Keys to Creating A Signature Look

     Keys to Creating A Signature Look

When companies think about their own branding strategy, a critical component is their Unique Value Proposition (UVP). This concept is equally important when thinking about the brand image you present to others by your appearance—your personal brand. What differentiates you from others? Do you have a trademark? Something that uniquely and unequivocally defines you?

Here are some ideas from Élan Image Management to develop a signature look that can enhance your “presence”: • Do you have something distinctive about your appearance? In my case, it’s my 6 foot frame. It could be a winning smile like Tom Cruise’s. Or the show stopping lips that Scarlett Johansson and Angelina Jolie have made famous. Or eyes that sparkle like jewels (Elizabeth Taylor). Or famous legs like Tina Turner who at age 65+ can still ‘work it’.

• Develop a trademark fashion accessory. One of my clients uses scarves in a variety of colors, patterns and shapes and wears them with all her suits. This is her signature look. Celebrities that have famous trademarks include Jacqueline Kennedy with her pillbox hats, Sarah Palin’s glasses, or Beyonce’s ‘big’ bling.

• Refine your personal style. There are many ‘classes’ of personal style but the key is making your style your own, whether you tend to gravitate more to clean simple monochromatic silhouettes or you are creative and edgy and mix and match clothing and accessories in new and surprising ways. Meryl Streep’s character in “The Devil Wears Prada” always was adorned with a white Hermes scarf, whether as part of her outfit or an accessory. Barbara Bush was always seen with her strand of pearls. And our new First lady, Michelle Obama loves sheath style dresses in a saturated color.

• Your poise. Are you graceful? Commanding? Statuesque? Approachable? Research has proven that a person’s height is a competitive advantage, in the business world or in life in general. This is especially true for men. Taller men have an easier time getting hired, promoted, being offered leadership roles and attracting women. So what is a height challenged person to do? Develop your poise—walk ‘as if’ you are 6 feet tall. It can make a world of difference on how others perceive you. And never underestimate the power of being a friendly and personable person—being perceived as “approachable” is important for personal and professional success. • Is there something unconventional about you? A different accent? Unusual facial features? Cindy Crawford’s mole sets her apart from other models. Barbara Streisand has made her profile famous with her distinctive nose and Mary J. Blige has made the scar under her left eye her trademark feature. Both women have transformed a negative facial feature into their trademark. What about an unconventional hairdo (think Hale Berry with her short pixie BEFORE it was en vogue)?

Whatever your ‘trademark’ or signature look, it is one thing that differentiates you from everyone else and it can be used as an asset to enhance your “professional presence” because you stand out from the crowd. But first you need to be aware of it, acknowledge it and embrace it before you can maximize its benefits.