Ah, the witty tones of workplace bullying. At a place where everyone has an opinion about everything, it would be tough to get through your career without being subjected to some sort of judgement. If you get called in for an interview, however much confidence you have in your experience and capabilities, you would still want to dress to impress, because first impressions matter. If you look younger than you are, people automatically tend to think you’re incapable or that you lack leadership and the ability to command a room. If you’re closer to 6ft and wear heels to boot, you’re more of an intimidating boss lady who’s bound to be difficult to handle.

Some workplaces also try to control your sense of style. While you probably shouldn’t walk into your corporate office like you work at Hooters, being in charge of your own dress code shouldn’t be too much to ask. Oh, for the day when employees are judged on their capabilities and not on what they eat, how much they eat, how they dress or how much they weigh…

If you’re dressed appropriately for your workplace and your job role, if you’re confident enough, then don’t let anyone else dictate how you should look. If you think you should step up your wardrobe game, then go for it! Try new things, get that bold new haircut (don’t wait till you get paid, lose weight, have a holiday planned etc.), just be the best version of yourself every single day. Let your actions speak for what you are capable of. Even if there will always be people who judge from the surface, know that there is so much more to you than they’ll ever know.

Since most of us spend almost 80% of our lives at work, don’t be afraid to brighten up your 9-5 (7-7 or 24/7, if you’re hustling super hard). Go out their and kick ass, whether in heels or Converse, let that be up to you, not anyone else.