If your personal style doesn’t match your business model – what does that say about your business? Just think about it for a moment. Would you expect an accountant to show up to a corporate business meeting in their gym gear with their hair pulled back into a pony tail? Or conversely, a personal trainer wearing a suit and tie to a training session? Hmm probably not. As those looks don’t reflect what you would expect that their style should be.
But, in saying that it may be that you are a professional, say a lawyer, an accountant, a mortgage broker or similar professional who works for herself and your point of difference is that you make yourself available to clients after hours, in their own homes. You may have a much more casual and approachable style of dress with no need for corporate wear, which would work well with your relaxed, yet still professional image.
Basically, as long as you have developed an understanding of your true self and this understanding is portrayed in your sense of style then you will be “on brand”.
YOUR STYLE
Your own personal style expresses who you are as a person and it can be used as a tool for getting what you want in business. You are a walking, talking endorsement of what your business stands for, so don’t even consider wearing boring clothing or even the latest fast fashion in an attempt to blend in with everyone else. No matter what your occupation or personality it’s essential to create your own personal “dress code”. Clothing, accessories, hair and makeup should all be carefully considered because others, i.e. your potential clients will form an opinion about you based on it.
It needs to scream YOU, but it certainly doesn’t have to be a dramatic or flamboyant style (though good on you if you can pull it off). It may just be something like wearing red lipstick, always wearing a scarf, wearing sustainable clothing or consistently wearing your company colours, if it aligns with your style and branding.
When you do have your own style down pat, your personality and potential is on display for all to see. So, it’s important to ensure that you are wearing clothing that you love, clothing that you know you look good in. When you are wearing clothing like this you tend to exude confidence and when you’re confident you project positivity which opens the doors to endless opportunities for you and your business.
3 TOP TIPS FOR DRESSING ON BRAND
1. Know who you are – when you know exactly who you are it makes it easier to present yourself as a brand. Does your look reflect your brand?
2. Have your own signature look. This may be what sets you apart from the pack.
• Wear an eye-catching piece, like a necklace, ring or scarf or if you have a profession like the delectable Patrick Dempsey in Grey’s Anatomy wear a statement piece like his ferry boat scrub cap, that would work too;
• Ensure that you only wear one statement piece at a time though as any more could make you seem gimmicky and your brand confusing;
• Wear colour/s that flatter you the most (preferably one of your brand colours).
3. Personal grooming – take care of yourself. No matter what your profession your clients would expect you to be clean, tidy and well presented.
• A hairstyle that fits your look;
• Great skin care, manicured nails and hands shows that you take pride in yourself, which translates to a positive impression.
• Polished/clean shoes and a decent looking handbag go a long way in lifting your style to the next level and are the finishing touches to your look.