Why You Keep Reaching for “Safe” Work Clothes —While That Bold Dress Collects Dust!!

Written By Roxy Ahmed-Suarez

You’ve built a career that others admire. On paper, everything looks perfect—title, salary, success.

And yet, there’s a quiet tension gnawing at you every morning as you stand in front of your closet, staring at a wardrobe filled with bland, boring, neutral-toned work clothes.

But... then your eyes land on that dress—the bold, sassy one you bought months ago that makes you feel alive just looking at it. And yet, it’s still collecting dust.

That’s what you REALLY want to wear!!

But… this wardrobe dilemma? It isn’t really about the clothes.

It’s a micro-expression of something much deeper.

Like the way you filter yourself at work. The way you tone down, hold back, and shrink to fit into the version of career success you were told to chase.

But what if… success didn’t require sacrificing self-expression?

What if… you could be both powerful AND fully, unapologetically YOU as you climb the corporate ladder?

Well, I believe you absolutely can!!

So—in here I’m going to be sharing some strategies to help you reclaim your power, break free from the pressure to fit in, and bring more of YOU to the workplace—putting you in the driver’s seat again.

Because i know you’re itching to wake up excited and get dressed, step into your day, and own your space—oozing sass, class, and an energetic vibe without having to sacrifice your reputation and success.

And how are you going to do this?

By challenging some of the assumptions about professionalism that have conditioned you to make dozens of daily small subconscious choices to blend in—without even realizing it.

... and at the same time introduce small but intentional acts of self-expression—mini-rebellions :) against the unspoken rules that have kept you playing small.

So to be transparent, while this post isn’t entirely about dress codes or convincing you to wear bright colors—it IS about how you show up in the world—at work, in relationships, in life.


🔥 Sound good? Let’s do this . . .

Introducing Your Small Acts of Reclamation (Aka Mini-Rebellions 😉) —Without Compromising Your Success

Just to reassure you—reclaiming your power doesn’t mean you need to walk into your next meeting in a sequined neon power jumpsuit (unless you want to 😉) and blow up your entire professional image and hard-earned success overnight.

But you can start shaking tings’ up in small but mighty ways—with tiny, deliberate choices to ease you in, and challenge outdated norms—proving that you can show up more authentically without losing credibility.

Think of these mini-rebellions as subtle power moves—tiny shifts that disrupt the status quo just enough so that it feels natural, not forced.

. . . that tackle style and confidence, but mucho importantly are about rewiring your brain to trust yourself again—one choice at a time.


🔥 Okaaaaay —time to get a little rebellious!


>> Let's start with . . .

🔥 1. Wear Something That Feels More Like YOU

. . . and reclaim your physical presence.

This is about breaking free from the “acceptable” version of yourself—not just in clothing but in any way you physically or energetically express who you are.

So, because you’re probably tired of dressing like a corporate mannequin—I want you to choose one thing this week that feels more YOU:

✔ Add a pop of color—maybe a red lip, bold earrings, or colorful heels.

✔ Instead of another samey-same black blazer—just wear another colour altogether or one with a bold sassy lining.

✔ Make your bold choice and wear it with full ownership—no apologies, no over-explaining. Just BE in it.

✔ Notice what comes up for you—when you wear something that excites you, how does it shift your energy?

Do you feel powerful? Self-conscious? Like you’re "getting away" with something? (That’s conditioning talking—but just keep going.)

The goal here? To start dressing in a way that reflects your presence, not just your position.


>> Your next mini-act of reclamation of power . . .

🔥 2. Say What You Actually Mean (Without Over-Editing)

. . . and reclaim your voice.

Women are often conditioned to make themselves more “palatable” in conversations, and so use phrases like:

🚫 “I’m not sure if this makes sense, but…”

🚫 “Just a thought…”

🚫 “I could be wrong, but…”

Sound familiar?

But you don’t need a disclaimer before stating something you KNOW is true.

So—for the next 24 hours try this:

✔ Pause before softening your words— so when you catch yourself adding disclaimers —stop and reframe.

✔ Own your statement without buffering it—drop the “just,” “sorry,” and “I think” when you don’t need them.

✔ And then ask yourself: “Am I speaking with clarity and confidence, or am I watering it down?” Then, choose clarity!


🔥 The shift? You instantly feel more powerful when you stop tiptoeing and start owning your words.


>> Okaay moving on . . .

