In a challenging job market, one truth remains constant: people often land opportunities not just because of what they know, but also because of who they know. Networking and building genuine connections matter more than ever.
Here is one of the things most people overlook: your style can be the conversation starter that makes a connection possible. If you’re an introvert, this is even more important for you.
Think about it:
- A compliment on your watch.
- A question about your glasses.
- A smile after someone notices your scarf or shoes.
These examples may sound like surface-level interactions, but in reality, they are an opening. If you have ever been in a large room, felt overwhelmed, and then someone walked up and gave you a compliment, you know a shift happens. The breath you were holding is let out, a smile comes across your face, someone says ‘thank you,’ and the ice is broken. These openings are moments that you can use to turn strangers into connections, colleagues into collaborators, and peers into potential clients.
Why Small Style Details Matter
Every day, you can choose to stand out or blend in. Your clothes are speaking for you, and when you wear something that sparks interest, it makes you memorable.
I’ve seen it firsthand:
- This week, two people commented on my ring.
- Last week, it was my glasses.
- The week before, it was a compliment on a scarf.
You may think these are insignificant details in a wardrobe, but I wear them regularly, and when I consistently show up, they spark conversation. And those conversations can lead to deeper connections.
How to Shift From Blending In to Standing Out
Here are a few simple ways to add personality and memorability to your look:
- Introduce a new color. Even a subtle shade can spark a compliment.
- Try a unique accessory. Pocket squares, belts, scarves, or jewelry are easy conversation starters.
- Update your shoes or boots. Footwear is often one of the first things people notice.
- Make it personal. One client always wears something orange; another colleague sports socks with his grandson’s face on them. Both are conversation starters and memorable.
From Compliments to Confidence
You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe to stand out. Just one intentional choice can shift how people see you, remember you, and it may even change how you see yourself. Over time, the everyday choices you make create habits that build consistency, confidence, presence, and connection.
So, ask yourself: What’s one small shift you can make this week to go from blending in to standing out?
Because sometimes, a compliment is more than a compliment, it’s the start of a conversation and connection that can change everything. Need guidance or help to get started? Check out my book, The Style Advantage: I Say What HR Can’t, or book a Style Inspo Session.