#19 People don't care what you wear, but they do care what you communicate.
You don't have to be a famous media personality to care about what your image communicates.
After seeing a lot of Thread samples on my Instagram feed, I gave in to the app and started using it a few days ago. I must admit that what I've seen so far is not what I expected, and that's a good thing! I had a vision of Thread as the new backyard of Twitter users, many of whom were using the platform for hate speech. On the contrary, I found Thread to be a cosy coffee shop, where people engage in small talk or just place their order with warmth and friendliness.
There, I came across a thread by a woman who said she had attended a conference in Portugal and found it strange that the women speakers weren't (according to her eyes) that dressed up, as they weren't wearing high heels, blazers or make-up. What were her thoughts about that? She said that it was strange, but comfortable to look at and to be in that environment.
I decided to bring this up here because I think it's very important to demystify the taboo that women only look smart at work if they wear make-up and high heels, and also the fact that people don't care how we dress.
I mean, your work colleague may not care where your dusty pink pleated crepe blouse comes from but he knows that you're visually conveying a message, whether it's an affirmation of bohemian style, sophistication or superiority in the corporate hierarchy.
I like high heels and especially make-up. I love seeing the latest launches, using the colours of blush and eyeshadow that brighten my skin, and occasionally stepping into high heels for a special occasion. Does that make me more or less of a woman than someone who always wears make-up or someone who never wears make-up and high heels? Of course not! The expression of femininity doesn't depend on one single factor. It is the whole that conveys our message to the world.
I recently read a very interesting interview in the NY Times with Natasha Kamenska, personal stylist to Olena Zelenska, First Lady of Ukraine, and she talked about how the First Lady has decided to use her public appearances as a time to express her outrage at the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, using fashion as a way to draw attention to the country. How? By dressing independent Ukrainian brands whose employees are in vulnerable situations due to the conflict. In addition to the choice of designer, the choice of colour and volume is also articulated, which is why the First Lady is never seen wearing bright, colourful clothes. Usually the muted, dark tones represent the sadness of the political moment.
You don't have to be a famous media personality to care about what your image communicates. Do you know why? Because from the moment you wake up and choose the clothes you're going to wear that day, and then open the door to your house, or switch on the camera in your virtual meeting, people are already reading who you are, what your values are, what your inspirations are, and even what emotions you might be feeling that day. And this will have a direct impact on how they behave towards you.
It's been scientifically proven that it only takes six seconds for a person to form a perception of who we are, and that there may not be another chance in life. You could miss out on a promotion at work because your manager doesn't see you as someone secure enough to lead a team, you know?
I know you might expect me to tell you to dress the way you want to dress, but the truth is that behavioural psychology tells us that humans, like irrational animals, live in groups and we like the idea of belonging to one group and distancing ourselves from another. Some crave distinction in terms of status, hierarchy at work, culture or religious beliefs, but in general we all seek that sense of belonging.
If you want to develop or improve your personal style, feel more confident and happy with your wardrobe choices and personal image, talk to me without obligation. I can design the best image strategy to express your authenticity.
It may not be a statement of style, but the click is a step in the fashion direction:
✨ The perfect pump shoes for those looking for a white cream to call their own. This model of heel that covers all the toes is much more comfortable, as it hugs our feet and provides structure for walking.
✨ For me (for myself, okay?) home needs to be like my wardrobe: colourful! That's why I really identified with this decoration project by Laura Stephens.
✨ Personal colour analysis can really be a game changer when it comes to finding the colours that suit you best. Have you seen my clients' testimonials about this?
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