🔥 3. Stop Saying Yes When You Mean No!

…and reclaim your boundaries.

If you’re always the go-to person for favors, last-minute projects, and extra work—you might be operating under the “I need to be liked” mentality.

But wanna know the truth:
Saying “yes” when you really want to say “no” is self-betrayal. (Ouchh!)

So to stop you from continuing to commit these acts of betrayal :) —for the next week, commit to one act of radical boundary-setting per day.

YESSS - it’s gonna feel uncomfortable for you as you're used to putting others' needs before yours —but radical breakthroughs don’t happen from inside of your comfort zone . . .

*So get radicalising by committing to one of these each day for the next week:

✔ Replace knee-jerk “yeses” with “Let me think about it.” (Gives you space before committing.)

✔ If it’s not a HELL YES, it’s probably a NO —Ya’ don’t have to take on extra work just to be a “team player.”

✔ Practice the power of a full stop. No over-explaining. No apologies. Just:

➡ “I won’t be able to take that on right now.”

➡ “I’m not available for that meeting.”

➡ “That timeline won’t work for me.”


🔥 The shift? You’ll feel lighter, more in control, and more powerful—because you’re leading, not reacting.

Setting your boundaries isn’t just about saying no—it’s about breaking the cycle that makes saying yes feel safer.

Of course, if shifting this habit was as simple as "just stop doing it," you would’ve stopped by now . . .

But this runs deeper.

Because boundaries aren’t just what you say—they’re what you believe you deserve, and if you don’t feel deserving enough, then your boundaries settings aren’t going to last for long.


So how do we shift that?

Inside my 1:1 coaching—these are the sneaky insidious power takers that you get to bust through — we uncover the people-pleasing patterns that keep you overcommitting, redefine what it means to be a "team player," and release the guilt that keeps you saying yes when you mean no.

From small, low-risk boundary shifts to bigger, bolder moves, you’ll go from reactive to proactive—owning your time, energy, and worth without over-explaining or second-guessing.

*Curious to know more? I will get to that further down—I promise :)

>> Let’s keep reading . . .

Own the power of self-expression—Can You Feel The Shift Happening . . .

By challenging some of the assumptions about professionalism —I hope by now it's starting to shift your conditioned thinking, and helping you realise that you don’t have to choose between success and self-expression . . .

**Because the real power move on your part —is integrating them** —YAY!

These small power moves, shake up conformity —opening the door to more conscious and empowered choices that set you free . . .

Each one being proof that you can own your space, stay true to yourself, and still command respect—without bringing the whole rigid, archaic corporate work rule system crashing to the ground!! (LOL.)

You’re not “breaking the rules”—you’re rewriting them.

Instead of waiting for permission, you’re simply testing the waters in ways that feel exciting but safe. And therefore these mini acts of oh-so-soul satisfying rebellions serve to build your muscle of authentic self-expression—without setting off alarm bells in your workplace!!!

And, I know what You Might Be Wondering . . .

“But what if I stand out too much? What if people don’t take me seriously?”


Real people —leaders respect authenticity more than conformity.

The most influential people in the world? They don’t waste energy trying to blend in. They show up unapologetically—every single day.

**And they sure as hell don’t have time for small-mindedness. They’re too busy having fun staying true to themselves—because that’s how they create the change they want to see in the world.

Let me give you some examples of SOUL SISTAS who are flipping the script and doing it for themselves . . . their ways:

  • Sarah Blakely (Founder of Spanx) – she built a billion-dollar brand without following the rules. She pitched her product to rooms full of male execs who didn’t get it—but she trusted her vision, stayed true to herself, and proved that success isn’t about seeking approval—it’s about owning your space.

  • Bozoma Saint John (Former CMO of Netflix, Uber, Apple Music) – she walks into every room fully expressed, fully confident, and fully HER. And, in industries notorious for conformity, she built her career by showing up boldly, shaking things up, and proving that leadership isn’t about blending in—it’s about standing out.

  • Adena Friedman (CEO of NASDAQ) – she was the first woman to lead one of the most powerful financial institutions in the world—an industry where women are often expected to “fit in” to be taken seriously. But guess what — instead of shrinking herself, she proved that women don’t just belong in these spaces—they belong at the top.

So darling —let me ask you (and be honest with yourself):

—Do you want to be liked, or do you want to be respected?

