At my full-time job, my team’s office used to be located at a different (but nearby) building from what was our Conference Center where weekly Staff Meetings took place. Once a week, several members of my team and I preferred to walk to this meeting (when the weather was favorable, of course!). If the drive in to work was madness, I found that it was a really nice way to de-stress too.
One particular week during our therapy walk, my coworker and I were talking about an out-of-state business event we had coming up the next week. When our team hosts these events, we women always bring up the matter of what to wear. Attendees at our event are expected to relax and learn during the event, so business casual is perfectly acceptable and very much encouraged (vs. the normal office drab of suits and ties at some places). We figured, if you’re going to learn, why not be comfortable and kick back a bit? Since my team was hosting this event, we planned to dress a step above. We wanted to hold the bar high and stand out in a good way. (We have found that setting team members apart from attendees in a visual way has been extremely helpful at previous events.)
As my coworker friend and I were chatting on our 7-minute walk (yes, we have it down to a science!), we highlighted the importance of being comfortable in what one is wearing. As silly as it sounds, she and I always painted our fingernails before we host an event. If it doesn’t happen by our own doing, then we get it done together at the salon! The polish provides a layer of confidence. It’s important. When summer arrives, and I haven’t polished my toenails yet, I will hold off from wearing open-toed shoes or sandals a little bit longer. It sounds a little crazy, but there’s a lot of truth to dressing for the position you have (or want), both personally and professionally. Why not go the extra mile to make sure you can be and do your very best?
Other examples of potential confidence boosters would be things like having your hair done, getting a new pair of shoes, or even buying a complete outfit, shoes and all. For those who may not be super excited about clothes and shoes, perhaps a compliment or “thank you” does the trick. It can make a difference! Plus, it matters how we feel, especially when we’re representing ourselves. I spent probably close to two hours prior to this event prepping my wardrobe for the following week’s event. When I throw items that coordinate into the suitcase without trying them on, I don’t feel as though I have prepped very well for a high-end event.
Here were the results…
Now put on your “confidence clothes,” and go conquer the world!
☕️ Journal Java
- Do you spend time trying on a particular outfit or combination for the first time to make sure it’s “just right” before wearing it outside the house?
- When you get a new pair of shoes, is there is a “break-in” period before you wear them out of the house, or do you just “go for it”?
- What types of clothes, shoes, and/or accessories make you feel most confident?