Workplace fashion in Botswana reflects a careful blend of professionalism, modesty, and culture-conscious choices. In an interview with Lifestyle Executive, Tsaone Bedi said today’s office fashion leans toward clean, purposeful attire that quietly communicates competence.
“Most offices will deem tunic dresses, blazers, blouses, suits—basically anything that says, ‘I am here to do business’ without saying it out loud—as appropriate,” Bedi said. While self-expression is welcomed to a degree, she noted, Botswana’s 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 men’s and women’s workplace attire.
“Men have it easy,” she said. “They throw on a suit and tie, or a shirt and chinos, and they’re good to go.” For women, the landscape is more complex. “There’s more pressure, more choice—and often more judgment—when you don’t conform to widely accepted standards,” 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. “While we have more options as women—from heels versus flats to ‘Is this dress too much or too short?’—it gets complicated. It can be difficult to be yourself while still coloring within the lines of what is considered acceptable in the workplace.”
Still, Bedi believes the fashion landscape is slowly shifting. “Things are changing, especially across different sectors,” she said. “In corporate spaces, there are some unwritten rules concerning fashion—some are being challenged by generational diversity in the workplace. But others still hold strong.”
“For me, it’s all about keeping it sleek and serious: structured silhouettes, minimal prints, and a vibe that says ‘I’m here to close deals,’ especially in meetings with external stakeholders or senior leadership,” she said. “At the same time, I like to have fun with my outfits—without defying the ground rules. It’s about maintaining authenticity while still respecting workplace culture.”
Bedi acknowledged that inclusivity in workplace fashion is improving, but says there’s still a long way to go. “We’re getting better when it comes to accommodating diverse body types, cultural attire, or religious dress,” she said. “But it’s still very much a work in progress.”
She added that the challenge often lies not in official dress codes, but in unspoken social norms. “A 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.”
Appearance, though rarely acknowledged outright, can still influence career progression. “People can be overlooked or judged based on how they present themselves. And while that’s rarely the only factor, it often intersects with other biases,” she said. “Some workplaces genuinely celebrate diverse styles, but in others, something like religious attire might still draw a few side glances.”
“It may not have formal impact,” she added, “but that subtle, silent disapproval lingers—and it shapes how people feel in those environments.”
Attire also plays a significant role in how women’s competence is perceived. “Initial judgments are often based on appearance,” Bedi said, “but consistent performance can shift perceptions.”
“We don’t always have control over how we’re perceived,” she said, “but we do have control over how we respond—and how we prove ourselves. That ultimately reshapes the narrative.”
Bedi believes organizations must also reflect on how dress code policies are enforced. “As a society, we often attach intelligence or capability to certain styles of dress. A suit commands more respect than a T-shirt and jeans—and that’s a misguided perception.”
While she supports personal expression in the workplace, Bedi acknowledges that some attire may still fall outside appropriate bounds.
“It’s about balance,” she said. “Letting people show up as themselves, without their clothing undermining how they’re valued at work.”
