantee you will be the most professionally professional fashionista in the room.
- Take time to pick your outfits, as you would take time to write in your journal or paint a scenic landscape. Be intentional and excited to show the world and your company the amazing colors of your identity. Intent creates meaning. Meaning creates life!
Clothes Have Power! We Have Power!
On a general note, it is vital to remember that clothes are a universal tool for communication. Each outfit you wear is an act of expression, whether it took you four minutes to conceptualize or three hours.
Professionalism is made up. Thus, it is ever-evolving. It is not monolithic, and there is certainly no right or wrong. As an intern, I felt a duty to represent my generation and the future of the workforce. We are creative, ambitious, and thoughtful! I hope my outfits showcase that.
Thinking about the message you want to send as you prepare to embark on a new journey is critical as we enter professional life. This is not the time to conform to the definitions and stereotypes set in place by the professionals who come before us! It is time to be the change we want to see.
I have found the answer to the question I posed at the beginning of my piece:
How do we, as creative fashionistas, interact with the mundane dress code that has become the dominant image of professionalism?
We change it.
