Do these 3 Things to Your Professional Wardrobe in 2024

The New Year is the perfect time to give your workwear subtle personal brand flair.

We’re also often told, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but, we do. Embracing the science behind this reality will help you become more conscious of the impressions you leave on others - including through your personal style.

Alongside my marketing career, I also worked in fashion retail for 13 years. Even while working full-time, I’d trade the office desk for the shop floor every weekend. And I adored the chance to meet so many different people, each with their own signature style.

In this blog, I’ll share three ways you can streamline your wardrobe choices leading into 2024. Subtle changes that send subtle cues - yet, create maximum impact for your personal brand’s visual identity.

Tip #1: The Power of First Impressions for Your Personal Brand

In 2006, Princeton Psychologists, Janine Willis and Alexander Todorov, published some compelling conclusions about the speed of first impressions. They concluded first impressions form in just a tenth of a second.

Participants in their research were shown photographs of strangers’ faces. Longer exposure to the photographs only increased confidence in initial judgements. And trustworthiness showed the highest correlation.

The research suggested that humans are evolutionarily hardwired for an accelerated and accurate ability to judge trustworthiness. It’s an essential element of our natural survival mechanism.

So, remember your first impressions:

• Send an immediate cue that creates an instant impression of your brand

• Cause an assumption about what you represent

• Cause experiences with you to be filtered through that assumption

Your personal style, even professionally, is an opportunity to be intentional about what your personal brand represents. Leave the impressions of what you want to be known for.

Here are three simple ways to use your clothing choices to leave memorable impressions through your personal style:

Tip #2: Wear a Signature Colour for Your Personal Brand

You likely already know that colours are essential to a brand’s visual identity and recognition in the marketplace. Think Tiffany and Co. blue, Cadbury purple or Coca-Cola red.

Colours help send cues. They evoke emotions and meanings. But, when it comes to your business's personal branding, think outside the box. Don’t just apply your signature colours to your stationery, digital footprint or office walls. For the maximum memorable factor - wear it. In a previous blog, I shared more about specific colour meanings and building your pallet.

To create a memorable look in 2024, pick one colour to focus on.

Let consistently wearing your signature colour elevate your visual identity. Because, when it comes to branding, consistency builds trust and trust builds loyalty.

Tip #3: Adopt a Signature Element for Your Personal Brand

Picture this: Steve Jobs on stage unveiling the latest Apple product. If you’re familiar with Jobs, you likely see his signature blue jeans, black turtle neck and sneakers. Or (for the fashion industry aware), what do you see when you picture Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour? If you’re familiar with Wintour, it’s almost impossible to not see her signature sunglasses.

Most of us would struggle to pull off sunglasses indoors and at night. But, you still can adopt tiny elements in your style for a signature look.

Here are just a handful of ideas. Your own choice will depend on your circumstances and personal style:

• Power suits

• Pocket square detail with your suit

• A signature print (e.g. pinstripes, checks or florals)

• A signature garment or accessory (e.g. vests or scarfs).

• Swapping traditional heels or shoes for the chic sneakers meets corporate combo

• Signature jewellery colour (e.g. gold, silver or rose gold)

• Signature jewellery styling preference (e.g. dainty, layered or bold statement pieces)

• Memorable go-to clothing fabric (e.g. silk/satin, linen or wool)

• Signature accessory material (e.g. patent leather, matt leather, suede)

• Swapping traditional shirts for a smart t-shirt style

The possibilities are endless. It’s not about feeling like you have to do it all. Even one subtle detail, applied consistently over time becomes memorable. And helps build your visual identity.

Tip #4: Refresh Your Personal Brand Wardrobe

There’s no time like the New Year to revitalise your wardrobe. It’s not about shopping up a storm in a ‘new year, new you’ haze. But rather, embracing what’s already your natural sense of style and purging yourself of the rest. Things that clutter your decision-making and create ‘decision fatigue’. Using up precious brain capacity that could be better spared for other parts of your day.

In the spirit of global cleaning extraordinaire Marie Condo, discard everything that no longer ‘sparks joy’. Or, as my dad used to say - if we aren’t using it, give it away so it might help someone else who really needs it. What feels boring and old to you, could be a dream come true for someone in need. His words are the reason why my mum cleared out most of his wardrobe soon after his passing.

For those who are especially more intentional about their choices, this could put you closer to a ‘capsule wardrobe'. This is where a minimalist collection of clothes is consciously curated to be highly interchangeable. Covering more outfits and occasions from fewer items. By default, your signature style also becomes more identifiable.

Head into 2024 wearing your personal brand personality on your sleeve. Remember, humans are visual creatures. Amid all the clutter, your personal style could be your personal brand’s untapped competitive edge for leaving a lasting impression on the marketplace.