24-hour workwear
When it comes to business, there’s nothing a power suit can’t fix – at least if you ask Lynn Mikolajczak. The Belgium-based lawyer turned digital marketer is now the woman to call for professional styling advice, as her 12k-strong Instagram following would agree.
EH: What does personal style mean to you?
LM: It’s an expression of your personality and career goals.
EH: How has your personal image and style impacted people’s perceptions of you in the working environment?
LM: My style definitely supported me during job interviews and my career switch [from lawyer to marketing consultant]. I didn’t have a background in digital marketing, but my blog and social media channels were my portfolio. My professional image, offline and online, proved that I can bring something to the table. Of course, you can never be sure how others perceive you. A good exercise is to ask people, who know you well professionally and who you trust, for the top three words they associate with you; you’ll immediately have an idea.
EH: How would you describe your own personal style and the inspiration behind it?
LM: Classic, timeless, corporate, with a ‘less is more’ approach.
EH: How has your style changed from when you were a lawyer?
LM: My style didn’t really change. Now I’m in a more creative working environment, there’s room to implement trendier items into my work outfits – that’s what I like to do now and then. I could opt to wear more casual outfits if I wanted, but I prefer my suits and formal style – it makes me feel more focused and productive.
“You can have everything you want in life if you dress for it”
EH: If you had to pick only five pieces in your wardrobe to wear repeatedly throughout the working week, what would they be?
LM: What I call the business essentials: a classic black suit, my double-breasted black blazer with gold buttons, a navy structured shift dress, a white blouse and a leather pencil skirt.
EH: Where do you like to shop for workwear?
LM: There are a lot of upcoming workwear labels that I love. Keep an eye on my Instagram because in the upcoming weeks I’ll tell you more about the brands.
EH: Do you have a tailor?
LM: No, I’m lucky that I fit [easily] into brands’ sizes. Sometimes pants are too wide or too short but I can hide that with a belt and heels. I know that a lot of people struggle with the fit of business wear – the current sizes are outdated.
EH: If you could swap wardrobes with anyone, who would it be and why?
LM: When I was younger, I was obsessed with celebrities’ outfits – they really influenced the way I dressed. Since I found my own style, I don’t have a real role model anymore; I look at how I can make outfits or items work for me. Although I really love Anine Bing – good jeans, suits, a chic woollen coat, a cool leather jacket; her collections are timeless.
EH: Can you think of a time when you’ve made a bad work-related style choice?
LM: Luckily, my bad style choices were when I was at school. Now I am very aware of the outfits that work for me. The only bad style choice I sometimes make is trying a trendier item because I need to figure out if it fits me or not.
EH: What five style tips would you give to working women that they can incorporate daily?
LM:
- Less is more
- Prioritise style before you make it trendy
- Comfort doesn’t mean wearing sloppy clothes. If you get the right fit for your body, everything will be comfortable.
- Plan your outfits for the week to support your work schedule, so you don’t need to rush in the morning.
- Invest time and money in finding your personal professional style.
EH: How do you dress outside of work?
LM: I wear workwear outside of work as well; business essentials are so versatile – you can style them for every occasion. During the weekend, I dress down a blazer with skinny black jeans and loafers or suit pants with a cosy knit. The most casual you will probably see me is in the gym or when I go for a run.
EH: What’s your advice on make-up for work?
LM: Again, less is more. I always recommend a natural look with mascara – it’s the bare minimum and it will let your eyes speak. [Also,] concealer, a blush, highlighter or bronzer to give your face that extra glow and a neutral lipstick.
“Invest time and money in finding your personal professional style”
EH: Can you take me through your morning and bedtime routine?
LM: I wake up at 5am every day – workweek and weekend. I immediately take a shower, do my skincare routine and get myself ready for my morning run or walk.
Beforehand, I drink a coffee (a cappuccino with almond milk) and during [exercise], I am checking and answering my emails and social media. When I’m back home, it’s time for my second outfit change and make-up before leaving for the office.
Before I go to bed, I always remove my make-up, make sure my skin is clean and add a night cream. I like to read before I go to sleep, but most of the time I end up in bed with my laptop. I usually go to sleep between 11pm and midnight.
EH: Can you explain the impact that Covid-19 has had on your personal image and style?
LM: It didn’t have a huge impact. I still dress up every morning as I would for the office. When I have online meetings, I still put on a suit. The only difference is that I have more time for my skincare routine and I wear less make-up, [just] very light foundation or tinted day cream. When I want to have some extra power, I put on a bold lipstick.