In just a few days, I’ll be in Paris. After that, it’s a few days in Mauritius. This is what I want to look like for the first half of that trip.
Hussy’s rules to dressing well while maintaining a freelancer’s lifestyle
- Own a large leather bag- preferably black. It can carry a pair of Toms in case u can’t make it the entire day in your heels. Yes, I know what I said about wearing the same shoes you left the house in… but that rule mostly has to do with social outings. I do rock amazing heels to work 3 out of 5 weekdays. However, on those mornings when you are running 15 min late, have spilled something on self, and have to sprint to the metro, a comfy pair of flats can be a lifesaver.
- Your large bag can also help you carry a back up outfit, in case you did not make it home the night before, as well as your lunch, make up, yoga gear, phone, day planner, etc. There is nothing worse than travelling to work with five different bags storing your belongings.
- Keep a pair of black pumps at the office- the other day I wore a Batman t-shirt I stole from a boy and skinny jeans. This could have looked like the morning after outfit It really was, but instead, paired with really good rock inspired high heels made it edgy. These ‘at work heels’ also come in handy when you forgot you had an important prezzie and just wore your flats.
- No kitten heels. Everrrrrrrr. You can do a mid heel, high heel or flat.
- If you dressed up but put on Flip Flops, it doesn’t count.
- Unless you are really good at mixing prints, keep your colour palette muted and basic with a couple of trendy pops. Muted pinks, mauves and beiges are good at the moment. My wardrobe consists of mostly black, white, grey, and red. I wish I was one of those girls who can rock clashing prints, sadly this style makes me look like I crawled out of a gypsy fairytale, so I stick to the basics.
- Buy good quality fabrics. The most basic super soft premium tee looks miles better than anything acrylic no matter how trendy it is. Nice fabrics last longer and make you pettable. Additionally, faux fabrics + stress & sweat = bad scene.
- Nothing bedazzled. Everrrrrrrr.
- When trying to look serious and professional, take an objective look at the overall effect of your outfit. The other day I had to surpress the horrified look on my face upon seeing one of the girls at the office who looked like an Amy-Winehouse-tranny-hooker: all in black, with hidden platform stilettos, fishnets, high waisted pencil skirt, boobascular top, more black eyeliner than an teen goth, giant faux pearl necklace, and pouffed up bleached hair. Hideous au max!!! There is a difference between looking professional and like a professional.
- Don’t wear anything you have to tug on or fidget in. If your skirt keeps riding up, potentially you should not wear it to work. Avoid situations when you have to adjust parts of your outfit. Simple is better!
- Beware of anything too revealing or see through. My good friend C recalls an episode where she was getting briefed for a project by a sexy woman wearing a see through top: at the end of the meeting her and her partner had absolutely no clue about the assignment they were given, as they spent the meeting trying to catch a glimpse of seemingly perfect breast. Sex sells, but if you want to send your message across, cover up your bits.
- If at all possible, mentally plan your outfit before you fall asleep. Ensure that all the things you want to wear are clean. If you have to check for cleanliness, you should probably go for an alternate option.
