How to stand out in the office with confidence
ARE you a fashion black sheep at your workplace?
While being the black sheep is never considered a good thing and basically means that you do not fit in, being a fashion black sheep can mean that you are the most fabulous person in the room.
What better way to stand out than at your otherwise dull workplace?
Can you be fashion forward at your work? Do you turn heads with your dress sense because it simply looks like you just strutted off a runway?
We found three people whose answer to this is a resounding YES!
They are self-proclaimed fashionistas, and are unapologetic about it, even in their places of work, where conformity is a must.
Qhama Dayile, 30, a journalist from the Johannesburg CBD
Dayile says she would describe her fashion sense as a fusion of eccentric, quirky and “unapologetically black”, and that’s what makes her a fashion black sheep – putting an effort into her look at her workplace.
“The working hours can sometimes be ridiculous and people find themselves not putting an effort in the way they look and end up settling for ‘normal’. I have never been normal. I am a creative, and this translates in the way I dress.
“Heads always turn, not from seeing me as odd or awkward but from appreciation, I’ve been told.”
Her colleagues’ compliments range from statements such as, “That is a daring look and only you could pul it off” to “you look amazing”.
Dayile, whose style icon is Rihanna, says her secret to being daring while remaining corporate is, surprisingly, being neat.
“You can be creative, but keep it clean and lady-like. I make sure my hair is clean, great nails, face made-up (not too much), high heels can also change your look completely. And most importantly, the way I carry myself; confidence and grace completes any look.”
Songezo Gxalaba, 31, a marketing manager from Marshalltown
“I’m the guy that takes risks. Every time I walk into the office my business partners always want a certain clothing item I’m wearing, mind you, they are females,” says Gxalaba, who describes his style as slick, clean and edgy. “I tend to turn heads in my office, from the receptionist to colleagues who either want my coats or my sneakers. I always rock a suit with sneakers. “It makes me feel good that people notice my efforts.” Gxalaba says the secret is to be subtle and sensible about your fashion sense. “Always acknowledge your environment and the type of clients you’re servicing, as you’re the face of the business. “A male can play with different colours and textures of ties, pocket squares and shoes. Simplicity is key and your personality must come out always while sticking to your corporate colours,” he says.
Gxalaba insists that one does not have to work in a high-paying job to look good in the office.
“I shop anywhere. I find interesting pieces, mostly in secondhand and vintage shops.”
Tshepiso Shongwe, 30, a business analyst from Lenasia
Shongwe says what makes her a black sheep is that she has always been a fashion rebel.
“I hate the uniformity of the office environment.
“People are like sheep, they just blend in with the background. But I like to spice things up a bit.”
Shongwe denotes that her style varies.
“It depends on my mood. I can rock a tomboy, androgynous look on a Monday and rock a tutu skirt the very next day. But I always keep it classy and respectable to my work environment.”
For someone looking to spice up their look, Shongwe says a denim jacket never goes wrong.
“You can basically throw it over anything, and accessorise it differently every time.
“Ladies, can we please do away with leggings, miniskirts and dull, beige colours? Be confident and take risks,” she implores.