Why Style Is Important For Personal Development
The self-help industry is at an all-time high with books, influencers, and podcasts all offering a breakthrough to your success.
Most of the time (let’s be honest, a lot of the time), it’s the same message repackaged and repurposed for you to buy into the philosophy. I’m all in for advancing in personal growth, but I think too often we forget or ignore how our style plays a role in our personal development as well.
Clothes are indeed clothes, and they provide us with the basic needs of warmth and protection; however, our style is our statement to the world. How we decide to show up speaks volumes before words are ever exchanged. To show their importance, I want to break down three reasons why your style is essential to your identity and personal development. This piece of knowledge is cheaper than a self-help book and will save you half the time!
1 . Style Reveals More About You
We know who we are, but does our style communicate that message? Style is about communication, and the more we know about ourselves, the more we can share. So, in a way, style is about self-discovery. We use style to communicate our profession, our religious beliefs, and our political views to strangers without being conscious of it. So, if you’re feeling like you’re missing a connection or feel like you’re not representing the right vibe that connects with you, I would challenge you to take a look at your style. What message are you communicating or, more importantly, what message are you not communicating?
2. Our Style Gives Us Confidence
Style is about confidence, and when we feel confident, we look good! This part is critical because confidence is contagious and will naturally spill over into other areas of our life. How we work, how we engage in relationships, and how we deal with challenges all depend on how confident we feel about it. Now let’s be clear, buying a tailored Dior suit or a pair of Gucci loafers will not make your life problems vanish or eliminate insecurities, not by a long shot. However, I believe if we decide to show up in a style that’s a true reflection of who we are, it can help us become more confident.
3. Dressing the Part Is Only the Start
One of the great things about fashion is that clothes pose mystique magic that gives us the ability to be anybody we want to be. However, I believe style helps reveal more of who we already are. Again, I wish to reiterate that your belief system starts internally and what that belief looks like is what we see externally in your style. If you want to be a leader or influencer in your industry, looking the part can undoubtedly help convey that message. We’ve all been told to never judge a book by its cover, but that’s precisely what we do when we encounter people for the first time. Our image plays a crucial role in who we are or who we claim to be, which is why dressing the part can work in our favor.
One challenge I want to present is looking at a leader or influencer in your specific industry. What makes them stand out? Why are you attracted to them and the things they have to offer? And what is it about their style that communicates what they do? Take time to ponder these questions because they can provide vital insight to help you with your style.
Style is about communication, and what we’re looking to communicate will be different for everyone. Clothes are the garments that aid us in that self-expression. Now that you have this information, grab your coffee, lace your up sneakers, and start expressing yourself. Responsibly of course.
