What your outfit says about you can make all the difference in the workplace. Why? Because style is a huge part of how you’re perceived. In fact, a survey from Gallup found that employees are 15% more likely to respect their boss or superior if they’re well-dressed.
And it doesn’t just end with CEOs or business leaders. Style is also a huge part of first impressions. What you wear sends a message before you even speak. That might sound intimidating to some, but it’s actually great news. Why? Because style is something you have complete control over.
We hear so often from our clients that they want to be taken seriously or are working towards a promotion. Sometimes, they’re about to make a huge career change and start their own business. Improving your appearance and wardrobe can help you with that.
That’s what this post is all about. Whether climbing the corporate ladder or starting an entrepreneurial journey, this guide will help you. We’ll walk you through what your style says about you and actionable ways to make it match your messaging.
Improve What Your Clothes Say About You in Simple Two Questions
A lot of times, when people want to “makeover” their style, they think step one is hitting the shops. Wrong!
Jumping straight into buying clothes without a clear plan or direction is how you end up with a bad closet. You know, the type that’s full of clothes you never wear.
The first thing you should remember throughout this process is intentionality. Everything you do regarding your style should have a purpose. This doesn’t stop at clothing either; it includes accessories, makeup, and hairstyles.
This is because you are your personal brand. How you present yourself to the outside world is basically your business card. You take what you say in a meeting seriously, right? Then you should take how you look at that meeting seriously, too. What your clothing brand says about you is essential to leaving the right impression.
So, how do you approach style with intentionality? Ask yourself these two questions:
- What is your goal that you are working towards?
- What do you want to communicate through your style?
Your answers to these questions should serve as your guiding North Star. Jot them down or save them in your phone so you can easily revisit them whenever you need to refocus.
Elevate Your Workwear Style with the Next Level Wardrobe System
You’ve got your game plan. Now what? This is where the Next Level Wardrobe Style System comes in. This proprietary system blends the “art” of personalizing your life with the “science” of great style.
Our unique approach makes it so that your style is authentically yours–never forced or uncofortable. Your wardrobe should feel like a true reflection of you, not like you’re wearing a costume or pretending to be someone else. If they don’t, it’s a red flag that something’s off.
Our system helps you avoid that by focusing on:
- Fit that flatters your body.
- High-quality pieces that last.
- A balanced color strategy that suits your personal style and brand.
Here’s How We Work:
- Get to Know You
Through our one-on-one services, we’ll deep-dive into understanding who you are. When you sign up, we take you through an in-depth onboarding process, including a questionnaire to understand your lifestyle, goals, style struggles, and more. We’ll also ask you to create a Pinterest board to capture your vision because style is all about visuals. - Ongoing Personalization
Throughout the entire process, we’ll ask you at least 100 questions to make sure we are on the right track. We don’t just hand you a pile of new clothes and leave you to figure it out. Our services are designed to empower you with the skills to put outfits together confidently, choose smart pieces, and maintain great style that lasts a lifetime.
That’s the level of care we take for all our clients. And it’s why Next Level Wardrobe is ranked the top personal stylist in the US.
Shape What Your Clothing Says About You
1. Leverage Color to Influence Perception
Color plays a huge role in how you’re perceived in the workplace. People commonly want to be seen as approachable, authoritative, or confident. The colors you choose can help send that message and shape what your clothes say about you.
With the NLW Systems approach to color, your wardrobe colors are carefully balanced to maximize flexibility without sacrificing cohesiveness. Here’s the breakdown:
- Core Colors (45%):
These neutrals—black, brown, navy blue, and white—are versatile building blocks that work with any color or pattern. They make up the foundation of your wardrobe. - Tonal Colors (35%):
These are shades and tints of the core colors, like baby blue, beige, or olive. They add depth to your outfits and are perfect for incorporating textures. - Accent Colors (20%):
Seasonal or bold colors fall here, allowing you to express your personality while maintaining a polished look.
This doesn’t mean you’re limited to just one look. The beauty of this 45/35/20 rule is that it provides flexibility. It allows you to combine colors effortlessly while still looking polished, and it also helps you show off your personality at the same time.
For example, lighter colors like beige or white can create a more approachable vibe—darker shades like black or navy signal authority. Then bold colors or patterns make you appear confident or trail-blazing because they’re eye-catching.
Here, NLW founder Cassandra Sethi styles the same skirt in two different ways. On the left, she partners it with a light-colored blouse and loafers. On the right, she leans into a darker palette with black boots and a brown turtleneck.
See the difference color makes between these two looks?
2. Use Structure to Influence Your Professional Brand
Just like color, the structure and silhouette of your clothing significantly influence how you’re viewed at work. Your pieces’ fit, cut, and fabric can subtly communicate whether you’re more formal or casual. (This is also why alterations are so important!)
Fabrics with more structure or angular, tailored style convey authority and professionalism. On the other hand, looser, flowy garments tend to give off a more relaxed and approachable vibe. This shows how easily what your style says about you can shift with minor changes.
This is most noticeable with key items like pants, jackets, and dresses. For example, take a look at the before and after photo below of one of our NLW clients.
Our client Sarah, a partner at an NYC law firm, dressed to impress in a formal, size ten wardrobe.
Take Control of What Your Outfit Says About You with NLW
Your outfit is like your business card—an extension of your personal brand and one of the first things people notice about you. It has the power to shape how others perceive you. That’s why partnering with the right personal stylist is essential: it allows you to take control of the message your clothing sends.
At Next Level Wardrobe, we do more than just dress our clients. We take the time to get to know you–your interests, goals, and vision for how you want to present yourself. To do this, we have a detailed onboarding process, including a questionnaire and vision board.
All of this goes beyond clothes. It’s about giving you the confidence to tackle your goals and level up in your career. If you’re ready to take the next step in revolutionizing your style and career, apply for NLW’s styling services today!
