How to Dress like a Boss & Create Your Own Distinct Look with Your Wardrobe
Okay, boss lady. You’ve got a killer website, an awesome team, amazing clients, and a brand that is flourishing beautifully. Things are popping right now for your business. Take a look at your schedule for next week. I’m sure your endless list of to-dos looks a little something like this:
Monday: Meetings, meetings and more meetings.
Tuesday: Skype call with your business bestie.
Wednesday: You’ve got an awesome webinar packed with helpful information.
Thursday: A speaking engagement. Oh, and you have to pack for that conference next week.
Friday: Happy hour with your boo.
But, wait..hello??? What are you going to wear, girl?!
As entrepreneurs, our schedules and lives can get a little hectic. Okay, a lot hectic. Nonetheless, that’s no excuse not to look your best. Crafting a cohesive, consistent, and curated wardrobe that aligns with the aesthetic of your brand will not only do wonders for your business, but it will greatly impact your self-confidence, which will in turn make you more successful.
Do I have your attention yet? No? Okay, well what if I told you that you could make more money from your business by cultivating and elevating your style and your wardrobe?
“If you want to be the boss, you’ve got to dress like a boss.”
Hate to break it to you, babe, but as much as you may not want to admit it, your image is really important, especially when you are a boss. When you walk into a room full of new faces, your personality isn’t the first thing people notice. It’s what you put on your back, and the confidence that radiates through when you put an awesome outfit on. Yeah, they really do matter.
“The first step to a great personal brand is a distinct look.”
But before you go running to your closet and start freaking out about what you need to wear to look like the boss babe that you are, breathe. Branding your wardrobe is no walk in the park without a strategic plan of action.
What is the message you’re trying to convey with your image and branding style?
Define Your Target Market:
This is a question I’m sure you’ve asked yourself many times during the long and stressful process of building your brand and business from the ground up, but I’m going to ask you again anyway.
If you want to attract your ideal target market, then you need to dress accordingly. That way, they will respond positively to the overall personal brand that you present to them. If you know what they need, want, and enjoy, then it will be a walk in the park to create a connection with your brand. The following questions will help you become more relatable to your client, but don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s okay to please your target audience, but don’t wear or promote anything that you don’t feel comfortable with or believe in.
Are your products or services most likely going to be purchased by a younger audience or an older audience?
What characteristics define your target market? Are they younger or older? Are they outgoing or conservative?
What is your target market interested in? What do they read? Hobbies? Passions?
Where does your target audience hang out? Where are they more likely to hear about what you are offering? A Facebook group? A local coffee shop? A networking party?
What words speak to the consumer? Balance, health, security, stability, quality, etc.?
What colors are your target market drawn to?
What is your typical work environment like?
It’s important to adjust your wardrobe to your everyday lifestyle. You can have style and be comfortable. Do you work from home? Do you travel a lot while you work? Or do you like to go to the neighborhood coffee shop when you zone out and work? Remember, wherever you decide to work, look like a boss. You never know who’s sticking their nose in your business (literally) and may look at your screen, enquire about what it is that you do, then BOOM! You have a new client. Cool, right?
What is the impression you’re trying to give?
What type of vibes are you trying to give off to your target market? Does your target market see you as an expert in your field? Who is an expert in your field? If you can’t think of anyone, look it up. When you see photos of that person, what do you notice with their wardrobe? Does the person look polished, prepared, outgoing, and hardworking? Or do they look fashionable and on trend? What personal or professional characteristics can you implement into your style?
How well does your wardrobe differentiate you positively from your competitors?
You should aim to stand out with your brand in any way possible. The way you present yourself is just as important as how you present your brand on your website, or on social media. For example, when I first joined Think Creative Collective, I was immediately drawn to Abagail & Emylee’s signature look (they both look amazing in a red lip and bold accessories). These are the types of things that you may not think that your potential clients or customers will pick up on, but trust me, it matters.
How Does your Wardrobe Affect Your Brand?
We all know that being an entrepreneur is a 24/7 job. We are always working. Between posting on social media, creating content for our brands, and networking, there’s never really an off-switch when it comes to our personal brands.
Think about how many times a day or a week you put yourself out there for your target market to see: business meetings; Facebook Live chats; webinars; conferences; emails; headshots; social media; a networking happy hour; or a corporate dinner with your spouse.
If you market yourself as a badass, vivacious, and bold designer and you show up to a client meeting wearing a stuffy pantsuit, your client will be a little confused.
You have to present yourself with the same consistency and authenticity that you do with your other marketing strategies.
Show your clients the real you. After all, that’s what personal style is all about.
How to Create Your BossBabe Wardrobe
Define Your Style (Would you describe your style as chic, glam, trendy, laid back, boho, etc?)
Create a Mood Board
Choose your color palette.
Add Textures & Prints
Find your style inspiration.
This is what Pinterest is for!
Detox Your Closet
Get rid of the things that no longer serve a purpose in your closet.
Create a shopping list to fill in the gaps of your wardrobe.
Organize your wardrobe.
Shop the Basics
Start off with the essentials, then start adding statement pieces to your wardrobe.
Add the Extras
Accessories, shoes, etc.
Now do you understand where I’m coming from? Creating a cohesive and consistent wardrobe will do wonders for your personal brand, whether you’re the boss of your own business or you’re killing it in your career with a company you love. Happy planning!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
With a keen eye for style and detail, Tori B., is a mom of a handsome two-year-old, fashion editor and wardrobe stylist based in Baltimore, Maryland. From crafting unique wardrobes tailored to any woman's lifestyle; to producing cutting-edge editorials and look books for emerging and established retailers and designers; and overseeing every detail of her fashion media site, The Stylette---Tori B. is making a name for herself in the fashion industry. Tori takes her vast knowledge of fashion and style and teaches other women how to define, discover, and elevate their style. Tori B. has a unique way of changing how women look at themselves, therefore bringing out the best in themselves. She loves wine, pizza, and lots of coffee.
