I led teams in 5 global cities. Here are 3 work style hacks.
Liz Weselby, a communications executive, has moved four times for work across her career. She’s learned how to adapt her work wardrobe to be appropriate while still elevating her style. Her top tips include researching cultural nuances, dressing for the weather, and wearing statement pieces.
Research Cultural Nuances in the Country
Throughout my career, I’ve lived in five cities—London, Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Sydney—and I’ve learned a lot about adapting a work wardrobe for different locations. One of the most important lessons is to research cultural nuances in the country you’re moving to.
When I first moved to Bangkok in 2003, I didn’t do any research and had no idea what work-appropriate attire was. I remember wearing spaghetti strap tops, which were fashionable in London at the time, but they were frowned upon in Bangkok. I was very conscious of not showing my shoulders and the top of my arms.
Wearing black was also frowned upon because it’s associated with death and bad luck. I worked with a Thai woman who loved black and wore it anyway. If you’re a local, it was probably easier to break the conformity and push boundaries. As a foreigner, I always wanted to be seen as respectable and not offend anyone. So it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
If you’re going to a majority-Muslim country, such as Indonesia or Malaysia, check what the dress codes are because the last thing you want to do is draw negative attention to yourself when you’re starting out in a new place.
In 2003, there wasn’t much information available, but now, there are tons you can find online. While the norms might have changed over the last few decades, it doesn’t hurt to do your research.
Note the Climate
In Southeast Asia, I was often more concerned about the weather than cultural norms. In the rainy season in Bangkok, the city would flood. You might be up to your knees in water, and walking was easier than taking a car or public transport. So I’d always have a spare pair of flip-flops to switch into for rainy weather, and I made sure I didn’t wear trousers or jeans.
For tropical cities like Singapore and Bangkok, I’d wear lightweight, breathable dresses, which could be easily dressed up or down. In Singapore, it’s really hot outside, and then you go inside, and it’s ice-cold because of the air conditioning. And in Thailand, the more senior you were, the colder your office was. As a senior editor, I had a freezing office.
I learned quickly that it was important to carry a lightweight jacket or shawl wherever I went. But I stand by the belief that hot weather is not a reason to dress inappropriately. I had someone on my team in Singapore wear shorts and singlets in the office, and I had to have an awkward conversation about respecting those you are working with.
Don’t Be Afraid to Have Fun with a Statement Piece, and to Buy Local
I love clothes and fashion; it’s very much an expression of yourself. How you dress can communicate volumes and be a great conversation opener. If I meet someone I’ve never met and they’re wearing something interesting, it’s the best way to start a conversation.
“Fab pair of shoes,” “Love that dress,” and “We’re wearing the same thing” are all great ways to break the ice. I’m never afraid to wear a fun statement piece. One way I like to do this is to find local designers.
When I worked for a publication in Bangkok, the editors and designers tended to come from affluent backgrounds and wear a lot of high-fashion clothing. People were wearing designer clothes and being invited to designer showcases, but I didn’t have the budget to buy any of it. So I turned to the local designers. There was a growing local designer scene in Bangkok in the early 2000s, which enabled me to be fashionable without breaking the bank. I loved it.
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