July 31, 2023

STYLE OVER FASHION?

There’s something about nailing a style that no-one else is wearing!  That’s one of the key benefits of choosing style over fashion, we can procure and develop our own look.  Style feels more comfortable for us, more aligned with our personality and understanding what works for our body shape is a great way to invest in ourselves.

STYLE OVER FASHION

Our personal style is something quite different and more unique to the individual.  Whereas fashion directs us to collective and even global trends at a given period in time.  The fashionistas among us will closely follow the trends and feel compelled to stay up to date.  Often, whether the style flatters or not.   Fashion is readily available to us all but the turnover is sadly now unsustainably fast unless we choose wisely and less frequently.

Choose your pieces more carefully

Choose your pieces more carefully

CHOOSE YOUR PIECES MORE CAREFULLY

I put my hand up here that like many of us, I have been equally guilty of panic buying but then relegating the garment to the back of my wardrobe.  Perhaps it doesn’t fit so well, it doesn’t flatter our shape or maybe the colour is wrong for us.  There are lots of elements at play here.

Creating our own style, helps us to avoid these impulse purchases. That’s what I love most about style over fashion - the way we can develop our sense of self, a feeling of comfort and authenticity.  Dressing for who we are now, in the moment, is always a good strategy.

STYLE IS AN INVESTMENT IN OURSELVES

As a child of the 60’s and through play I learnt at an early age that our clothes have the power to support us and as a vehicle, can elevate us to aim higher.  You’ve heard the expression, dress for the job you want?  It means that our clothes are part of the vision of where we see ourselves in the future.  Our image and the clothes we wear are one of the key methods of communication and can help us set intentions for the future.

CELEBRATE YOUR INDIVIDUALITY

Many of you reading this will have at some point copied the look styled on a mannequin, shown in a magazine, or even copied from a friend.  The likelihood is that this way of dressing is very rarely going to work for us.  Our body shapes and proportions will vary as will our personal preferences.  For example, I love to see women wearing linen and a bohemian style but does it work for me?  Absolutely not, I enjoy a more structured look and don’t enjoy being creased!  Creases make me feel uncomfortable.  Finding those key elements that make us feel good helps us to feel more confident.

EMBRACE YOUR STYLE PERSONALITY

Style above fashion

Dig deep into your individual style personality

Whether you select new or pre-loved, choosing only what resonates with you and your values ensures that you will be happier to care for and wear your clothes for longer.  Understanding more about your style personality will help you define a more comfortable style for you.

Consider what really resonates with you.  Do you prefer clean lines over feminine detailing perhaps or neutral colours vs a bold print.  or maybe you like your clothing to make a statement or are you happy to blend in?

Answering some of these questions and carefully assessing your wardrobe may provide some clues.  Or give me a call and we can find out together.

Sale above Fashion

Investing in pre-loved apparel creates the opportunity for individuality

CONSIDER THE SUSTAINABLE ELEMENT

One key point here is that fashion has become too disposable.  Instead of the historic two clothing seasons annually, we are subjected to more regular turnover of collections.  Often in the fast-fashion chains, this can be as regular as twice weekly.  

This is a shocking pace and our planet with its natural resources and associated garment workers will pay the price.

Investing in pre-loved apparel creates the opportunity to explore hidden gems and a wider range of styles above the current trends.  I love to visit York Designer Dress Agency for my pre-loved shopping.

 

However I believe that our clothes go so much deeper. I have been considering the subject of style over fashion a lot since the release of the Barbie movie - the most iconic fashion forward doll.   The movie nostalgically took me back to my childhood.  Barbie inspired me to dream and to imagine my future self.  I found Barbie to be a positive force and subsequently that playing dress-up in any form can be the catalyst to other elements of positive change.

Of the many things that I loved about it, my biggest takeaway was the fact that the film celebrated individuality.  Our own personal style allows us to do just that.

See your wardrobe as a positive way to express yourself and as a vehicle to enjoy many of life’s joys.   

For me?  Style over fashion at every turn!

September 27, 2020

THE SMALL TOUCHES WILL SET YOU APART

Have you ever thought that when you want to create a great and lasting impression, the small touches will set you apart?

Making some small changes to your wardrobe can play an important part in your success.  Wearing clothes that boost your confidence is a good place to begin.  Remember also that our clothes should enhance our reputation and credibility and as such, are an investment in our future success.

I’ve met many women who have felt stuck and find it difficult to navigate their way through a change in their dressing style.

However it needn’t be a daunting task if you tweak just ONE thing.  A different trouser style, a fitted top rather than the baggy one you reach for each day or trying an alternative to black.

How about introducing a flattering colour, changing up your jewellery or adding a scarf.  It need not cost the earth to get you started.

The key is to understand what makes you feel comfortable and developing your Signature Style may provide something that people will remember about you.

Changing up your jewellery or adding a scarf will add impact

Take a peek in your wardrobe...

