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As a small business owner, creating a powerful personal brand isn’t just about the services you offer or the products you sell; it’s also about the image you project.

In a recent episode of the Seriously in Business podcast, Dina Cerchione, a seasoned personal and television stylist, shared some invaluable insights on how women in small business can use personal styling to make a lasting impression. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dina emphasized the importance of understanding oneself and being intentional about style choices to align with one’s brand. Here, we distill her tips into practical advice that you can apply to elevate your business image.

Understand Your Body and Personality

**First and foremost, know yourself.** Dina underscores the significance of understanding what clothing and style matches your personality. This self-awareness forms the foundation for a coherent and authentic style.

Take time to identify the colours and silhouettes that suit you best. Don’t fall into the trap of mimicking others’ styles, especially those within your industry, as their choices might not be the best fit for you.

Practical Tip: Stand in front of a mirror and assess different outfits. Which ones make you feel confident? Which colours brighten your complexion? Take note and build on these preferences.

Create a Mood Board

Mood boards aren’t just for fashion designers; they can be a powerful tool for anyone looking to refine their personal style. Dina recommends putting together a collection of images that inspire you. This helps ensure consistency with your brand image while allowing for organic evolution.

Practical Tip: Use Pinterest or a physical board to gather images that resonate with you. Include outfits, colors, fabrics, and accessories that align with the message you want to convey through your personal style.

Be Intentional and In Control

In business, your style isn’t just personal; it’s a strategic component of your brand. Dina advocates for being intentional and in control of your appearance, especially when your goal is to connect with potential clients. Think about how you want to be perceived and let that guide your wardrobe choices.

Practical Tip: Before a big meeting, online presentation or event, ask yourself what impression you want to leave on your audience. Choose outfits that convey professionalism, approachability, and competence.

Find Inspiration and Refine Your Searches

The internet is an endless source of style inspiration, but it can also be overwhelming. Dina suggests using specific or broad phrases on platforms like Pinterest to find suitable fashion inspiration, helping you narrow down choices that resonate with your brand and personality.

Practical Tip: If you’re looking for business casual outfit ideas, try searching with phrases like “chic business casual for women” or “elegant office outfits.” Curate boards that align closely with your desired professional image.

Be Consistent Across Different Business Settings

Whether you’re attending a Zoom meeting, a branding photo shoot, or a public speaking engagement, maintaining a consistent and professional appearance is key. Dina highlights the importance of having a wardrobe that meets different levels of formality while maintaining a cohesive style.

Practical Tip: Invest in versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down. A well-fitted blazer, quality trousers, and a few statement accessories can seamlessly transition from casual meetings to formal presentations.

Align With Your Brand to Attract the Right Clients

Visual branding plays a crucial role in building relationships and attracting the right audience. Dina reminds us that it’s okay not to appeal to everyone. By aligning your personal style with your brand, you’ll draw in clients who resonate with your authentic self.

Practical Tip: Add small tweaks like updated accessories or a change in hairstyle to keep your look fresh and aligned with your evolving brand. These small adjustments can make a significant impact.

Final Thoughts

In a business world where first impressions matter, your personal style is a powerful tool. By understanding yourself and your business, being intentional and strategic, and staying consistent across different scenarios, you can create a personal brand that not only looks good but also feels right.

As Dina Cerchione aptly puts it, a well-crafted personal style helps convey your message, attract the right clients, and build lasting business relationships.

ABOUT DINA:

Dina Cerchione has been making celebrities and reality TV guests look great on-and-off camera for over 25 years and is one is one of the busiest Hollywood stylists in town. Her work has been seen on some of the biggest shows on television, including America’s Got Talent, Deal or No Deal, Dr Phil, and on all of the major networks and streaming services including FOX, ABC, Netflix, and HBO. She has also been featured in industry and consumer media outlets such as In Style, The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, People, and The Daily Mail. 

Now she is working that same Hollywood magic for modern entrepreneurs, speakers, coaches and anyone who is the face of their business helping them enhance their brand using style. Through her many years of honing her craft working as a TV wardrobe stylist, Dina knows how to tap in and tell people’s story using style. Her approach is rooted in the belief that a well-designed personal style can open doors and create opportunities. With an eye for detail and an understanding people need to present themselves in an authentic way, Dina helps her clients make lasting impressions that align with their ideal clients and their professional aspirations. Whether it’s for a keynote speech, media appearance, brand photo shoot or daily business interactions her mission is to ensure every entrepreneur she collaborates with has a personal style that is as unique and impactful as their brand.

GET IN TOUCH WITH DINA:

Instagram: @dmcstyles

LinkedIn: Dina Cerchione

Website: dmcstyles.com

Freebie: The Ultimate Guide To Your Brand Photo Shoot Style

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Ready to take your personal style to the next level? Tune into the full episode above and let Dina Cerchione guide you through the art of personal styling for business success.

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