Written by Stephanie Deitzer
Are you familiar with Roger Daltry, the band The Who, and the opening song to CSI Miami, “Who Are You?” It is a catchy tune and the opening line is “Who are you… who-who, who-who?” Well, it is playing in my head as I write. It is also what I’ll ask you to consider as you approach your wardrobe, your overall presentation, and how you want the world to experience you. What three words would you use to describe your personality and values, and do you actually project them day-to-day? Who are you and who does the world see?
Each of us is capable of being appropriate in our life roles without losing ourselves in the process. Even those of us who need a little coaching can shine through.
I was recently speaking with a client and she was surprised by my pre-consult questionnaire and how many questions I was asking about her before our initial session: her three descriptive words, who her style icons are, how does she describe her own style, what a week in her life looked like, etc. I explained that the better I knew her, the more I could help her meet her objectives. Another woman shared with me that she didn’t want to dress like I do and was shocked when I told her I didn’t want her to – that she should be herself, but be her best self. The first step in being your best self is in figuring out who you are and having that consistent thread evident through your attire, behavior, and communication.
With Spring fashion arriving in the stores, you’re most likely thinking of a closet refresh. Before you actually start the process, (it’s okay to start humming some Roger Daltry here…), think about “Who Are You?” and what makes you unique. Do you have beautiful/handsome broad shoulders, long legs, big green eyes? Think about your body shape, hair style, and other characteristics that make you special. Remember, sometimes things you may initially think are flaws can actually be fabulous – it’s all in how you approach them. Embrace yourself and have fun with this!
The trick is to do your homework before jumping into the latest trends. Audit your closet to see what will work and stay for this year, and edit everything else out. Make a list of what you need in order to flesh out your wardrobe for the season, and then hit the stores. Consider each purchase, and make sure it conveys your “personality and values” words and that works for your body type, coloring, and other signature characteristics. This may sound like a lot, but if you take it in bite-sized pieces and you master these key skills, you’ll be genuine from head to toe and able to easily answer the ever-pressing question “Who are You?” without saying a single word!
Learn more from Stephanie on the next Stylish Inner Circle call. She will help you head to work looking professional and in style during the teleclass, “Business Casual vs. Business Chaos.” Join us for only $5. Click here to learn more.
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Stephanie Deitzer, founder of Style at Work, believes that embracing one’s individual look can empower them in business and other life roles, and that finding this look should not only be enjoyable, it should be exhilarating. She helps clients with practical approaches they will use every day style at work. Stephanie is VP of Education and VP of Membership for the New England Chapter of AICI, the Association of Image Consultants International. Stephanie Deitzer, AICI | Image and Wardrobe Consultant | www.styleatwork.biz | © 2010 |
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