And identify those items that you love to wear and feel great in.  Can you pair them differently and inject some colour using a scarf or jewellery?

Now that technology has made us more visible, colour will add impact to our appearance so don’t be afraid to experiment and add personality to your working outfits.

A stylish twist using your accessories will certainly give you the edge.  A striking necklace or bolder lip colour is a good start.

The small touches will set you apart

Develop some key staples that mix and match together

Plan

The key to making some small changes to your appearance is to plan.  Developing some key staples that mix and match together will provide you with a polished and comfortable look.

Gradually building a wardrobe of flexible pieces allows us to maximise what we already have and ultimately saves money.

Laying your clothes out the evening before...

The small touches will set you apart

Laying out your clothes the evening before saves you valuable time in the morning

Saves valuable time on a busy morning when your dressing routine is shared with husbands, partners, children or animals who may all take priority.  Preparing for the next day allows you time to be a little more creative with you choices.  Try it and let me know.

 

 

 

When did you last change your hairstyle?

We can get comfortable with our appearance and become afraid to change in-case we stand out, draw attention to ourselves or in the event we don’t like it.

Long hair at any age can look great but clinging to a style from long ago can make anyone look and feel stuck in the past.  If you are in any doubt, take a look at this amazing transformation.

 

Never underestimate the impact of any small change you make to your appearance.   For example, a simple swipe of lipstick or as we have seen above, a change of hairstyle could be the catalyst to really positive and fundamental change.

So if you want to be remembered for the new job, the promotion, the new addition to the Board, the new partner, the small touches will set you apart.

If you would like to open some new doors and take some small steps to creating a lasting impression toward new opportunities, then do get in touch anytime for a  courtesy consultation, I would love to help you.

Jackie Crawford

Image Consultant

September 30, 2019

DRESSING FOR SUCCESS

In our less formal and modern digital world the expression   “Clothes maketh the man” has never been more relevant  which I guess has been replaced by Dressing for Success.  What we wear, our image and our personal brand, matters.  Our clothes  should enhance both our reputation and credibility.

I’d like to think that we don’t always make such snap judgements and whilst speaking generally, it is human nature to shape an impression of another in the blink of an eye.

This ‘blink’, according to studies is in-fact 7 seconds which is not so long to establish that lasting impression.

Successful women in business rarely look ‘thrown together’ or dishevelled and this is clearly no coincidence.  We should bear in mind that the clothes within our working wardrobe be considered as an investment in our future success - an ‘investment in our ourselves’.  Our appearance sends a positive message to our peers and colleagues about who we are and how we expect to be treated.  Dressing in a suitable and smart manner speaks volumes – “I know what I’m doing, take me seriously”.  If we care about ourselves and the way we present ourselves it is perceived that we also care about the job we do and also those around us.

First and foremost, it is worth thinking about the clothes we wear to our workplace each day.  Few of us have the resource to look like a catwalk model but clothing in colours and styles that flatter your own characteristics will increase your confidence, self-esteem and will undoubtedly command attention.

The key, I believe, to dressing for success, requires a plan

When we plan and gradually build a wardrobe of co-ordinated pieces, we gain maximum flexibility ultimately saving valuable time.  My suggestions here could be a starting point:

Get the balance right

There is nothing wrong with wearing a striking pair of stilettos or skin tight leather trousers but you know in your heart of hearts that this does not project the right image in many environments.  Wearing revealing necklines or inappropriate clothing will get you noticed for all the wrong reasons.  Finding some business staples will give you a polished and professional look.

With the loosening of business dress codes, you still need to consider your own working environment, your position within the organisation and of course the company culture.  Our positions very often involve a ‘portfolio’ of roles and for those who are self-employed and working from home, it is still important to be clear about the image you wish to convey.  Consider also the clients you wish to attract.

The clothes required of a highly corporate environment will vary to those of a self-employed Business Coach working in say in a creative environment.

Even more formal working environments have veered away from a business suit in black, navy and grey but if it is still a need for you, colour is important here, don’t feel you have to stick to these conformist colours when it comes to the shirts or blouses you wear with them.   Don’t be too afraid of colour.  There are clever ways to infuse some personality to your working outfits.  A day in the office should not be treated as a fashion parade but think classic cuts and add your own stylish twist with accessories to give your outfit the edge.

Embrace colour and pattern into your working look

Image Credit Lindsley Weddings

Image Credit Lindsley Weddings

It is easy to inject some colour and pattern to your working wardrobe and still look professional.   A subtle pink can enhance navy blue or grey whilst a rich emerald green works well with a variety of neutrals.  It is a matter of choosing the colours and patterns that are right for you.  We can also use colour to project authority or approachability.

If you do not wear a suit for work, the same rules can be applied when wearing separates.  Add a brighter cardigan to black and white or inject the colour to your accessories but a word of warning, no need to overdo them particularly if you lack the confidence to wear a brighter colour!

What about Fashion Trends?

