Juggling office, casual wear

Chipo Mapondera
SISTERS are doing it for themselves! The modern woman is pioneering businesses, revolutionary ideas and maintaining her role as the driving force of her family. Floral designer and owner of Floral Wonder boutique, Mrs Marcia Moyana, attributes this success to our natural ability to multi-task. She says: “Women are passionate and focused. Our management qualities have been honed through successfully fulfilling the roles of mothers and wives. However, we have a lot to prove in the professional world, which makes us much more driven to succeed.”

As a doyenne of style Mrs Moyana believes a woman’s lifestyle carries through from her home to how she presents herself with her clothing. This is particularly pertinent for young professionals who are pioneering new roles that did not exist a decade ago in fashion, entertainment and technology, in their own unique way. “My style is customised to my personality”, says Ruvheneko Parirenyatwa, a 25-year-old journalist and presenter at Zi-FM Stereo.

Like most women Ruvheneko enjoys having fun with her style, but comfort is key so that her clothes do not get in the way of her busy schedule. She is also extremely conscious that people she engages through work, whether they are politicians, celebrities or other businesswomen, can relate to her look and take her work seriously.

Ruvheneko believes that in terms of work wear Zimbabwean women are still in a corporate box. I spoke to a woman who is at the top of her field in banking and she believes that “women can be constrained by what they wear and anything frivolous can send the wrong message”. For her, what she wears to work is meant to instil confidence in clients and in her colleagues, giving off an image that she is in control professionally.

However, she does wonder if this does not send the wrong message saying: “It is a woman’s abilities that are really important. Women should be allowed to be themselves in the workplace while still maintaining their professional edge.”

Despite our varied styles, what is exciting is that women are now more connected through online and business networks, which will hopefully allow us to work together and make room in the workforce for other vibrant and dynamic ladies.

Top tips for the working girl

For the Corporate Trailblazer:

Keep silhouettes simple and colours monotone. This is a man’s world and you want to be taken seriously in it.

Black, grey and navy fit best in the concrete jungle but add a feminine flourish with a printed silk scarf and a sleek timepiece.

A roomy, structured leather bag is perfectly chic and will carry everything you need from you folio to your make-up bag, for a quick touch-up between meetings.

For the Multi-tasking Manager

When selling your brand or convincing potential investors to support your next project, remember your style is your identity so give your look some distinctive personal touches.Mrs Moyana goes for a classic mix of tailored pieces in prints and colours, with sophisticated jewellery and accessories for a professional but stand-out look.

When running around from being mom to manager, and everything in between, take advantage of stylish flat shoes like ballet pumps, mules and loafers in luxurious fabrics and styles.

For the Vivacious Pioneer

Stay away from anything “too” — too high, too tight, too bright, too bold. Standing out in your career means being able to rise to the occasion and any potential opportunities. Like Ruvheneko do not let your platform heels slow you down, they are better left on the dance floor.