By Douglas H. Lewis II
Contributor
Dele Odomosu
- What does the idea of “dressing for success” mean to you?
I was raised conservatively with the mindset that ‘dressing for success’ meant dressing to be taken seriously in any circumstance (wearing my shiny shoes with my shirt buttoned up). However, as I get older, I feel ‘dressing for success’ is a lot more liberal. It’s not necessarily dressing for where you are in life now, but where you’re going. Wearing clothes that reflect the lifestyle you see yourself living. If you want to be a rockstar, then grab a leather jacket and dress like one. If you know deep down you’re the posh city girl, then why not dress like one? If all you want is to be the sleek CEO then sport some suits. I’m all about marching to your own beat. Who is going to stop you? Of course have respect and consider your settings, but wearing clothes that reflect what you want your future to be is the best way to self-motivate. It’s a constant reminder and forces people to see you in that light.
- If you could describe your style in three words what would those words be?
Classic. Elegant. Carefree.
- When you wake up in the morning & go into your closet, what is the first thing you think of when
figuring out what you want to wear?
Honestly, I’m really into functional fashion. Why look cute if your clothes are too tight to breath or shoes are too painful to walk in? So I think about what my plans are that day – lots of classes? Meetings? Errands? Shopping? Meeting with friends? Just lounging? I then pick a shoe based on what my plans are. Sneakers for lots of errands, a sandal for a few classes or meeting up with friends, etc. Then I center my outfit around the shoe and these plans as best I can. I think ‘oh I should wear sneakers because I’ll be here and there…does this dress look weird with sneakers? Or I want to wear sandals, let me wear something to dress them down.’
- What are (1-3) article(s) of clothing you absolutely cannot live without?
- This plain black pair of workout shorts. I love to throw them on with a simple top for a sporty twist.
- My black hoodie. I get cold easily, so I always tie it around my waist or drape it over my shoulders, but it always adds edge to my look.
- Strappy sandals with a half-inch or 1-inch heel. It dresses up a look without trying too hard – and the heel is still walkable.
- What keeps you motivated?
The world is yours. The sky is the limit. Anything is possible if you believe. These are cliché but I live by these phrases. I’m materialistic, but in the best way. I think it’s good to set physical personal goals – a car, a home, a Chanel bag. I have dreams of Chanel with H&M pockets right now. I know that if I keep working hard, I can achieve my wildest dreams. We have to keep pushing and striving to do and be better because one day. God will bless us with all the success, wealth, and of course all the Chanel we could ever want or need. I stay motivated knowing that there are still dreamers in the world. It’s our duty to work hard so that we can position ourselves to give back and help other people achieve their dreams and keep the cycle going.
- Where do you plan to be in the next 5 years?
I have absolutely no idea. I pray that I’m happy and peaceful. I pray that I’m successful. I hope that I’m still learning and growing. Most importantly, I want to be in a position to give back to others – and of course, I hope I’m fabulous.
Kyle Scott
- What does the idea of “dressing for success” mean to you?
Dressing for success is being able to exude professionalism, individuality, and having a clean, sharp, look.
- If you could describe your style in three words what would those words be?
Classic, Modern, and Minimalistic.
- When you wake up in the morning & go into your closet, what is the first thing you think of when
figuring out what you want to wear?
When I wake up in the morning, I first check the weather and adapt my clothing based off of that. I then go through my “trial/error” period of trying on clothes and seeing how it looks in the mirror.
- What are (1-3) article(s) of clothing you absolutely cannot live without?
Tapered Jeans/Pants, Topcoats/Jackets, Striped Tees
- What keeps you motivated?
My motivation is derived from expressing myself through the way that I dress and being able to piece different types of clothing that may not seem normal but somehow flows with the rest of the outfit.
- Where do you plan to be in the next 5 years?
In five years, I plan to be in a major city working in Public Relations for a fashion or fortune 500 company whilst traveling the world.
