Style, Confidence & Business Balance with Abi Sea

This is the second blog I’m putting out, and already I’m so excited. The response each lady is sharing is honest and interesting but I can see them making fabulous podcasts.

Today I’m talking to Abi Sea, Award winning copywriter about her stunning 50’s style dress from the 2025 Digital Women awards and putting a smile on peoples faces when you wear something fabulous (but comfortable).

1. Tell me a little bit about what you chose to wear at Digital Women Awards and why?

I wore a bold bright dress in a 1950 style without the netting. I love the balance between bright, bold dressed up style and comfort. This was my first award ceremony, so I bought a new dress to treat myself as I had something to celebrate. I don't wear dresses very often anymore. I feel people connect me with bright colours. My preferred look is black and white with a flash of colour. My brand colours are bright pink and yellow. So If i know I’m having photos I like to make sure there is a bit of hot pink and yellow in my look somewhere.

The yellow coat & hot pink top are both from the Big Green Market which is the CIC I'm a co-director of. Every month we set up a pre-loved market in the town and donate teh money we raise to local community groups and charities. We've raised over £55k since 2021! www.thebiggreenmarket.com 

2. How do you usually approach getting dressed for a big event like this?

I tend to look for something months in advance. I'm quite picky about what I wear. It must be comfortable. I like to look different to other people. I never go for trends so I don't go to the high street stores. I always shop online. I have found my favorite brands doing this. Quite often I have something in my wardrobe that has only been worn once or twice, so if I don't find something new, I know I will have something in my wardrobe.

3. How does what you wear effect how confident you feel at events.

That plays a massive part in how confident I feel. I like to know I'm making a statement with the things I'm wearing. That makes me feel confident in its self. However it really needs to be comfortable. Not too tight around the bust. I'm a plus size so I need to know it's showing off all my best bits and flattering my figure.

4. Do you see your outfit as part of your personal brand?

Yes definitely, my personal brand is black and bold colour or white and bold colours. I mix it up. I love neon colours. I am bright and bold and I make big decisions and I'm fun and different from other copywriters so I want my clothes to reflect that. I am quite happy being my brand.

5.Can getting dressed throw your confidence?

Tightness can nock my confidence. I love short dresses or skirts with bold tights. It need to be the right length. I can be overwhelmed if something is a struggle to get on and off due to my ADHD. I'm very tactile and sensory. I can mentally spiral if I'm a bit bloated and things don't fit right or are too tight. That's why comfort is key for me.

7.What does “dressing to impress” mean to you in a professional context?

I do dress to impress in my own way. I don't like to follow rules, I'm unlikely to wear a suit. My bust is too big for a suit, I don't like things being tight around my waist or my legs being restricted. It's really about making people feel good around me, comfortable, happy. On the morning of the awards, it was a grey rainy day. I was standing outside my hotel waiting for an Uber when women from across the road, crossed just to say to me ' Thank you so much for wearing that dress today, it's such a beautiful bright dress on such a grey rainy day'. That really made my day. But it's important to remember you can make an impact on people by just adding a little bit of interest to there day. Even if it's in your accessories. There's certain type of people who notice it, they are the people I'm dressing for as well as myself.

8. Do you dress more for your audience, yourself or both?

It is both but it has to be for me first. There have been times when I have worn something that I thought was right for the occasion but it didn't feel right for me. I received lots of compliments but I felt dull and old. I felt like I'd squashed my personality. I also really like the idea of inspiring other people to wear bolder items. Sometimes you just need to see someone wearing something to think actually I really like that, I might give it a go.

9. What's your top tip for other women dressing for work events.

I don't go to many work events, I left corporate in 2002. One of the reason I left it was because I hated the clothes I was expected to wear in that environment. I hated tight skirts and tights. I hate sensible shoes. I love bright trainers or boots. I want to be comfortable. So I guess my top tip is choose something that gives you a bit of a thrill. My lightening bold earrings make me feel confident, they make me feel like a bit of a 'badass' because they're so shiny, they're so bold. When people notice them it gives me a bit of an edge. Same with a red lipstick. I get a kick out of it and it makes me feel good. Whatever gives you a thrill, pay attention to it, it's going to make you feel more confident and elevate yourself. You go through your day different. Even if its a hot pink bra hidden under your dress. Do it for you. Wear something that make you happy. ( I 100% agree.)

10. Is there one go-to piece or styling trick that always makes you feel put together?

My lightening bolt earing , a red lippy and a bold flash of bold colour. My preference is black and white with a flash of colour. Brands I love include Irregular Choice shoes, Snag tights, Nike & Adidas trainers, Kemi Telford , Big Green Market which is the CIC I'm a co-director of, www.thebiggreenmarket.com , The Makery Dunbar jewellery (Emma Westwater makes almost all of my jewellery - my lightning bolt earrings and tiger necklace are always commented on wherever I go. ). https://www.themakerydunbar.com/ 

Thank you so much Abi, I really loved your answers and feel more inspired to, not just dress for myself but, to remember I could put a smile on someones face with a splash of colour.

If you love bold statement earrings similar to Ali’s lightening bolt earrings, Check out Trend Tonic. You can use my affiliate link for discount on your first pair. http://bit.ly/3LdheKp

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