Dress for success

Smart Working

Dress for success

Dressing for success has always been part of my persona. At law school, my tutors would always regale us with this mantra.

I follow some basic principles – specifically, comfort, in conjunction with my body shape and cost. Comfort is important as I spend most of my day at work. I do not believe in suffering for fashion.

My staple pieces have been sourced from; Ted Baker, Karen Millen and Diane Von Furstenberg (DVF). Ted Baker has amazing tailoring. Their midi black pencil skirt goes well with any pussybow blouse and peep toes in summer or closed court shoes for any season. Their coats are very versatile. Although quite costly at just over £325, they are an investment, especially for the winter season. Remember that during the sale season, they are reduced by 50%. As a self-confessed avid collector (I have five – in black, camel, burgundy, grey and nude) I can attest to purchasing some of my collection in the sale for half the price. I also have a fuchsia-coloured pencil dress purchased over 10 years ago, which to this day, I miraculously can still fit into.

Karen Millen has been one of my favourite designers for many years. Going way back, when Karen Millen owned the label and the shoe boxes were blue and orange. I have about seventy pairs of shoes and over twenty dresses, including cocktail dresses. Her pencil dresses are the epitome of elegance and worthy of the investment. I actually wore one to my recent New York Attorney admission ceremony. Their handbags add a classy touch, and large enough to accommodate a thirteen-inch laptop.

Diane Von Furstenberg, well known for her iconic wrap dresses, is another favourite designer of mine. Being a curvy woman, it can be difficult to find comfortable dresses, but suffice to say, I have found a home with her designs (I have seven of her dresses).

They are quite costly, but just like my other favourite designers, the sale prices are quite good especially, in New York, where I bought some of them.

You might have established by now, that I have relatively expensive taste, but as already alluded to, the sales knock down the price by 50%, thus budget wise it’s a consolation. It is to be noted that the majority of these garments are dry clean only, which should not come as a surprise, given their quality.

However, they are an investment which will last many years as mine have. Most importantly, I feel comfortable and my confidence is always boosted in a major way, leaving me feeling that I can conquer the world!

Charity Mafuba

New York Attorney and Counselor-at-Law