—Do you want to fit in, or do you want to own your space and make an impact?

PS. Let me be clear—making an impact doesn’t mean you have to climb even higher up the ladder. Not everyone wants the corner office, and that’s absolutely okay. Impact is really about how you show up right where you are—how you own your voice, set boundaries, and bring more of YOU into your work and life in a way that feels aligned.

Because the women who are truly seen, heard, and valued

They’re the ones who own their space—without waiting for permission.

And just like that . . . with every small shift—whether it’s speaking up, setting boundaries, or finally wearing that bold outfit that makes you feel alive—you’re not just changing how YOU feel, but also . . .

ᥫ᭡ You’re changing the culture around you

ᥫ᭡ You’re leading by example, not by being exception.

ᥫ᭡ You’re proving that success doesn’t require shrinking.

Just keep showing up. Keep owning your space. Keep being the bold YOU, because without you realising it —you’re creating ripples that are changing the damn game for others around you. . .

Yesss! darling—your authenticity gives them permission to start mini-rebellions of their own which allows them to own their space without burning everything down that they have built ;)

So, the bottom line —the most powerful version of YOU is always going to be the whole version of you. . .

. . . and now that you have a glimpse of what’s possible —you don’t have to shrink, edit, or filter yourself to be respected or taken seriously


The moment you stop asking, “Is this allowed?” and start declaring, “This is who I am,” everything shifts.


. . . And so, I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post and gained some valuable shifts and practical tips —that you can start applying straight away and allow yourself to show up as the REAL you.

It’s Time to Take Your Power Back . .

This isn’t just about wearing the bold dress.

It’s about being the bold limitless woman who never leaves herself behind again.

AND—if you’re ready to stop living on autopilot and start showing up as the bold, limitless, authentic YOU in every way, then listen darling . . .


All these strategies in this post? They’re all good and dandy—and yes, they work (that is . . . until you stop working them).

But nothing is more powerful than having someone hold your hand through the process.


Because it’s not a learn it and forget it kinda thing. You’re elevation from someone settling with the status quo to breaking free to limitless heights . . .

. . . It’s an ongoing, beautiful journey of the unravelling of you—one that unfolds layer by layer.


And that’s exactly why I LOVE doing this work.

If you want handheld support, if you want someone to sit next to you (virtually 😉) and guide you through the shifts—then sign up for 1:1 coaching with me.

Inside my coaching—we go deeper than the surface-level shifts. I call my coaching framework The Hustle Detox—because let’s be real, we love a good, fancy, schmancy sassy name.

But at the core?

It’s about detoxing from the conditioned ways of being and doing that have kept you stuck, frustrated and exhausted from all the efforting involved in climbing the corporate ladder.

So let me guide you to a place where you can let go of all the efforting and proving and striving from a place where it feels so damn good to be you inside and outside of work.

💥You are a divine, infinite, powerful woman who doesn’t have to do life the way she’s been told . . .

You can rewrite the script, reclaim your space, and redefine what work and success look like for YOU.

And all this magic?

  • It doesn’t happen in isolation.

  • It happens inside powerful, raw, expansive conversations.

  • It happens when someone sees you, holds space for you, and reminds you of what’s possible BEFORE you even see it yourself.

💡 So this is your invitation . . .


*Book a Complimentary 30-Min ‘Get Real’ Call with me.

No pressure. No obligation. Just a space for powerful conversation.

✔ I’ll get to know a little bit about you.

✔ You’ll get to know a little bit about me.

✔ Together, we’ll crack open a conversation and start flipping the script on the way you’ve been doing work, life, and self-expression.

*Because all the words, strategies, and mindset shifts in the world are great—but at the end of the day?

The deepest, most lasting transformations happen in a 1:1 space.

Where we can sit together, unravel the patterns, break through the stuckness, and move forward in a way that finally feels aligned.


🚀 CLICK HERE To Book Your Call —I hope to see you on the inside, darling.


Big love ᥫ᭡

PS — Craving more bold truths & good vibes?

Join my Limitless & Untamed email list — for the women who are done settling and ready to live wide open.

Real talk, and the soulful reminders you didn’t know you needed — to help you live, lead, and create from your most authentic self.

It’s free. It’s nourishing. And it’s designed to remind you of who you really are.

CLICK HERE To Get On The List —I hope to see you on the inside, darling ᥫ᭡

Roxy Ahmed-Suarez
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