“Your clothes should be the least interesting thing about you.” Sarah LaFleur
Do you agree with Sarah LeFleur’s take?
Recently a friend of mine tagged me in a social media post wanting my opinion on Sarah’s quote.
…While I see where Sarah is coming from, my view point is almost opposite of hers!
I don’t think that your clothes should be a distraction or overshadow substance whatsoever, but the “least interesting thing about you”?
My take is that even though “This Women’s Clothing Brand Is Made For Professional Women Who Hate To Shop”
one’s wardrobe should not be –the least interesting- thing about them unless one wants to blend in, work harder to be seen and understood (for all the right reasons), and not dress in a way that uses clothing to express their essence: personality, skills, talents, and experience.
When no words can be spoken it is your wardrobe, appearance, and energy that introduces you.
First impression research shows that while they can’t pinpoint the number of exact seconds it takes to form a first impression, one stud reveals people are making critical judgements about you in about 7 seconds, and they are looking for external clues to decipher who one is and what they are about.
If there are 3 personal stylists, hair stylists, financial planners, or ______ in the room and they all lacked visual interest, that may actually keep people at bay (rightly or wrongly).
Conversely, why not use clothing as a conversation starter or at a minimum as a means to visually tell your personal brand story, until you have a chance to speak. Dressing as a reflection of what you’re about takes the guess work out of things.
…At the end of the day, I value a pragmatic approach to both communicating to others and affirming who I am as an individual. For me that means I want to dress my truth (which is not the least interesting thing about me)!
That said, as I coach my clients, this will look different for each individual depending on their objectives, goals, and preferences…and there are truly no wrong answers.
Thanks for the tag my friend, this offers all of us much to think about!
PS: I specialize in supporting leaders and emerging leaders in how to stand out #foralltherightreasons as they share their unique contributions with the world with impact and influence. Uniquely Savvy offers a variety of tailored services & workshops to holistically support individuals in packaging, presenting, and being their best: Wardrobe and appearance, speaking with confidence and impact, and discovering and owning their unique brilliance. Let me know if I can help in any way!
Tirelessly & decisively championing YOUr confident personal brand, identity & style breakthroughs for game-changing success in business & in life. Be the Total Package, Kim XO
Kim Peterson works with professionals just like you who are serious about “no more excuses” and want to elevate above the status quo so you can differentiate yourself in the marketplace, achieve greater success with greater ease, and make a bigger impact in the world while attracting more of who and what your really want in business and in life!
As a Personal Brand/Style Consultant & Author/Speaker Kim takes a holistic, customized, and detail oriented approach to working with individuals, teams & organizations who desire to:
• Stand Out in a Crowded Market
• Elevate Their Influence & Leadership
• Achieve Aligned, Confident & Inspired Style
• Gain Clarity Around Their Vision, Values & Goals
• Create Impactful Elevator Pitches to Achieve More Wins
• BE Their Best Selves – Authentically Empowered & Aligned from the Inside-Out