It’s the night before you leave for a conference and you’re standing over your suitcase unsure of what to take with you. We’ve all been there. Our personal style can say so much about who we are, as it’s a visual representation of you and your brand.
In today’s episode, Katherine Bignon highlights the power of visual design for small business owners. Through her own journey of self-discovery and empowerment, Katherine is on a mission to help others embrace their authenticity and feel confident at conferences.
Find Your Confidence through Style and Clothing
Katherine Bignon’s journey into styling for professionals, entrepreneurs, and small business owners started with a personal revelation about the impact of clothing on confidence. Stepping back from designing custom bridal gowns, she found herself drawn to the strategy behind visual design and helping small business owners with their marketing and visuals.
Through conversations with friends struggling to find the right attire for events, Katherine discovered her passion for simplifying the process and instilling confidence in others. Her own experience of body changes and redefining personal style became the driving force behind her mission to help others embrace their authenticity and feel empowered in their clothing choices.
Katherine’s approach, rooted in setting practical and abstract boundaries, aims to guide individuals in aligning their style with their desired feelings. By encouraging clients to define their personal style descriptors, she empowers them to curate outfits that exude elegance, boldness, and simplicity. Her emphasis on authenticity and alignment with brand values underscores the importance of feeling comfortable and confident, especially in professional settings.
Personal Styling for Small Business Owners
Small business owners, especially those who are the face of their brands, should never underestimate the power of personal style. It’s not just about looking good, but about emitting an authentic image that aligns with their brand. This dimension adds an edge to their professional persona, making them more relatable and approachable.
Katherine points out how central it is to make an authentic connection with audiences. Her unique perspective on the fluidity of personal style highlights how beneficial it can be when it aligns with professional goals.
Creating Style Boundaries for Packing
Creating style practical and abstract boundaries is a crucial step in packing for any event to avoid the anxiety of overpacking while still maintaining your unique look and confidence.
The practical boundary is simple, it’s based on the schedule and what is actually happening. This helps you understand what you need to bring with you.
The abstract boundary helps you to weed out what not to bring and it’s dependent on you and your personal style descriptors.
Tips for Choosing Personal Style Descriptors
Personal style descriptors are your go-to words for defining your unique style. They can incorporate different aspects from colors, textures, and fit to personal style mottos. Utilizing these descriptors not only helps in curating a wardrobe inline with personal aesthetics but also guides during uncertain shopping situations.
In Katherine’s approach selecting personal style descriptors, she stresses the importance of defining these descriptors according to your taste, preference, and personality. These elements combined create an authentic representation of oneself while helping to form a cohesive wardrobe that brings out the best in their style at any event.
The key to really working through both the practical and abstract is to try everything on the when you’re packing to determine if they align.
Comfort and Confidence in Outfits
Comfort and confidence in one’s outfit don’t necessarily mean a compromise on style. Rather, they come together to create an overall pleasing appearance. Choosing stylish yet comfortable clothes not only boosts confidence but also allows for free movement and a relaxed demeanor, thus attracting positive energy and impressions.
Katherine suggests that choosing clothes that you’ve previously worn and feel comfortable in is always a good idea. It not only boosts confidence but also makes you feel at ease, thus allowing you to focus more on other vital aspects of the event rather than battling discomfort throughout the day.
Professionalism vs. Personal Style
While professionalism is crucial in any business setting, it should not overshadow personal style. Achieving a balance between both creates a robust image that communicates competence while reflecting individuality. Punctuating professional outfits with elements of personal style adds authenticity and personality, which helps make lasting impressions.
Drawing from her own experience, Katherine stressed the importance of representing one’s brand authentically. A professional image doesn’t need to conform to a specific style or look. It merely requires alignment with personal brand values.
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