25/05/2026
I was speaking at a networking event a few weeks ago and I looked around the room. You can’t really avoid it when you’re stood in front of everyone, but even so I’m a real people watcher. I love it!
Not everyone was in their business best. Some women were really casual, and relaxed, and dressed like…. well….. themselves!
I didn't trust them any less. Not even a little bit. Instead I was quite fascinated by the different styles in the room. The different businesses, and how those women chose to show up that day. So many different personalities on show.
My brain did what it does and got stuck into the expectations placed on women, and it made me think about this rule so many of us have been given and have accepted - dress professionally or people won't take you seriously.
Who wrote that rule? And why are we still following it?
Well, I can answer the first part – men! But also, I know the answer to the second part too. Because we’ve been conditioned. Because life is easier if we just go along with it.
There's a big difference between a dress code and a personal style. One is imposed on you. The other is yours.
I find that the women who look like themselves are usually the ones people remember and trust more, and I don’t know a single woman that wouldn’t want that.
I’m chatting about this in this week’s podcast episode. Go have a listen.
https://terripugh.com/podcast
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I’m Terri by the way, and I create spaces where women in business can be themselves. Come and join my new membership and be surrounded by others that want that too. Doors open soon – if you want a founding member spot you need to be on the waitlist. Sign up here: https://terripugh.com/the-rise-waitlist-may-2026/
