I have been very excited about the responses to a thread of a Linked In group I’m a member of.  We’ve been discussing ‘what makes style’ and I want to share here one of my responses.

I conducted a dress for success seminar to a group of students on Friday and was explaining the point that how you ’show up’ depends in part on the other person’s expectations–your example of dressing for a fashion shoot in corporate attire and almost losing your account is spot on. We need to express our style–that distinguishes us from everyone else and allows us to be authentic, creative and unique–all hallmarks of a great personal brand! But we have to express our style sensibilities also in context.

I am an image consultant and I dress and express my style differently depending on who I am interacting with and my desired outcomes. To speak to a group I usually wear an outfit in a power color for me that makes me feel confident and in command –meeting clients one on one, I dress more accessible and approachable. My goal then is to get them to trust and engage with me on an intimate level. My style is my style but it can be molded to suit the environment and goals I want to achieve.

Another point that is key in what you said is "poise". A person of style has a particular way they carry themselves–it stems from confidence but its more than just that. It’s perhaps the ultimate physical manifestation of their self expression–that ‘carriage’.

I don’t think everyone dresses with intent or an objective. This is one of the things I coach frequently about–many people unfortunately dress very haphazardly and do not realize the impact this has on the ability to achieve their goals.

More on honing your style in later posts.

Natalie Jobity, Elan Image Management, image consulting

Is your image conveying the message you want it to convey? Are you an entrepreneur or professional who needs to step up her look so her image speaks the words aligned with her company’s brand? Then, join me on Thursday June 17th at 4:30 for a great networking event.

The NAPW (National Association of Professional Women) Annapolis Chapter, is pleased to invite you to attend a 90-minute interactive workshop with Natalie Jobity, image consultant, an expert in the areas of image, personal branding, and dressing for success.

Our image or personal brand speaks volumes for who we are.  It sends signals about our intelligence, competence, confidence, level of success, and a host of other unscientific output, which may or may not be true.  For optimal impact, we must be sure to make focused and conscious choices about the messages our image ‘business card’ is transmitting.

Here are a few of the highlights of this workshop:

*   Learn the key elements of an effective personal brand
*   Get smart on why dressing with intention and purpose can be a pathway to success
*   Understand the impact of first impressions and how to ensure yours are positive and lasting
*   Explore ways to use your signature style and image to reinforce your businesses brand image

Join other women like yourself for this engaging and valuable seminar at the Naval Reserve Club in Annapolis MD. To register and for further details please RSVP HERE.
Hope you can join us!

Elan Image Management, Image Consulting

What is it about the successful well dressed woman that makes her stand apart from her counterparts? She looks the part and owns it. She knows who she is and what she stands for. Her inner core and outward presentation are perfectly aligned. She is acutely aware of her personal brand and executes upon its tenets every day, every time—consistently. I work with women like this as a personal shopper, image and fashion consultant. She gets it. She understands the power inherent in having an image that is a notch above.

If you want to be perceived as such a woman read these seven tips for guidance.

1. Have a Defined Signature Style
Know your signature style. Your style becomes part of your personal brand which in business is critical. Your personal brand is your advertisement about who you are and what you stand for. It must be credible, authentic and sustainable.
2. Invest in Quality
Well dressed corporate women understand the benefits of investing in high quality clothing. They are aware that quality is associated with success. They invest in themselves before asking others to invest in their company, product or service.
3. Utilize  Experts
Be clear about the limits of your own knowledge. Women who look fabulous don’t wing it. They don’t leave their personal brand to chance. They hire experts to perfect their image and mold a personal brand that is a slam dunk.  Many invest in stylists, image consultants, or personal shoppers to help them execute upon their brand.
4. Be Organized
An organized closet is one that is easy to work with. You see everything, things are organized by color, function, or item and you can mix and match with aplomb. A well-ordered closet is a key to creating polished ensembles and avoiding unnecessary wardrobe duplication.
5. Pay Attention to Detail
Not paying attention to the little details can be a deal breaker. The most high end designer  suit won’t send the right signal when paired with a scrappy handbag or when saddled with a pair of shoes that need to be retired.
6. Have outfits for every Occasion
Successful women own a well-rounded wardrobe that mirrors their lifestyle, personal style, personality and goals. So whether it’s a board meeting or a fundraiser, they always have the the right outfits to shine
7. Timelessness not Trendiness
Smart women focus on style and its impact, not fashion trends. They care less about trends and invest in clothing uniquely appointed to complement their image goals, figure and personal brand. They ensure they invest in timeless pieces that fit impeccably.

