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Power dressing with a pink twist

Shelve the pantsuit and dark skirts and own your femininity in the workplace, writes NONKULULEKO KUMALO

WHEN you look good, you feel good and you do well.

The modern woman juggles many roles, as professional, mother, friend, individual and so on.

Finding balance and performing those roles with confidence can be daunting.

The working woman battles with creating a personal brand and climbing the corporate ladder while still remaining feminine.

Mentor and modern corporate coach Lori Milner says women are too hard on themselves and tend to restrict themselves in the work environment.

"A lot of women struggle to find their footing in the corporate environment.

"They struggle to sell themselves and with personal branding," she says.

Clothes are not just about material covering your body, they play a vital role in boosting your confidence, which in turn plays a role in how you project yourself.

"It's important to know how to present yourself. It takes only seven seconds to make a first impression, so you have to make it count."

Women in high-powered positions sometimes tend to think that they should emulate men, but this is not the case.

"Women are often conflicted because they look at the corporate male, who is usually confident, and they want to stick to the black and grey pantsuit and pretty much dress like a man.

"I always say that as long as you keep it professional, you can still look feminine. It's okay to wear pink and to add some accessories to your outfit. It's important to keep your femininity while staying professional," says Milner.

Author and personal finance blogger Vangile Makwakwa believes that the clothes you wear are a personal choice, but it's important to look professional and presentable.

"Clothes are very important. I love dresses and skirts and looking very colourful and feminine with large earrings. because that's me.

"My advice is to be authentic - dress professionally, but let the way you dress be a reflection of your personality," she says.

Body language is as important as power dressing.

It shows people what you are about and it speaks volumes about your confidence levels.

Milner says men have mastered the art of "power poses", which women need to learn.

"Men take up space when they are in a room, they make gestures with their arms and walk around the room.

"Women, on the other hand, cross their legs and fold their arms, which makes them seem smaller.

"Women need to walk around, use the room and claim the space," she says.

And a pair of killer heels never let anybody down.