Creating your self brand

So far, I’ve taken you on a tour of how to start to make a smarter wardrobe that will impact your life.  We checked out what a Closet Edit is, how to store things back in your closet once you’re done, and where you can repurpose your clothes so they don’t go into the trash.  Now I would like to talk to you about some reasons why it is important and ever so useful to think about your image.  Why would you put time and money into thinking about your looks?

The answer is simple: it’s all about who you are and giving yourself a chance.  Image is the first thing people see of you and it speaks volumes.  Even if we try to be very romantic about it and tell ourselves that beauty only lies on the inside, the truth is we must let it shine through on the outside so other people will find it easier to reach in.  We jump to conclusions pretty easily when we see someone's outfit: are they clean, are they organized, are they cool, are they savvy, are they well off, are they serious… So many things come to mind without us even realizing it and start putting people into boxes.  If we want to be put into the right boxes, we must take control of our image and make sure it is aligned with our inner beauty and our values as a person.

Curating your image through clothes is a branding exercise.  Nowadays people talk a lot about branding for marketing on Instagram or visual identity for a brand.  These practices tend to the need for people to know a brand consistently, so its values are easy to read, and people will trust it.  The same happens with people.  Public figures, whether it’s in politics or celebrities, must work on their personal image not just “to look good” but to build a persona so they “walk the talk”.  Anyone, no matter how private a citizen you are, should take care of this so whatever you have in mind also shows in the way you look. 

This is a process that can only be done by looking long and hard at yourself.  Understanding your routines and daily activities, but also your goals and hopes for the future.  Working on your personal image is a sort of therapy that analyses what is inside to put it on inside.  Conversely, you analyze what you’re putting out there right now and how it’s impacting your inner self positively or negatively. 

Everyone should feel worthy of taking a closer look at who they are and creating the best version of themselves so that they can live a full life in harmony inside and out.  Do you dare to take that journey?  What have you done for yourself lately?  Share in the comments!