If outfit crises were a sport, I’d be an Olympic gold medalist. Let’s be real: we’ve all had that moment, staring at our closet, wondering why we have nothing to wear. But for me, it is BAD. It’s a chronic condition I’ve dubbed the “outfit crisis.”
I call it an “outfit crisis,” but it really boils down to an identity crisis manifesting in clothes.
I will send pictures of the options, polling friends on which ‘fit to choose, only to show up wearing something completely different. Why? Because I overthink everything. And after much reflection (and a few too many closet meltdowns), I’ve figured it out.
It all comes back to branding.
It’s all about the branding, baby!
As the face of my agency, BizCo Studio, my clothing choices are intertwined with my personal and professional brand. We offer both a product and a service, which means I’m constantly balancing between representing the agency and expressing my unique style. When it comes to dressing for networking events or photoshoots, I want to embody the essence of BizCo—often even going so far as to wear our brand colors or paint my nails accordingly.
But here’s the catch: if my outfit isn’t perfect, I feel like I’m not reppin’ the brand right! This pressure can lead to chaos, with me rifling through my closet for that long-lost belt from eighth grade (that I swear I didn’t donate!), all while battling the confusion of wanting to mix in new trends. When brand guidelines slip away in favor of the latest trends, it creates a cycle of brand confusion.
Without clear guidelines, you risk entering a state of constant uncertainty, which only adds to the laundry pile and the outfit–ahem, brand crisis.
Here’s where it gets interesting. Brand consistency is crucial for building recognition. When you show up consistently, you help people remember you and your brand. Being on trend is crucial fro increasing visibility and boosting engagement. So, how do you maintain this balance?
Meet your new BFF, Brand Guidelines!
- Refine Your Brand Palette: Keep the core elements, like your colors, font, and ethos, steady, but allow yourself to express your individuality within those parameters. Remember that it’s okay to mix spontaneity with brand consistency.
- Stay True to Your Brand’s Ethos: Every piece of content should reflect your brand’s values. Before you jump on a trend, ask yourself if it aligns with your brand identity.
- Embrace Authenticity: The most compelling brand narratives are those that are lived authentically. While consistency is key, don’t shy away from showcasing the quirks and unique traits that make your brand undeniably you.
From Crisis to Consistency
Want to dive in and start dismantling the laundry pile of branding? Check out our Brand Core Playbook — a resource to clarify how to establish those essential brand elements, enabling you to maintain both consistency and your unique flair, all without the crisis. Complete with templates and exercises aimed at helping you refine every aspect of your brand, the Brand Core Playbook is an essential tool to guide you through the process of building a consistent, cohesive brand identity.
It’s time to transform your outfit crisis into brand brilliance. Right this way →
