Why do we talk about
Fashion or Styling in the same breath as Personal Branding?
Have you
read Blink – The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell?
The author
describes the main subject of his book as “thin-slicing”: our ability to use
limited information from a very narrow period of experience to come to a conclusion.
This idea suggests that spontaneous decisions are often as good as—or even
better than—carefully planned and considered ones.
Now that we
are talking about how it’s important to create a Brand for yourself, we all
know that 93% of this is Visual. So even before someone chooses to hear what my
thoughts are, they decide if they like me or not…. It’s true! 
So yes, It
is important to know what is your branding? and not just any branding, your
authentic branding can be highly improved once you accept yourself and figure out your AUTHENTIC STYLING.
Let’s take
the example of Michelle Obama.
Her styling has not always been on point, but in the last few years, she knew
the importance of her role, her position so we never saw a single picture of
her in denim shorts and tee. Her styling was well thought out more or less
structured pieces of clothing and accessories with a wide smile that makes me
want to listen to what she has to say.
My other
personal favorite is Kate Middleton,
Duchess of Cambridge. Her life is under scrutiny every single time she even
peeps from her window. Her styling says a lot of how warm she is. She not only
promotes local designers in her home country, but she promotes local designers
in every place she travels. I remember, she wore an Anita Dongre outfit (An
Indian designer) during her visit to India, and that designers website crashed
in one hour because people wanted to buy the same dress like Kate. What I absolutely
love is … she also makes sure to promote repeating / re-wearing of styles.
We certainly need to be more mindful, don’t just give in to trends but take the time to understand what works for you and adds value to your wardrobe.
Jainee Gandhi
( Singapore )