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.

Elan Image Management, image consulting, was honored to be a guest on NewsChannel 8, Let’s Talk Live segment. The show is DC’s only live and local talk show. It was a privilege to share with viewers of Let’s Talk Live on Thursday at 12:15pm about the importance of first impressions and tips for pulling together an effective business look. My host Natasha Barrett was an awesome sport and the interview felt less like one, and more as if I was chatting with an old friend.

Being in studio live was a bit unnerving at first, but after a minute, I didn’t even notice. The time literally flew by and before I knew it we were done. There was SO much more to share–truly I was just getting started! But I appreciate the 7.5 or so minutes of camera time-more than I expected. And folks, it was so much fun!! I LOVE TV!!

I shared tips for dressing for success with viewers and showed makeovers of a few of my clients. 

Thank you to my clients who allowed me to show their photos–so we could add a visual to my words. And thank you News Channel 8 for having me as your guest! It is an honor to be a guest on the only live and local talk show in Washington DC!

In case you missed it on my home page,  watch MY INTERVIEW with NewsChannel 8 by clicking the link.

As always, here’s to purposeful presence!

The Image Diva, Elan Image Management