Why not dress up for our remote jobs? Your colleagues might only see you from the waist up on video calls, but that doesn't mean you can’t wear your new gold block heels to your at-home office desk. The same goes for red lipstick, your Best jewellery and formal blazers.
Sometimes the key to confidence is creating the illusion of confidence. Important meeting, dress good. Think 80s, Melanie Griffith Working Girl power dressing, but lose the cigarette, printouts and landline.
I’m not one to look to celebs like Hailey Bieber or Kendall Jenner for fashion inspiration. To me, they’re not interesting or relatable. Rather, TikTok and Instagram it girls make me feel something. They play dress up. They put in the effort to make a very comfy outfit look expensive, and they even present florals as groundbreaking. And yes, they have tons of followers, but you can only fake cool to a certain extent. These girls dress for them - and their silent confidence radiates from the screen.
(Image of @stealinglucy wearing our Zee earrings in Gold)
Based on the extensive research I've conducted through countless social media scrolls, here are a few ways in which these girls have inspired me to dress up for no one:
Dress like a Copenhagen/Portuguese girlie
Wild and wonderful pyjama-core combos are all over my feed. That undeniable clean girl, Scandi aesthetic that makes us blush. It’s hygge, it’s toned down, but interesting all at once. Elegant and delightful, these women effortlessly combine pyjama bottoms, a basic tee, a timeless trench coat or leather jacket, Dad sneakers or ballerina flats, and playful accessories, transforming it into a fashion statement that few would have considered 'good' just a few years back.
Then we have the Portuguese girls, who are all about mixing and matching the wrong patterns in the right way. There’s always a pop of colour involved, and a flower claw clip is mandatory. Deliciously good. I just bought one on Superbalist.
@vicmontanari
Public displays of confidence
Girls were doing fit-checks all over town before ‘Tube girl’ came into the picture. She just took it to another level. Filming their looks in grocery stores or on the street, there was no shame. Leaving your phone unattended for less than a minute on the streets of Cape Town might not be something you should consider, however, the confidence that comes with owning your space and your outfit publicly in this way, is a true act of self-love. It encourages an unapologetic way of dressing and being, which I adore.
@lechellealdridge
Jewellery polishes any look. Whenever I travel, the main thing I look to buy is jewellery. It reminds me of the cities I saw and the experiences I had.
Today, young women like TikTok sensation, Victoria Paris and her French bestie have redefined the way we should wear jewellery. They artfully layer, and blend vintage pieces with contemporary ones, and even wear gold-plated jewels in water and while bathing - there are no rules. Their style drips with opulence. It may seem excessive, but it’s actually so good.
@victoriaparis
In the ever-evolving digital fashion landscape, the possibilities are endless. So, draw inspiration from those who encourage you to play, experiment, to find the mix and match that works for you, and allow your outfit or accessories to boost your confidence one good outfit at a time. Always keep in mind that the most important person to dress up for is none other than yourself.