THE PRACTITIONER'S COMPANION
Tuesday 11 February 2025

Essential style: Look and feel the part and seize the moment

Nailing the perfect corporate look not only creates an impact, it also boosts self-confidence and drives performance, according to stylist Nat Shehata. 

3 min read
Nat Shehata

“SUCCESSFUL dressing, for me, is how somebody feels in an outfit,” says Shehata, who has dressed hundreds of celebrities and business figures across Australia. 

“Once you feel confident in an outfit and know you’re looking good, that leads to feeling good, which then leads to every other part of your day and your business.” 

For Shehata, looking polished is transformational because it has a “huge” impact not only on the confidence you exude but also on how others perceive you. 

“It makes it look like you’re taking the day seriously,” she explains. 

“There’s a part of us, unfortunately, that judges people by aesthetics. 

“If I see somebody who’s well dressed, I know they’ve taken the time, they’ve thought about it and have understood how important it is to look good. They’ve also understood that looking good makes them feel better.” 

Thankfully, you don’t have to spend big to look sharp, nor be a slave to the latest fashion trends – all you need is a few basic wardrobe pieces to look chic. 

For corporate women, Shehata suggests a core wardrobe featuring tailored black pants, a blazer, denim jeans, a few T-shirts and a couple of beautiful blouses, a trench coat, a woollen coat and a knit jumper. Add to this a dress that can be teamed with the blazer to take you from day to night and possibly a skirt that works for you – whether it be pencil, mini or A-line. 

For men, professional wardrobe essentials include well-tailored suits, chinos, a few shirts and a smart casual blazer. 

“Yes, you need to purchase a few things at the beginning, but it’s whatever you can afford,” Shehata points out. 

“By investing in these basics, you can create so many different outfits.” 

Once you build your core wardrobe, it’s easier to add other clothing pieces and details more revealing of your personality. 

“If you like that pop of colour, why not bring that into a fun shoe? If you have more of an eccentric personality, then, of course, wear some great earrings or jewellery,” Shehata suggests. 

“But it’s always going to be easier if you build that core wardrobe first, then add additional pieces.” 

Shehata advocates planning your outfit and keeping to your “personal brand” wherever you go. 

“We’re all walking advertisements of who we are and what we do, so it’s really important to always represent your brand, regardless of whether you’re going to a shopping centre or a meeting.” 

The biggest mistake she sees is when people try too hard and overthink dressing, but the key is to return to your core pieces and keep it simple. 

“You don’t need to be the most expensively dressed person in the room; you just need to be put together well,” she says. 

“And if you don’t know how to put yourself together, then keep it simple and go back to your wardrobe basics. Figure out what you have, and look at pieces you can wear together.” 

Time and again, Shehata has witnessed how the art of dressing can improve self-confidence, which in turn enhances performance. 

“I do what I do because I know how powerful clothes are and how they make somebody feel,” she adds. 

“If I can change somebody’s life with how they feel simply through the talent of dressing them, then I’m so lucky to be able to do that.” 

Nat’s key tips for dressing for success 

  • Carefully curate your wardrobe with a few core pieces, then add trend pieces 
  • Never underestimate the power of sharp tailoring 
  • When in doubt, keep it simple  
  • Don’t be afraid to show your personality with pops of colour, shoes or jewellery 
  • Nothing is ever off the table – if there is a colour you love, find it in a style that works for you 

Contact: 

Natalie Shehata 

Network 7 creative lead & personal stylist  

natshehata@gmail.com  

0412 022 131 

Other Magazines