What does professional "look" like? An Indo-French perspective

One topic that always makes me pause and reflect is the idea of professionalism in different cultures. And one striking difference I encountered was around what it means to be “professionally dressed.”

Most of my early career was shaped in France, but my initial idea of professional attire was deeply rooted in India. It was inspired by my mother, a teacher who wore brightly colored sarees to school, her elegance never dimmed by the vibrancy of her clothes. I also remember watching older “didis” on public transport, heading to work in bold patterns, vibrant kurtas, and sometimes pairing them with crisp pants. There was a certain confidence in that colorful expression.

So, when I showed up at a meeting in France wearing a bright red shirt, I didn’t think twice, until a French friend quietly pulled me aside. She pointed out what I hadn’t noticed: I was surrounded by a sea of black blazers, light blue shirts, and beige overcoats. My red shirt stood out, loudly.

As an Indian, walking into this sea of muted tones felt like a subtle but jarring culture shock. In India, color is not just accepted; it’s celebrated. But here in France, the professional aesthetic leaned toward understated elegance and a kind of visual uniformity.

Honestly, I still struggle with this. It’s a constant learning journey. But over time, I’ve found my middle ground. While my professional wardrobe has certainly evolved, I still make sure there’s always a pop of color, it’s my quiet nod to my roots 😊

At StrengthMiner® Consulting LLP ®, we cover these nuanced aspects of professionalism in our Intercultural Mobility Trainings, helping individuals prepare for cultural shifts, big and small.

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