“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak.”
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Kevin, are you seriously quoting a fashion stylist in a leadership book?” Yes, yes I am. And not just any stylist, but Rachel Zoe – the woman who turned celebrity styling into an empire and herself into a brand.
Let me break it down for you. Rachel Zoe started as a fashion stylist for celebrities, but she didn’t stop there. She leveraged her eye for style into a multimillion-dollar business, including a clothing line, books, and even a TV show. She’s the CEO of her own company, for crying out loud. If that’s not leadership material, I don’t know what is.
Zoe understood something crucial: in the worlds of both fashion and business, perception often shapes reality. She knew that what you wear isn’t just about clothes; it’s about the message you’re sending. And in the corporate jungle, your outfit is your plumage. It’s how you signal to the other peacocks that you’re not to be trifled with.
Think about it. When Zoe styles a celebrity for the red carpet, she’s not just picking out a pretty dress. She’s crafting an image, telling a story, influencing how that person is perceived by millions. Sound familiar? That’s exactly what you’re doing as a leader, minus the paparazzi (usually).
So when Rachel Zoe talks about style being a way to communicate without words, she’s not just talking about fashion. She’s talking about the power of non-verbal communication – a skill that’s crucial in leadership. Your appearance is making statements about your competence, your attention to detail, and your respect for others and yourself, all before you’ve said a single word in that board meeting.
In essence, Rachel Zoe isn’t just a fashion stylist. She’s a master of visual communication and personal branding – skills that are invaluable in the business world. So yes, I’m quoting her in a leadership book. Because sometimes, the best leadership lessons come from unexpected places. Like the world of haute couture. Who knew?
Look your best.
“Best” is relative. Aim for “put together,” not “runway model.” No matter what the style in the office, wear the upgraded version. Also, find a brand that no one else is wearing to differentiate yourself. For example, I wear Mark Wahlberg’s brand, Municipal. Which makes people think I work for the government, LOL, but it also sets me apart from everyone else.
Let this sink in: your appearance is like your personal billboard. It’s advertising. Being their Leader 24/7. So make sure it’s not broadcasting “The Guy Who Just Rolled Out of Bed”.
Now, I’m not saying you need to show up to the office looking like you’re about to walk the red carpet (unless you work in Hollywood, in which case, why are you reading this? Go schmooze with celebrities or something). The goal here is “put together,” not “trying too hard.”
Think of it as the corporate version of “dress for the job you want, not the job you have.” If everyone’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt, go for nice jeans and a collared shirt. If it’s business casual, kick it up a notch with a blazer. It’s like you’re playing fashion leapfrog, always staying one jump ahead.
But here’s the real secret sauce: find your signature style. Something that sets you apart without screaming “look at me!” It’s like being the lead singer of a band – you want to stand out, but still be part of the group.
Take my Municipal gear, for instance. It’s like I’m saying, “I’m comfortable, I’m stylish, and I might just have to dash off to run a covert government operation at any moment.” Okay, maybe not that last part, but you get the idea. It’s unique, it’s me, and it makes people do a double-take (in a good way).
Now, a word of caution: don’t go too wild. We’re aiming for “stylish leader,” not “escaped circus performer.” Unless you’re actually leading a circus, in which case, carry on with the sequins and top hat.
And please, for the love of all that is holy in the fashion world, make sure your clothes fit properly. Nothing says “I’m not quite ready for that promotion” like pants that look like they’re trying to escape your ankles or a shirt that’s holding on for dear life every time you breathe.
Here’s a Pro Tip:
Invest in a good tailor. It’s like having a secret weapon in your closet. They can make an off-the-rack suit look custom-made, and trust me, people notice. It’s the difference between looking like you’re wearing the outfit and the outfit wearing you.
The bottom line, kiddo, is this: your appearance is part of your leadership toolkit. Use it wisely. Dress like the leader you are (or want to be), find your signature style, and always, always make sure your socks match. Unless mismatched socks become your thing, in which case, own it. Leadership is about confidence, after all.
Here’s something to chew on: no matter how good you look, it’s your actions and decisions that really matter. But hey, if you can lead effectively and look sharp doing it? That’s what we call a win-win.