Your wardrobe is a mirror reflecting the woman you present to the world. If you aspire to be perceived as successful, then your wardrobe should be outfitted with items befitting the power broker that you are.

Yesterday an interview Elan Image Management  did for Brandmaker News, on developing a signature style just was posted on their site. Visit: www.brandmakernews.com/interview_detail.php for the full interview with Natalie. For a great snippet read on!

"What specific advice do you have for professionals who are working on their signature style?

Their professional presence needs to be commanding, polished, pulled together and credible because people make at least 12 assumptions about us based entirely on their initial perceptions of our image.

Understand the basic wardrobe ‘do’s for business attire. For example, a man’s suit should fit impeccably, and his shirt cuff should show through his jacket. It’s important to know that the little details like scuffed shoes, poor grooming, bad manners and poor communication can all be deal breakers.

Look at their TOTAL image package: Image is so much more than the clothes you wear. It is your total package including your clothing, but equally as important, how you accessorize, the way you communicate, how groomed you are, your poise and posture, non verbal cues, your ability to maintain eye contact, and so much more.

Have ‘Presence’ -that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, command or self-assurance. It is an energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. It draws people to you. When it is purposeful, it can be one of your most effective tools in professional interactions."

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management

I am often asked what’s the secret to creating a professional look that also shows off personal style. Here are a few guidelines:

• When you think of your professional image as a walking business card communicating who you are as a professional, you will look at your business style in a completely different way.  For optimal impact, you want to be sure you make very focused and conscious choices about the messages your image ‘business card’ is transmitting, noting especially if it is aligned with your professional aspirations.
• The secret lies in the power of becoming clear about the message you want to convey and how to meld that with your personality and sense of style.
• It is also about picking your battles: in the interview, you want to conform more than stand out. Once you get the job and you have a sense of the culture of the firm, you can flex with your style at that point.
• Not all companies require employees to wear a suit every day. Understanding the nuances of tailored professional business casual attire is key!

Common mistakes interview candidates make when dressing for an interview include:

• Underestimating the importance of their image to their success in getting a job.
• Not understanding the impact of first impressions and how indelible they are especially in a job interview context. The power of image in influencing first impressions and hiring, firing  and promotions is unquestionable.
• Not knowing that their professional presence needs to be commanding, polished, pulled together and credible because people make at least 12 assumptions about us based entirely on their initial perceptions based on our image.
• Not understanding the basic wardrobe ‘do’s for business attire: For example for men, knowing that their suit should fit impeccably and that their shirt cuff should show through their jacket. For women, wearing separates in lieu of a suit in fabrics of poor quality. Or wearing inappropriate accessories such as dangly earrings or skirts that are too short. For both, understanding that the little details like scuffed shoes, poor grooming, bad manners and poor communication can all be deal breakers.
• Dressing for their current position. Always dress for a higher position than you currently occupy.  Dressing for the position you are aspiring to will also   boost your confidence in your ability to achieve it.
• Not looking at their TOTAL image package: Image is so much more than the clothes you wear. It is your total package including your clothing, but equally as important, how you accessorize, the way you communicate, how groomed you are, your poise and posture, non verbal cues, your ability to maintain eye contact, and so much more. Do you know how are you stacking up? Answering this question is key.
• Not having enough ‘Presence’ -that ability to project a sense of ease, poise, command or self-assurance. It is an energy and an attitude. It can be magnetic. It draws people to you. When it is purposeful, it can be one of your most effective tools in professional interactions.

Want to rock a signature style in the workplace. Here are some ideas:

• Know your personal style and personal brand. Your look must be in synch with these
• Use accessories to express your unique flair/panache. For some men it might be a tie clip, unusual ties, a killer watch. For women it could be the creative use of color and pattern in suits and blouses. Using belts, scarves, shoes, bags all as part of their signature look.
• Know the silhouette, cuts and designers that flatter and enhance your body
• Invest in quality pieces. Your clothing can be one of your more important career “investments”. Look for timeless well made designs and mix these up with more stylish accents depending on your personal style.
• Know your power colors and use them!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management