Dress like a boss

In the right outfit you can conquer the work commute, unruly clients, and the entire world. So, give your working wardrobe the promotion it deserves.

Words Ella James

Now before we begin, it’s to be noted that this article isn’t about the outfits that will get you that pay rise. Outfits can’t do that. Only you can do that. Outfits can, however, elevate your mood to new levels, increase confidence and motivate you entirely, which is always greatly appreciated in any workplace. Here are three sensationally inspiring women who are making waves in their given industries while declining the all-too-often-prescribed pencil skirt and blouse.

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

American activist, politician and educator.

"Next time someone tells Bronx girls to take off their hoops, they can just say they’re dressing like a Congresswoman." – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Whilst it’s her trailblazing efforts in American politics that deserve the limelight, her brazen choice of fashions simply can’t go unmentioned. Alexandriahas taken power dressing and statement-making up a notch, all in the name of her home borough in New York City, the Bronx. In a political environment that sees the very few women within it dressed in standard suit, traditional gender norms are expected to be obeyed. Enter Alexandria.

The young politician recently made the headlines for being the youngest ever female to be elected into Congress, and she did so in spectacular fashion. Donning a white suit, fierce red lip and gold hoops, the young politician made a visual statement that she’s here to shake things up, and she has.

Alexandriatook inspiration from Sonia Sotomayor, an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States who was advised to trade in her red lipstick and gold hoops for more neutral alternatives in order to avoid scrutiny by the press. This Bronx-born go-getter has rather different ideas, and it’s fast becoming her signature look.

Alexandriais making waves in modern politics and in abolishing gender norms. The suffragettes wore bold, red lipstick, and so does this congresswoman.

Whitney Wolfe Herd

Founder of dating app Bumble.

While you may not be familiar with Whitney Wolfe, you’re bound to have heard of Bumble. The dating app launched in 2014 and, within its first month, 100,000 people had downloaded it, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. The innovative narrative behind Bumble is most different to other dating apps. Bumble puts the women in control in enabling them to make the first move by initiating conversation with males on the app.

Her approach to fashion has a real sting to it, and while the app founder has been a very busy bee indeed, she’s not one to turn up in an outfit anything less than sharp. Always making an entrance in bold, bright ensembles, you just can’t deny her your undivided attention. The millionaire tech guru is close friends with rebel female entrepreneur Diane Von Furstenberg and it would appear that Furstenberg’s iconic sense of style is rubbing off on her.

Whitney has recently been spotted at numerous work functions sporting wild and vibrant Furstenberg designs, and it’s definitely a work uniform that we can get behind. Whitney symbolises bold, unapologetic femininity at its most stylish.

Noor Tagouri

Libyan American journalist, producer, activist and motivational speaker.

“I realised that my strength lies in using my own identity.” – Noor Tagouri

Noor Tagouri’s presence really encapsulates the room, and her personal sense of style makes this impressive you woman even harder to ignore. She isn’t afraid to be herself in the workplace, and it’s refreshing and empowering in equal measure.

The most important aspect of her signature style is, of course, her hijab. As a young child and during her early career, Noor was told by others that a woman veiled in a hijab simply couldn’t exist in such a ruthless industry. Yet, despite being met with anger and prejudice by many, she kept working hard and furthermore, kept wearing her hijab as a symbol of her Muslim faith. Now, with 391,000 followers on Instagram, she’s inspiring a generation to be proud of their roots.

Noor does power dressing a little differently. Instead of opting for structured suits and sky-high heels, she dresses in soft silhouettes and calming tones that prove timeless, practical and stylish; most perfect for a busy professional lifestyle. Always adorned in perfectly paired gold accessories, Noor is capable of commanding a room, before she’s even spoken a word.