A Professional Style Upgrade: What Does it Look Like?
1. Trusting The Process
Taking the first step in admitting you need style assistance is great — but it can be a challenging thing to admit—I get it.
You’re probably carrying certain assumptions about what your wardrobe should look like. These beliefs have been shaped by many different factors, like your unique personal experiences, the different stages you've been through in life, and the ever-changing trends you’ve experienced.
Now, it’s time to let go and be receptive to the process.
Every time I begin collaborating with a new client, their initial belief is that they’ll only need a little help. I find that 99.9% of cases, they actually need ALOT more guidance than expected.
So, I encourage you to trust the process.
Allow yourself to take-in the advice without any premature judgment, and be ok with the fact that you may not be the best evaluator in this particular situation and really consider the entire perspective.
This is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. During the process, you'll uncover new aspects of yourself and your personal style. This is the time to learn, evolve, and redefine your image to truly resonate with who you are.
2. Going Through Your Wardrobe
It's a time to assess your current wardrobe, decide on what no longer serves you, and consider what additions are needed to elevate your wardrobe.
When performing a closet edit, we will be:
Pulling items out in a specific category., i.e., t-shits, collared shirts, sweatshirts etc…
Ensuring they are in wearable condition (free of irreversible stains, odors, holes )
Seeing if there are enough essential colors (black, grey, blue and white.)
Making sure the items fit your body appropriately (are they too big, tight, long or short? )
3. Determining Your Needs
An individual in banking compared to… let’s say…an entrepreneur will have distinct clothing needs. I always consider the industries of my clients their locations, and tailor the advice to best suit their specific circumstances.
If needed, we’ll focus on getting new items that align with their daily routine and invest in multiples of things we know they’ll wear frequently to avoid running out — and cutting back on items that no longer serve a purpose in their current lifestyle.
Maybe you find yourself reaching for a dress shirt and blazer or sports coat only for special occasions that pop a few times throughout the year. If that's the case, just one of these pieces would be enough.
If your weekly wardrobe revolves around dress shirts, blazers, chinos, and dress shoes rather than t-shirts or jogger pants—we ‘ll need to inject more of these staples and exclude the others.
4. Filling in The Gaps
Now that we’ve successfully conducted a thorough closet edit and streamlined your wardrobe to prioritize what you’ll actually need, the next step is to identify all the other missing pieces necessary to round out your collection. By strategically filling-in all the gaps, you’ll have then have a customized wardrobe that aligns with your specific needs .
5. Shopping New Pieces
I wholeheartedly believe the philosophy of investing in quality shoes, specifically opting for leather options, as well as prioritizing high-quality outerwear such as jackets. This approach proves to be the most cost-effective over time, since higher quality pieces will generally have a longer lifespan.
The distinction in quality between budget-friendly and high-end in most casual attire is minimal. Remember, this is a strict rule. If you prefer higher price items all around, that’s totally fine too.
6. There’s No Rush
If you're feeling hesitant about a full-on new sense of style, consider taking small steps by slowly incorporating some of the items suggested. Pay attention to how you and those around you respond as you delve into your new look, giving yourself some time to adjust and grow comfortable with the change.
7. Put Together Outfits
Head-to-toe outfits will then be curated based on all information that’s been gathered.
After the culmination of your elevated style system upgrade, you’ll feel much better navigating through social settings with a newfound sense of confidence. You can now feel good combining all the pieces in your closet so you can easily maintain your stylish appearance.
Use this valuable information for continued success so you can attract investment from others just as you invest in yourself.
I've provided a comprehensive list of actionable steps that men can take to elevate themselves and become the greatest version they can be — be sure to explore more posts to gain deeper insights.
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Brandi is a wardrobe consultant and stylist helping leading men feel more confident in their style. She provides carefully-curated style offerings, dedicated to relieving all your style struggles, so you stay looking and feeling your absolute best.
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