I recently listened to the Good Morning HR Podcast with Mike Coffey, and his guest, Michele Haugh, shared that “employee engagement is a predictor of how well both individuals and organizations perform.” I couldn’t help but think, she’s absolutely right.
What I have found over the years is that engagement starts in your closet. Specifically, when you show up to work in what feels authentic and gives you confidence. When you feel frumpy instead of fantastic, you are less likely to engage, collaborate, or share your ideas. Engagement doesn’t begin with a meeting, a training, or a new HR initiative. It begins in your closet.
Fantastic or Frumpy?
Every morning, as you stand in your closet, ask yourself one simple question: How do you want to feel today?
Fantastic or frumpy?
Confident or uncertain?
Prepared or unpolished?
If you are late and running out the door, or if your closet is over-stuffed with clothes that don’t fit or feel like you, it may be challenging, even frustrating, to put together an outfit that makes you feel fantastic, confident, and polished. Every day, you have a choice to present your best self, and what you wear can set the tone for your mindset, productivity, and presence.
When you put on something that makes you feel powerful and aligned, your body language changes. You walk taller. You speak with more clarity. And others notice. That’s the power of intentional dressing. It doesn’t just change how you look—it changes how you lead.
Leadership and Modeling
Whether you are a leader or not, when you show up consistently and with confidence, you will stand out and set a tone for yourself and those around you. Consistency and predictability reduce ambiguity. When you have clarity, trust ensues.
The way you show up signals whether you’re ready to lead with purpose or are going through the motions.
For Individuals: Show Up for Yourself
A few weeks back, I shared a story of a colleague mentoring his team members. One was showing up every day, ready to learn more and grow. He was engaged; another was meeting the bare minimum every day. You decide every day when you get dressed, whether you’re ready to grow or stay in the status quo. You show up to work in your power outfit, in something leveled up, or you feel frumpy.
You can’t expect growth if you’re not showing up for yourself first.
Ask yourself:
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Do my clothes represent the level of success I want to be known for?
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When I look in the mirror, do I see someone confident and capable or someone waiting to feel that way “someday”?
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What would it look like to level up, one outfit at a time?
That’s where the 3+3+3+1 capsule wardrobe comes in.
Start simple: 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 3 layers, and one bold power piece.
When every item works together and makes you feel confident, you remove the friction that causes decision fatigue and self-doubt. You can see samples by clicking here.
Your Power Outfit Challenge
This week, I challenge you to wear your power outfit or one piece of it. Choose an item that makes you feel like the most confident version of yourself. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s progress.
You may add a favorite blazer or sports coat to your jeans and top.
Maybe it’s wearing the shoes or jewels that remind you of your last big win.
No matter what you choose, it’s a step on the road to who you want to become.
Everyone benefits when people level up in how they show up because they feel more confident.
The ROI of Showing Up
Last week, I shared the ROI of showing up. When you show up intentionally, the return is real: confidence, collaboration, trust, connection, and growth. Your clothes can either hold you back or propel you forward.
So tomorrow morning, before you head to that meeting, ask yourself:
Do I feel fantastic or frumpy?
Because engagement starts with how you show up, and how you show up starts with what’s in your closet.
If you are looking for support to level up your wardrobe and your leadership presence, reach out via email or book a complimentary Style Inspo Session.
Whether you’re an individual building a closet full of clothes that give you confidence or you’re a leader who wants your team to reflect the company brand, we can work together to create clarity and confidence, one outfit at a time.