SELF-DISCOVERY & YOUR PERSONAL BRAND
***Just over a month ago I was thinking a lot about how to help people discover their own style. I had written an article about it and prepared a corporate presentation on the importance of personal branding when suddenly the world turned upside down. Who wants to ponder your “brand” when you’re just trying to find toilet paper?!
As our attention starts shift to re-entering the world, it’s back on my mind. How do I want to show up for this new world we’re in? I’m tired of sweats and jeans. I’m ready to dress up and take risks! I’m craving color and prints, and glam accessories (ok true, glam accessories are nothing new), but I’m looking for something to lift my spirit. Today I put on giant earrings just to get back into training!
If you’ve never reflected on your style or the potential that it can add to your life, now is the time! The following article is the one I had ready to go in early March. I hope you’ll find some insight that will encourage you to start exploring what’s next. And if you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out, that’s what I’m here for!
Stay well and stay stylish friends!
Xx Amanda
Beyonce, Kate Middleton, Jennifer Anniston. What do these women have in common besides being rich and famous? They all have a definitive style and personal brand that’s expressed through their wardrobe. As you think about their lives and personalities, isn’t it easy to visualize images that reflect them? Beyonce is the glamourous, creative artist. Kate, the elegant princess and Jennifer, the natural, carefree Cali girl.
“Personal brand” is certainly a catch phrase these days, but does that matter to those of us not in the public eye? I’m here to tell you IT DOES. How you dress is a language that everyone understands, but not everyone knows how to speak. We all get dressed every day, so what’s your wardrobe saying about who you are? Or who you want to be? Clothing can transform us! It can inspire, build confidence, and make us more productive. So how are you showing up for your day? For your life?
Perhaps you’ve never considered what visual message you’re sending to the people around you. It can feel overwhelming to find what works for your lifestyle, budget and body, but I encourage you to begin thinking about your personal brand by implementing some of the following tips.
Find a uniform. I’m not talking about khakis and polos! What are you most comfortable and confident in and what’s appropriate for your life on a daily basis? Is it a dress with booties? A blazer and jeans? Having a stylish and consistent uniform can be your comfort zone and reinforce your message.
Accessorize! This is the single tip I think makes the biggest difference in elevating any look and adding definition to your brand. It shows attention to detail, self-care, and frankly makes dressing more fun!
Explore different styles. What looks are you drawn to? Why? After styling people for so many years, I’ve created six general style categories, and I believe everyone tends to gravitate to at least two. You can explore these styles in the slideshow below and then click on the boards to take you to my Pinterest page. There, you can see more examples and link to the original picts!
Make time for yourself. We never seem to have enough of it, but setting aside a few minutes at night to thoughtfully plan your look for the next day can prevent a stressful morning and set your day up for success.
Creating a brand or defining your style doesn’t happen overnight, but consistency equals confidence! When you repeat the same message, it shows you’re confident in who you are and that allows others to be confident in you too!
