It’s not just Hollywood that sets fashion trends. With so many of us bloggers posting opinions on which fashions to follow, it’s no wonder so many women deliberate over what to wear! In one day’s feed you may find a number of blogs that contradict each other. We can relate to some new styles when the models “wear it well” but is hard to figure out fashion on a hanger or in a flat photo.
Following Fashion Could be Destroying your Image.
This “Fashion Friday,” for example, one popular blog promoted the latest trends with great enthusiasm. Every item displayed was beautiful; without a doubt most readers loved them all. The problem is, not every style is suitable for every fan.
Just as the front desk staff at a medical facility knows they are not required to wear scrubs (even though that’s the “trend” of their co-workers!), so should you be able to discern between which fashion to follow and which ones to leave for your colleagues. After all, wouldn’t you feel mislead if the secretary at your doctor’s office had a stethoscope hanging around her neck? Imagine asking her for advice regarding your intimate ailments only to have her reply, “Oh, I’m sorry, I have no idea what to tell you, I’m not a doctor or nurse.” Wouldn’t that flair up a bit of frustration? Her image was deceptive!
Some fashions are very defined.
Everyone knows that certain uniforms are only for certain professions. A uniform, badge, color, style, etc defines a person’s identity. Certain outfits command immediate authority. When we are in need of help, we don’t even question the character of the person under the “branded” uniform (like the military, rescue, police…) we simply trust that they are qualified to meet our needs.
Anyone wearing a uniform without the qualifications to play that role will certainly offend others. There are other fashion rules that are also well defined–or at least they used to be. These rules, however, may be considered to be more like upper class edict. For example :
- Never clash certain colors like pink and red.
- Don not mix patterns like plaids and polka dots.
- Only wear white after Memorial Day or before Labor Day.
- Never wear all-black or all-white to a wedding.
- Do not dress casually for church or court.
In today’s society (at least in America), fashion edict is no longer highly valued or respected. It’s more of an “anything goes” world now, but the thing is, even if we are not offending each other, all this freedom makes it easy to loose our identity.
You cannot brand a broad identity.
If you are a professional or business woman, or even a single uneducated gal who is looking to “sell yourself,” then you must define who you are. No client, patron, patient or potential partner is going to be impressed with an image that contradicts what you are selling. If you are a doctor, then do not dress like the secretary. If you are artsy, don’t dress professionally. Being someone you are not will never win over any type of business, it will only make people loose their trust in you.
Granted, trust can be won over. Like an undercover cop in street clothes, you, too, can change other people’s first impression when you pull out your “badge” of qualifications. But first impressions are lasting impressions and if you want to lighten your workload, I highly recommend figuring out how to make your first impression tell the truth about who you are.
Can street clothes be branded?
Not all professions have uniforms or dress codes. You may have total freedom with what to wear, but in order to build people’s trust in you, I highly recommend staying true to your style (or your personal Img.ID) and creating a brand for yourself:
• If you are a Classic: Your image should be classy and professional. It should say something about your elegant and refined nature.
• If you are a Natural: Your image should be simple and casual. It should say something about your practical and unpretentious personality.
• If you are a Dramatic: Your image should be exotic and extravagant. It should say something about your creative and exciting character.
• If you are an Ingénue: Your look should be soft and delicate. It should say something about your graceful and sweet nature.
• If you are a Romantic: Your look should be glamorous and alluring. It should say something about your sensitive and charming personality.
• If you are a Gamine: Your look should be bold and strong. It should say something about your fun and animated character.
Stay tune for more on the topic as I continue writing a new book for professional and business women!
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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose passion is empowering women and girls to BE and LET BE. Her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach, as well as her personal experiences with abandonment and grief make her message relatable to anyone dealing with rejection, betrayal or loss.