Personal Brand and Personal Style Explained
Defining individual personal style can feel overwhelming at times, especially with the vast amount of information churned out through social media, news outlets, the fashion industry, and other mediums. But it doesn’t have to be. Cultivating an understanding of our own personal style can be simple - even fun - if we know where to start.
Defining Personal Style
Personal style starts with an understanding of our own personal brand. In short, a personal brand is the combination of our perceived image (how we perceive ourselves) and external reputation (how others perceive us). If your perceived image and your external reputation are in alignment, you will have a strong sense of self and therefore can identify your personal brand.
Elements of our personal brand include how we communicate, the content we post on social media, our leadership style, our network, our expertise, and how we dress. Our personal brand should ooze authenticity. If it doesn’t, others will notice. Any time we come in contact with the outside world is an opportunity to uphold or detract from our personal brand, oftentimes influencing others in the same direction.
For example, if one of your team members says he is prompt, punctual, detail-oriented, and a team player, but consistently doesn’t show up to work on time, submits projects late, dresses sloppily, and doesn’t communicate with his team, then his personal brand is weak. Who he thinks he is and who he actually is aren’t in sync, and others will note this and avoid giving him responsibility or respect.
As it relates to style, understanding our personal brand is incredibly important because it’s a non-verbal way of communicating who we are and what level of respect we place on ourselves. Deliberate personal style is indicated by a wardrobe that reflects our tastes, preferences, lifestyle choices, and our vision of ourselves. Our style is a massive part of our personal brand.
How we dress speaks volumes about us. It can dictate others' perception of our style, income and socio-economic status, confidence, trust, likeability, and professionalism while also enhancing our perceived level of attractiveness. Having a strong sense of personal style can catalyze our professional aspirations as well. “Dress for the job you want” isn’t just a familiar phrase. Whether it's finding a new job or discovering a network of fresh opportunities, personal style is a great way to get your foot in the door to make a positive first impression.
Our Style Changes Over Time
As humans, we’re dynamic. We move, we graduate, we make new friends, we get married, we have kids, we change careers. Our style should evolve and be an absolute reflection of who we are in the present.
We all go through transitions and seasons in life. Our college style may not transition well into the professional world. Or the clothes we wore in our 20s’ may not suit us well in our 30s. Depending on the level of professionalism in a role, we may need to be taken more seriously and dress accordingly.
Since we all face different seasons in life, having self-awareness is a crucial element to consider in our chrysalis of style and what it actually means for us. It’s important to regularly (at least annually) prune and audit our closets just as it is to add new pieces to our wardrobes. Being okay with saying, “I’m in a season of transition right now and I have fewer pieces in my closet for the time being so I can be more intentional in the next phase” is a good place to get to emotionally and mentally. In the long-run, we’ll feel more confident knowing who we are and wear pieces that reflect that self image.
Finding Your Own Personal Style
When evaluating our style, we shouldn’t just be influenced by social media, but by an honest evaluation of people and trends around us. There are plenty of ways to start to discover our unique style:
Review the latest trends and determine if you like them. Look at others’ styles and take mental notes of what you like and what you don’t.
Ask people you know (or don’t know) that are stylish where they get their pieces from and how they’ve developed their sense of style. Plus, it’s a great way to start a conversation and meet someone new!
Use tools at your disposal that will create a sense of style inspiration including Instagram, Pinterest, Google Shopping.
Eliminate items in your closet that are no longer working.
Build a digital vision board utilizing Pinterest or Canva.
Test out different pieces and trends by shopping at local resale shops or online platforms like PoshMark.
Having an understanding of our body type is extremely helpful when eliminating and purchasing clothes that suit our style.
Hire a personal stylist.
In the end, everyone has a style, whether deliberate or not. If we actively cultivate our style well, people will notice in a very positive way. More importantly, our self-perception and the feeling of positive perception from others will undoubtedly lift your spirits and offer numerous new possibilities in all aspects of your life. All you need to do is start!
Stylishly Yours,
Leah Nalepa & Anthony Bolognese
