Welcome to What Vanessa is Wearing: The Office Wear Edition.
This edition is all about power dressing with personality — bold silhouettes, tailored outfits, sharp accessories, and statement pieces that command the room. But according to Vanessa, style doesn’t begin in the office. It’s often rooted in early memories: those first moments of choosing outfits, navigating hand-me-downs, or being dressed by stylish mothers. In this post, Vanessa shows us high fashion for the corporate girlie who believes that style and professionalism can go hand in hand.
Before we get into her signature looks, let’s rewind a bit to explore where it all began.
What’s your earliest memory of styling yourself? Who or what influenced your sense of fashion as a child, and has your mother’s style played a role in shaping yours?
My earliest memory of styling myself is probably during my freshman year in college. I had started working and finally had some money of my own, and I was so excited to spend it shopping in New York. For the first time, I could dress how I wanted. No approval needed from my parents or the school. There were no dress codes, no restrictions. It felt amazing.
It’s not that my parents were overly strict, but they were very African, especially my mom. When we first moved to the U.S., she was the one in charge of all our shopping. I still remember being teased for wearing what we called “high waters” or “jump ups” because I was so tall. I was already 5’9″ by sixth grade — which is JS1 in Nigeria, to put it in perspective — and taller than most students and even some teachers. But my mom would always shop from places like JCPenney, Ross, Burlington Coat Factory, and Sears.
Those stores were her go-to. Honestly, I still love Ross to this day. But back then, she’d shop for me in the juniors or missus section, which just didn’t work for my height. The clothes never quite fit right. The women’s section, on the other hand, felt too grown, too mature for my age. So, I’d end up in school with pants that were too short, and of course, the other kids would make fun of me.
And I’d be thinking, “You don’t understand — I’m actually fashionable! I just haven’t had the chance to prove it yet.” I started working in high school, so I began picking out a few pieces for myself. But even then, I was mostly just going to school and heading back home—so there wasn’t really much need for a wardrobe. But college? Oh, college was a whole new world.
Suddenly, I was going to parties, events, and even just walking around New York on a Saturday. I started spending entire paychecks in Soho. I lived in Topshop, Forever 21, little boutiques, and thrift stores. It was incredible, just being able to express myself through fashion, on my own terms.
Your work at the NAACP is all about creating opportunities and accelerating action for underrepresented voices, including women. How does fashion play a role in that mission, and do you think style can be a form of empowerment in professional spaces?
Absolutely! Fashion plays a huge role in what I do at the NAACP. Our work is centred on creating equitable outcomes for people of all identities, and part of that includes helping people show up authentically — just as they are.
I’d just started my job at the NAACP in this picture and loved working with a primarily Black team. It meant no one cared if I came to work every day with a different hairstyle.
Take me, for example. I’m 30, I’ve had locs for five years, and when I’m working from home, I’m usually in oversized tees, leggings, sweatpants, or shorts. But when I’m out at an event or a public function, I love dressing to the nines. That duality — being able to show up however I feel, whether casual or glam, and still be respected and productive— that’s empowerment. And that’s the kind of world we’re pushing for: one where people don’t have to sacrifice their identity for professionalism.
One initiative that reflects that is the CROWN Act, which bans discrimination based on natural hairstyles. That was a game-changer—especially for Black women who had been penalized for wearing their hair in braids, afros, or locs. It’s about breaking down those stereotypes and saying: this is who we are, and it’s valid, beautiful, and professional.
Fashion is also about economic empowerment. Supporting Black designers is part of our broader goal of economic equity. Every time I’m at a high-profile event, I make it a point to wear a piece by a Black designer. There’s so much creative talent in both America and across the diaspora, and we need to continue uplifting those voices—not just in art, but in commerce too. And honestly, I feel so lucky to work alongside women who reflect that same spirit. Many of them have locs, braids, wigs, crochet styles—we all show up in different ways, and it’s celebrated.
That said, I do think there’s still room for growth, especially on the Nigerian side. There’s still this idea that your hair always must be “done” — but done to a Western standard. When I go back home with my locs, I get those stares and the comments: “So… you’re going to keep your hair like that forever?” And I’m like, “Yes, I am.”
Even when I choose not to wear a weave or braids — just my natural hair out—people say, “Your hair isn’t done.” But why does my hair have to be altered or covered in someone else’s hair to be considered presentable? That mindset is something I really push back against. If you want to wear wigs or weaves, that’s your choice — but it shouldn’t be a requirement.
I love that we’re starting to shift that narrative in the U.S., and I hope we’ll get there in Nigeria too. You can always tell who just flew in from abroad — we’re the ones rocking knotless braids immediately. Meanwhile, the typical Lagos woman? She’s got a wig or a frontal or what I call the “Lagos hairline.” It’s funny but true.
Growing up in both Nigeria and the U.S., you’ve had a front-row seat to two very different fashion cultures. How has that shaped your personal style and the way you approach fashion today?
My mother’s style had a huge influence on mine. I grew up surrounded by strong, stylish women, and my mom was always incredibly put together. She had her tailors, her go-to stores, her catalogues — she was never caught slipping. Even now, she still has her own signature style. Maybe not as bold or edgy as mine, but there’s definitely a sense of elegance and intention to how she presents herself. Watching her, I internalized that having a signature style is important — it’s part of your identity.
And then there’s the Nigerian influence, of course. Nigerian women do not play about fashion. Between the Owambes and all the cultural events, there’s always somewhere to go — and there’s always an outfit for it. That’s shaped the way I think about fashion today. A lot of my American friends will see a bold piece and say, “This is so cute… but where would I wear it?” Meanwhile, I’m like, buy the outfit—the occasion will find you. That’s just how my mind works. And honestly, it usually does. That’s the Nigerian in me—we’re always prepared for an event.
So my style today is really a blend of both worlds. I have the boldness and cultural pride from my Nigerian roots, and the freedom and individuality I found in the U.S. It’s a fusion that allows me to be expressive, intentional, and empowered—whether I’m wearing thrifted streetwear or a custom-made Ankara piece.
Now to What Vanessa is wearing to the Office this Week!
Look 1
Deep burgundy tones and luxe textures bring this look to life. The satin blazer by Hanifa pairs effortlessly with the ribbed jumpsuit from Andrea Iyamah — polished, powerful, and perfect for making an impression!
Look 2
This fitted blazer from Meshki brings structure and sharp tailoring, balanced by the soft, flowing cream trousers from Shop Fadé. An outfit that says, “I mean business”.
Look 3
A lilac suit that brings elegance and energy in one go.
Look 4
Effortless, comfy, and chic. This striped maxi from Ciar is perfect for a breezy workday when you want to feel put together without doing too much. Just grab your tote and go.
Stay tuned for more from Vanessa!
