While some of us have a very clear idea of what our ideal wardrobe and our ideal image looks like, often times we leave these to chance.  Most of us grow up without learning how to build a wardrobe, how to cultivate our image and without any insight into what it takes to love what we see in the mirror.  What happens is that we buy the clothes that we like, and that become familiar to us. Perhaps they are the best cut and color for us, but more times than not they could use a little “tweaking’ to make them just right.

Putting together a wardrobe that brings out our best selves and pulls us into a higher version of ourselves, on the other hand, is a different matter altogether.  This is what I call creating a Signature Style, and is what helps us to create an unforgettable image and stand out from the crowd.  This wardrobe contains what I like to call the 3 C’s:

Consistency         =          Cr edibility             =           Confidence

Let’s talk about these for a minute and how they come into play to effect your image, both inner and outer.

Consistency - By consistency I mean that you have a look that is consistent with your message, your position, your personal brand.  Think Bill Gates, Oprah, Michelle Obama. They have a look that underscores who they are and what they stand for, and that is authentic to them.  If they didn’t, it would leave you questioning their mixed signals and would breed confusion.  But this word is two-fold: it also means that your image is consistent from one day to the next.  If you show up one day dressed to the nines, then the next looking like you just rolled out of bed, you would lack consistency, and would lose some of your credibility.  If you’re a stay-at-home mom, this is not a big deal.  If you’re a professional or entrepreneur, especially high-level (or want to be) this is critical.    

Credibility - Credibility is given when you have shown that you are consistent with your personal brand, are authentic and have an image that matches your message.  I often see entrepreneurs and high-level business women give up their credibility for the sake of comfort, or because they don’t take the time to give attention to details.  Don’t let things like panty lines, a bad haircut or dated clothing ruin your appearance.  This will undermine not only your credibility but your confidence, as well as the confidence of those around you.  Keep your appearance up, keep your wardrobe looking good and ensure it’s a true reflection of you to score the most points in credibility.

Confidence - Confidence comes in knowing you’re pulled together.  When your look is consistent with who you are, your clothing is up to date and in great shape (no falling hemlines, etc), your bumps and bulges are managed with shapewear and your hair and makeup flatter your look, you just can’t help but feel confident!  And when you’re confident from the minute you set foot out the door (or at least out of your closet) you’re unstoppable!  You know you look great, but more importantly, you feel great and it shows!

Taking time to ensure that your wardrobe is supporting you in the 3 C’s will go a long way in helping you to feel great about yourself!