My advice is to wear selectively but on a positive note, does suggest you have your finger on the pulse, you are ahead with current trends.  The assumption here is that of course you are ahead of your game in your field of expertise.

Invest in your outer wear

Spend wisely where it matters most - those items that are most visible as you arrive and depart, our shoes, coats, bags and laptop bags play an important part in our overall look.

Accessories

Image Credit Pexels

Image courtesy of Pexels

Selecting accessories for a business environment can be a challenge so wear your accessories wisely…simple, discreet and nothing too distracting.

The ‘less is more’ approach is good here although such self-expression can help to boost our confidence.

If you do lack the confidence to wear bolder clothing colours perhaps try a brighter colour in a single piece of jewellery, a belt or a contrasting pair of heels which is usually sufficient to pull the look together.   A good handbag is another way to inject some personality and style into your work wear wardrobe.

What about your shoes?  If you love heels and they still allow you to move around comfortably, stay with it or try a stylish loafer or elevated wedge trainer (which of course have to be spotless).  There are some great options if you wish a more comfortable option.

 

If however you are still confused about dressing for success, wish to understand the colours and styles that are perfect for you or you need help to discover some ‘successful’ dressing tips for your professional or social wardrobe, then please get in touch.  Better still you can call me on 07494 644788, I'd love to help you navigate the dress-code dilemma.

July 22, 2019

DRESS FOR THE JOB YOU WANT

Dress for the job you wantYou’ve heard the adage – ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you have’?  You see, I have been there!  For too long I experienced the negative aspects of facing a wardrobe of business clothes that did not inspire and for a while, did not support my career.  I hear it regularly from my clients too and as a result am a true advocate that the clothes we wear also influence the way we feel about ourselves.  It begins however when we embrace our body positives and learn how to enhance them

Each of the days I spend with my clients is a privilege!  Helping women identify clothes that flatter, providing a heightened level of confidence is something I am passionate about and is so relevant in either a social or business environment.

For those of you who need to inspire, encourage, influence, educate or challenge (that's all of us, right?) it is so much easier to achieve from a position of confidence.

Let us consider that whatever the occasion for which we are dressing, the clothes we choose to wear speak volumes – they help to educate people about what we stand for and judgments are made in the blink of an eye.

Our image is an investment in our personal brand.  Regardless if we are a business owner or member of a larger organisation, a positive image and our personal presentation becomes a vitally important communication tool, elevating our professional status opening doors and opportunities for us.

The impact of getting our image right in the first few seconds is that we appear more authentic, more comfortable and there is little doubt that this can provide the edge in a competitive environment.

Do how does one dress for the job we want and develop a coherent image that supports our goals - and in which we feel comfortable?

So many elements contribute to a positive image, it’s not simply the way we dress but our facial expressions, posture, attitude and actions.  Let me share some of my guiding principles that may help to dress for the job you want, project a more congruent and authentic image AND achieve your full potential in the workplace.

Define your Image and what it says about you

Seek some external inspiration

Give yourself an audit on how you wish to be perceived and consider your business goals.   Think about the clients you wish to attract.  Does your image align with those clients or the role you aspire to?  Once you have that clarity, it becomes easier to align with your personal brand.

 

 

 

Dress for Success

Understand what flatters you – the colours, shapes and styles.   Develop a signature style that reflects who YOU are and what feels comfortable for YOU - not always what fashion dictates .  Look into your wardrobe, learn how to dress your body.  You may need to invest in some key pieces here ultimately forming the basis of a capsule wardrobe.  Seek some external inspiration, spend wisely and your clothes will support you for some time.

 

Scrutinise your Grooming

..and the attention you pay to thisIt’s always the small things people notice such as the chipped nail polish, the scuffed shoe or the creased clothing…but more importantly, so will YOU.  The simple truth here is that when we care for the small things, we care for others, our clients, cohorts and the detail within our work.

 

Body Language

When we make eye contact and smile, our expressions soften.  A smile is associated with confidence and it’s a great way to engage.  Similarly, a good firm handshake suggests we are dealing with a confident individual.  Work on this if it is on the ‘limp’ side!

Posture can add real value to our personal brand and signifies that we are approachable, open to conversation and open to listening.

 

Of course, our body language also depends upon how comfortable we feel in our clothes.  We can be wearing an expensive designer dress or a beautifully tailored suit but without the smile or appropriate grooming, we may not win the contract, get the job or get the guy!

Putting it together, when we invest in ourselves, a world of opportunities can open up.  Whether we are selling products or services , you are your own boss or a member of a larger organisation, we are in a stronger position if we have first invested in ourselves.

If a ‘shot’ of dressing confidence could play a part in YOUR career or personal goal, visit my website and learn a little more about what I can do for you here.

Have a great day!

Jackie Crawford

Independent Image Consultant

* Main Photo credit Olivia Brabbs

COLOURS • CLOTHES • CONFIDENCE

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