Fashion Marketing – How To Be Yourself and On Brand All the Time
Fashion marketing is more than styling. Have you ever felt pressured to change your style to fit different settings constantly? “Dress smart.” “Be casual.” “Look business appropriate.” These expectations can feel overwhelming. I used to struggle with my personal style because I thought I had to be someone different in every situation. I wasn’t being true to myself, and my wardrobe was filled with pieces that didn’t resonate with who I really was.
Now, I’m proud to say that my style reflects who I am, both digitally and offline. I’m me, all the time, and my brand shines because of it. How did I achieve this? Thanks to “fashion marketing,” but not in the way you think.
Fashion marketing is highly connected to branding because your personal brand isn’t just for those with one. Let me explain.
Understanding Your Unique Style with Fashion Marketing and Branding
The first step to building a cohesive brand starts with truly understanding your personal style. Personal style is not just about the clothes you wear — it’s an expression of your personality, your values, and how you want the world to see you. When your style feels right, it can be incredibly empowering. But how do you discover your personal style if you feel lost or like you’re trying to fit into boxes other people have defined for you?
Start by taking a deep dive into your wardrobe. Pull out each item and ask yourself if it feels like “you.” Do you feel excited and confident wearing it? Or do you wear it simply because you feel like you should? The clothes you feel compelled to wear — for others, not yourself — are the ones that often keep you from being on-brand. Letting go of these items can be freeing and make room for pieces that speak to your authentic self.
Discovering the Essence of “You”
To discover what really speaks to you, take some time to journal about your inspirations. Write about colors, shapes, and vibes that attract you. Are you drawn to bright and bold colors? Do you love intricate patterns or prefer minimalist chic? You might find inspiration in a favorite movie, a piece of artwork, or a memory from your travels. All of these things can serve as clues to your unique style.
When you are authentic in your style, you’re more likely to be on brand all the time. Authenticity makes creating a consistent personal brand easy, as you won’t feel the need to switch up your style depending on the situation. When you’re always you, people know what to expect, and that consistency builds trust with your audience.
[I know, it’s a bit like being Marie Kondo but with a different take: does it feel like you or does it feel like someone else?]
From Dreamer to Fashionista: Taking Action
Once you’ve got a grasp on what truly feels like “you,” it’s time to take action. This is where transformation begins. Start implementing the four essential styling tips that will help bring your wardrobe and your brand to life:
1. Capsule Wardrobe
A capsule wardrobe is a collection of versatile pieces you love that mix and match well. The idea here is quality over quantity. Focusing on fewer items that truly align with your style makes it easier to get dressed in the morning and stay on brand every day. A capsule wardrobe removes the decision fatigue that comes with trying to figure out what to wear, leaving only items that represent your best self.
For example, my capsule wardrobe has many dungarees and tee dresses. I can take these “easy” pieces all year around! (I don’t need to think too much about those).
2. Mix and Match
One of the key benefits of a capsule wardrobe is its versatility. Learn to mix and match your clothing to create new looks while staying true to your core style. This approach allows you to keep things fresh without straying from your brand. It’s a powerful way to maximize the pieces you love and use your creativity to craft outfits that feel exciting and expressive.
Think about the colors that define you. Ask yourself: do the pieces in my capsule wardrobe have my color palette? (I know it sounds weird, but, for example my wardrobe and my website have the same color palette!)
3. Statement Accessories
Accessories can completely transform an outfit. A well-chosen statement piece can take a simple look to the next level, making it memorable and uniquely you. Think bold earrings, a colorful scarf, or a distinctive bag. These statement pieces serve as extensions of your personality, bringing attention to the details that make your look stand out.
4. Layering Techniques
Layering is an excellent way to add depth and interest to your outfits. Using different textures and layers, you can create complex and interesting looks while staying cohesive. Layering also allows you to adapt your style to different settings and temperatures while staying true to your brand.
5. Love Your Wardrobe
The final part of taking action is learning to love your wardrobe. Once you’ve curated items that represent who you are, it’s important to cultivate an appreciation for what you own. Loving your wardrobe makes the whole process of getting dressed enjoyable rather than stressful. It’s the key to consistently showing up as the best version of yourself.
Merging Fashion with Your Online Business
After defining your personal style, it’s time to use it to enhance your brand. When fashion merges seamlessly with your business, your online presence becomes an authentic extension of who you are. This alignment makes your brand more relatable, trustworthy, and memorable. Here are six branding strategies to help you make this happen:
1. Consistent Visual Identity
Your personal style should be reflected in your online brand’s visual identity. This means incorporating your color palette, patterns, and style into the design of your website, social media profiles, and promotional materials. Consistency in your visual identity creates recognition and helps people remember you. (Need some inspo? Look at the pictures I share in this website. You’ll get super fast what I mean).
2. Social Media Presence
Use your fashion style as part of your social media presence. Share pictures of your outfits, highlight the items that reflect your brand, and provide value to your audience by giving them insight into your personal style journey. This creates a deeper connection and helps potential clients feel like they know you.
3. Brand Storytelling
Fashion is part of your story. Use it to tell the world who you are. Share why you wear certain items, what they mean to you, and how they align with your values. Brand storytelling is an essential component of building an emotional connection with your audience, and your fashion choices are a powerful tool in making that connection.
The Transformation: From Dreamer to Fashionista
The journey from being a fashion dreamer to becoming a fashionista is about embracing who you are and letting that authenticity shine through every day. Stop feeling like you need to change your style to fit in, and instead embrace a style that lets you stand out and be unapologetically you. Your personal brand isn’t just about your online presence; it’s about being true to yourself in every aspect of your life.
Whether you’re on a Zoom call, taking a walk, or meeting new clients, your style should always reflect who you are. That consistency will help people remember you, build trust in your brand, and create deeper connections with your audience. For example, one key element that defines my style and my brand is my hair color. So, yes, your style goes beyond just your clothes!
Need More Inspiration?
If you’re ready to take the next step and fully embrace your unique style, my course, Fashion Dreamer to Fashionista: Craft Your Personal Style and Bold Branding, will help you have consistent branding wherever you go. Subscribe as a Founder to access this course (and all the others) here (Starting in January 2025).
