Workplace fashion in Botswana reflects a careful blend of professionalism, modesty, and culture-conscious choices. In an interview withย Lifestyle Executive, Tsaone Bedi said todayโs office fashion leans toward clean, purposeful attire that quietly communicates competence.
โMost offices will deem tunic dresses, blazers, blouses, suitsโbasically anything that says, โI am here to do businessโ without saying it out loudโas appropriate,โ Bedi said. While self-expression is welcomed to a degree, she noted, Botswanaโs corporate spaces typically avoid flashy or overly trendy styles. The prevailing aesthetic favors garments that project readiness and respectability, especially in her experience as a corporate lawyer and banker.
Bedi also pointed out a notable disparity in expectations between menโs and womenโs workplace attire.
โMen have it easy,โ she said. โThey throw on a suit and tie, or a shirt and chinos, and theyโre good to go.โ For women, the landscape is more complex. โThereโs more pressure, more choiceโand often more judgmentโwhen you donโt conform to widely accepted standards,โ she added, explaining that navigating both professionalism and personal style can be stressful.
That challenge, Bedi said, is further complicated by unspoken perceptions tied to certain fashion choices. โWhile we have more options as womenโfrom heels versus flats to โIs this dress too much or too short?โโit gets complicated. It can be difficult to be yourself while still coloring within the lines of what is considered acceptable in the workplace.โ
Still, Bedi believes the fashion landscape is slowly shifting. โThings are changing, especially across different sectors,โ she said. โIn corporate spaces, there are some unwritten rules concerning fashionโsome are being challenged by generational diversity in the workplace. But others still hold strong.โ
โFor me, itโs all about keeping it sleek and serious: structured silhouettes, minimal prints, and a vibe that says โIโm here to close deals,โ especially in meetings with external stakeholders or senior leadership,โ she said. โAt the same time, I like to have fun with my outfitsโwithout defying the ground rules. Itโs about maintaining authenticity while still respecting workplace culture.โ
Bedi acknowledged that inclusivity in workplace fashion is improving, but says thereโs still a long way to go. โWeโre getting better when it comes to accommodating diverse body types, cultural attire, or religious dress,โ she said. โBut itโs still very much a work in progress.โ
She added that the challenge often lies not in official dress codes, but in unspoken social norms. โA company might have a policy that supports diverse attire, but the corridor conversations and quiet judgments can make it hard for everyone to enjoy that freedom fully.โ
Appearance, though rarely acknowledged outright, can still influence career progression. โPeople can be overlooked or judged based on how they present themselves. And while thatโs rarely the only factor, it often intersects with other biases,โ she said. โSome workplaces genuinely celebrate diverse styles, but in others, something like religious attire might still draw a few side glances.โ
โIt may not have formal impact,โ she added, โbut that subtle, silent disapproval lingersโand it shapes how people feel in those environments.โ
Attire also plays a significant role in how womenโs competence is perceived. โInitial judgments are often based on appearance,โ Bedi said, โbut consistent performance can shift perceptions.โ
โWe donโt always have control over how weโre perceived,โ she said, โbut we do have control over how we respondโand how we prove ourselves. That ultimately reshapes the narrative.โ
Bedi believes organizations must also reflect on how dress code policies are enforced. โAs a society, we often attach intelligence or capability to certain styles of dress. A suit commands more respect than a T-shirt and jeansโand thatโs a misguided perception.โ
While she supports personal expression in the workplace, Bedi acknowledges that some attire may still fall outside appropriate bounds.
โItโs about balance,โ she said. โLetting people show up as themselves, without their clothing undermining how theyโre valued at work.โ
