What makes you feel professional?

[Cinderellasfeatherduster]

I’m going back to work after two years of maternity. I’m feeling a bit mumsy and out of style so I’m buying a few things that make me feel professional again. So far it’s a pair of pearl stud earrings, a new phone case (one that’s not dog eared from being a teething toy), new shoes and some Jessica nail varnish in grown up colours. What are the small details that make you feel good as a professional?

My hair being smart.

Keeping my wardrobe simple and classy (I had my colours done) so sticking to lots of creams and blues.

Definitely my hair, the better it looks the more pulled together I feel. It's naturally unkempt so when it goes well I really feel it.

A nice bag. Just for work so, for me, that's generally bigger than what I use at the weekend. I don't necessarily mean expensive. Just one that has all the things I need for work, which makes me feel organised and, therefore, makes me feel professional!

Definitely hair - I need a restyle but can’t decide. DH like it long and wild (it’s almost down to my elbows) but I don’t feel very groomed.

A grown up perfume. I wear Tom Ford Ombré leather for courage when I have an important meeting. It makes me feel like I can kick ass!

Blazers can turn a casual outfit into something more edgy and smart.

Heeled shoes, even if small heel.

I invest in fewer but more expensive/well made handbags.

neutrals worn together such as creams, off whites tend to make outfits look more expensive than they are. Smaller details such as belts and jewellery can make an outfit look more put together too.

Good quality notebook and pen.

Brogues or similar. Clean and polished.

So many good ideas. I can feel the shopping itch in my fingers! I work in rural consulting so I’m usually excused from high heels but did once get called out in an urgent farm visit in four inch heels, much to the farmer’s amusement.

I had a beautiful a4 notepad wallet from
Kate Spade which I took to meetings. Always made me feel more polished.

Hi @Cinderellasfeatherduster a blazer has always made me feel more professional 💃x

Hair, blazers, smart bag and nice nails.

Dior Nail Glow, I hate to say I found overrated. Much prefer gels or Maybelline Super Stay.

somewhat styled hair
simple makeup
nice pair of earrings
perfume

a nice bag but most important an uncluttered bag for a clear mind

my work is very informal but I like to look broadly pulled together and think some sort of work uniform helps with it not being a huge effort

You can keep your wild long hair if you’re happy to put it up or pull it back? My hair is curly and I do straighten it at times but mostly just try and make sure the curls aren’t too mad

Clothes without holes. I was brought up to do a lot of mending and maintenance of clothes as they got older so have always thought that darns and mends are normal. Turns out I look a lot smarter if I buy new clothes when old ones wear out, and I actually recognise when they have worn out.

Also hair. Never give your hair a brush in the morning and think 'it'll do one more day'. It won't.

@ElizabethinherGermanGarden this made me laugh. My mum is very much the same as yours by the sounds of it. Never throw something away if you can wear it without scaring the horses because there’s a hole in the wrong place or tripping over your shoes because the sole is coming off.

And stationery… any excuse for stationery.

Hair - neat and tidy
Make-up - discreet
Shoes - clean
Clothes - must fit

Always use a proper notebook, either A4 or smaller but avoid the spiral topped A5 ones - they make you look like a secretary.

Special notebook and pen
Nice handbag
Good water bottle

I’m a lecturer in a creative subject so don’t tend to be smart-smart - even less so since Covid - and my outfits are usually jeans/nice top or dress/trainers. I buy “good jeans”, mainly Levi’s, always wear red lipstick, nails always painted, and my hair is cut every five weeks so always looks sharp. Agree that a decent bag takes you a long way - I am currently using a new leather crossbody from Arket which I really love.

Treat yourself to a Montblanc biro and and Moleskine pad. Trust me you'll feel powerful!

I do dream of a Mont Blanc…

Montblanc! Auto correct…

Hair and fountain pen. I have a Cross that is slightly more affordable than MB!

I use A4 paper as a I take site notes then file them. I'm tempted by a leather conference folio but it feels a bit too masculine. I'm in a very male dominated environment so I always feel the need to maintain femininity whilst still looking professional. I have my own company so have the freedom to be myself, within reason.