Do you have a Signature Style? Here's why you should

Signature Style—a look that’s uniquely yours. The best dressed people have one. Do you?

In this article, I’m going to cover the benefits of developing a Signature Style.

So many women I work with say they want to dress like Kate Middleton, or Jennifer Anniston, or Kerry Washington, or any number of other famously fashionable celebrities.

But what makes these women so fashionable?

They know themselves and they stick to a consistent style. That doesn’t mean they always wear the same thing everyday, a la Mark Zuckerberg. But they have signature style elements that are consistent whether they’re on the red carpet, heading into a meeting, or running errands.

You don’t have to dress exactly like these celebrities to gain the benefits of a consistent look, either. You can develop your very own style and still reap the rewards.

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If you’re new here, I’m Missy of Simplified Wardrobe, an Ethical Personal Stylist & Capsule Wardrobe Curator. I help ambitious, eco-conscious womxn who want to look great, feel confident, and simplify their lives.

Find more information about personal style, capsule wardrobes, and color analysis over on Instagram. You can also download my free 10-page Guide to Defining your Personal Style.

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Here are all the Benefits of a Strong Signature Style

#1 Authenticity

If you’re applying for a job or running your own business, you don’t want to surprise people when they meet you in person. When you don't match your online or printed brand when you meet a client in person, it can be really jarring. It feels incongruous or fake, and it makes them wonder what else you might not be honest about.

How you show up in person is even more important than how you show up online because your “in-person” self is what people associate with “the real you.” Even if you don’t have any photos of yourself online, your style should feel in line with the way you speak, write, and generally how you represent yourself.

#2 Consistency

You are much more likely to stick in people’s minds if you’re consistent across all platforms, including on video or in real life. In business, the saying goes that it takes 7 touches before someone trusts you enough to buy from you. In the internet and social media age, it’s probably more like 12 or 15. 

If your website is different from your ads is different from your instagram is different from your stories, people aren’t going to register that they’re hearing from you consistently. You want to make sure people recognize you and your brand no matter where or how you’re showing up. This also applies to the rest of your brand images, the way you speak or write, and how you act in person.

#3 Attraction

You can also use your personal brand to attract the kinds of clients, customers, or companies you want to work for. If you dress sloppily, you’re unlikely to attract the super buttoned-up professionals. If you dress stuffy, you won’t attract more free-spirited creatives. This isn’t to say that any type of client is better than the other--it’s more about who you are and what you’re trying to attract. 

I’m also not saying you have to dress exactly like your ideal client. But you want to make sure your level and style of dress isn’t off-putting to them. This is true no matter what you’re trying to attract. If you want to be taken more seriously at your current job, or even if you’re looking for a special someone. You get out what you put in.

#4 Ease of dressing

One of the best ways to make getting dressed so much easier is to develop your signature style. When you know how you want to look and the way to put the pieces together to achieve that look, you have a game plan. Creating a signature style means knowing your best colors, cuts, styles, patterns, and outfit formulas to look your best and express your unique style personality, and strategically building out a wardrobe with these building blocks.

That way, getting dressed is just about putting the pieces together rather than coming up with new outfit ideas from scratch every morning.

Style is one of many tools you can use to put your best foot forward. 

• Curating a strategic wardrobe helps you start the day relaxed and confident.

• Developing your own signature style helps you feel more professional and be comfortable and happy in your own skin.

• Looking the part helps you attract what you want, stand out against the competition, and strengthen your reputation. 

Having an authentic, consistent style does a lot to boost your credibility, likability, and productivity.

Don’t believe me? Read this article about how much your style actually matters. 

Want to get your Signature Style sorted? You can get your hands on my free Signature Style Guide that will walk you through the steps I take with my clients to help them define and implement their style. 

If you don’t want to DIY it, I offer a few packages that include style discovery and a Wardrobe Strategy Guide, which includes everything you need to know about colors, cuts, fits, brands, and more to express your newly defined signature style. 

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