Why What You Wear Matters When You Are the Brand

Editor's Picks
Written By Melanie Oliva

How personal style becomes part of your brand language, on camera and in real life

They say that the first impression comes from your looks. This can be how your hair is styled, how makeup is placed, and what outfit you decide to wear. Online, we can scroll through thousands of outfit ideas and feel overwhelmed, but we aim to make sure you aren’t breaking the bank, feeling comfortable in your skin, and overall confident in stepping into rooms or Zoom meetings with your head held high. Find your staple pieces and what can inspire you to show up feeling and looking great below. Plus, who doesn’t love an occasional shopping spree? We do!

Nonverbal Communication: The Significance in Your Style

Does anyone recall art class in elementary school where we mixed colors to create new ones? Red and white make pink, and blue and red make purple. The same applies to your appearance. Learn three styling tips today: colors that boost confidence, pieces that enhance your business face, and silhouettes that leave a lasting impression. Start by finding colors that suit your skin tone. Take an online or in-person color analysis test. Be selective when choosing colors to represent your brand. When you think of red, consider a specific fruit like a cherry or apple. Apply this to a well-known brand like Coca-Cola. Their font and color are instantly recognizable. Red represents passion, intensity, and confidence. Blue signifies calmness, loyalty, or dependability. Purple often evokes luxury, wealth, or creativity. These simple yet crucial steps matter when representing yourself on a call or in a room. 


Now that we understand color, let’s incorporate the business basics: blouses and pants that can be mixed and matched to create a bold look. Depending on the weather and season, aim to have a long-sleeve blouse and a short-sleeve blouse. When choosing pants, look for a comfortable but elevated fit. If you are going for a form-fitting blouse, pair it with loose-fitting pants. This complements your silhouette and balances your figure. Bonus tip: how you style your hair when wearing a form-fitting top matters. After choosing the basics you love, have fun and try mixing and matching textures. In the springtime, denim on denim is a simple but chic look. A light wash denim button-down shirt paired with light wash jeans and heels makes you look confident, and it saves you time. If you are wearing a pair of corduroy pants, try a long-sleeve body suit or a short-sleeve collared blouse. It balances out the texture, complements your figure, and elevates your entire look.

You don’t need to wear the same slacks or blouses; you can wear clothing that enhances your silhouette but makes it easier to hop on a call or attend a weekend work trip. If you are short on luggage space or want to maximize what you already have, try keeping blazers, jumpsuits, and bodysuits in your rotation. They are pieces that complement your body, but elevate your look, and it’s so easy to style. You already have the accessories and shoes you need to mix and match; all you have to do is try it on!




Authenticity vs. Over-Curation

In the age of overconsumption and excessive spending on trendy clothing, create your own path. While it’s fun to have viral jackets or Hailey Bieber’s outfits, they’re unsustainable and expensive. Instead, find pieces that match your style and create at least three to five looks with what you already have. As a former stylist, I always encouraged clients to think of five outfits for a splurge-worthy piece. If you can’t give me five outfits in 30 seconds, you don’t need it. If you’re deciding to spend $200 or more on clothes, plan a capsule wardrobe. Write down a limited number of tops, bottoms, shoes, and accessories. Research stores within your budget and look for sales and discounts. Remember, you want pieces that reflect you, your brand, and boost your confidence!


Finalizing your brand’s look starts with what you stand for and what you want potential clients to remember. If your brand reflects calmness, uses light themes, has simple online copy, and is minimalist, dress that way. You can be maximalist, but your outfit should reflect your brand. Imagine what your brand should look, feel, sound, and taste like. Play with your senses, then match them to your closet or to what you need to add. Your loyalty to yourself and your brand should be the main priority throughout your career. Find inspiration from iconic brands like Vogue, Tiffany and Co., Ralph Lauren, or Nike. What do they all have in common? What key messaging has stayed the same? This just can’t only apply to your closet but to your business. Once in a while, you should mix business with pleasure!

Whether you’re a maximalist or a minimalist, your wardrobe reflects your brand. Intentionally choosing colors sets you up for success, whether behind or in the spotlight. As the weather changes, find your colors, pick your basics, enhance your silhouette, and stay consistent with your budget. Remember, your appearance, interactions, and leaving a lasting impression are the first and last things people will remember. So, go out confidently in a beautiful outfit!

Melanie Oliva

Melanie Oliva is a Kansas City-based writer whose work blends lifestyle, culture, and fashion through a distinctly female lens. She crafts stories that celebrate identity, aesthetics, and everyday moments that shape how people live, create, and connect. When she's not writing, she enjoys drinking iced oatmilk lattes, cooking Honduran food, or listening to her ever-growing collection of mood-driven playlists. 

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