If Your Outfit Could Speak—What Is It Saying?
Perception shapes reality. Whether it feels fair or not, people perceive those who dress the part as more competent, trustworthy, and capable. A study featured in Inc. Magazine and initially published in Nature Human Behaviour confirmed that people wearing richer-looking clothing were consistently rated as more competent than those wearing casual or less polished outfits. Even after researchers re-ran the study and offered incentives to reduce bias, the results stayed the same.
Now, think about that in real-world terms.
Show Up at the Level You Want to Be
I recently attended a luncheon, and the speaker said something similar to what I share when I speak:
“If you are in—or want to be in—a higher-level position, you must show up at that level. You need to bring the energy, or you’ll lose out to your competitor… or no one at all.”
That’s the LeapFrog Effect in action.
Someone else with less experience can “LeapFrog” ahead of you simply because they look like the expert. And if you don’t show up as your future self—confident, put-together, and on brand—the opportunity may not just go to someone else… it may disappear entirely.
What’s Hanging in Your Closet Is Impacting Your Career
“Your success starts in your closet.” Reggie Hilliard
Like me, Reggie believes you are not the same person you were ten, five, or even two years ago. And yet so many of us hang on to clothes—and identities—that no longer serve who we’re becoming.
If you want to step into a higher role or attract bigger or simply more clients, you need to start showing up as that person today. That means clearing out what no longer fits—not just literally but energetically. Letting go can be scary; believe me, I’ve been there. Here is what I know: when you dress with intention, as the version of yourself who already landed the deal, got the promotion, or built the thriving business, it will be a game changer.
Let’s Talk Numbers: What’s the Real Cost of Playing Small?
Instead of saying or thinking, “I don’t have the money to invest in my wardrobe right now.”
Here’s the hard truth: What money are you leaving on the table by not showing up like the expert you are?
If your appearance costs you one client a month, worth $1,000 or $5,000, that’s $12,000 or $60,000 yearly. Gone. Not because you are not good at what you do but because you didn’t show up as the expert. You played small.
What would you do with an extra $12,000 or $60,000?
How would it feel to be taken seriously without having to prove yourself every time?
It’s About More Than the Clothes. It’s About Mindset.
Upgrading your wardrobe is more than a style choice—it’s a mindset shift. It’s deciding to stop waiting and start becoming. It’s giving yourself permission to look and feel like the version of yourself who already made it.
You can choose to keep playing small or decide to show up as the expert you are because the opportunities lost are too much.
Take the First Step: Align Your Wardrobe with Your Worth
Ask yourself:
- Does your wardrobe reflect where you want to be?
- Are you showing up as the leader, expert, or CEO version of yourself?
- Are the clothes in your closet holding you back?
The reality is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. It’s not about having more clothes but the right clothes. You can be intentional about the money you spend.
Let go of what’s not working. Make room for what will move you forward. And if you need support building a wardrobe that aligns with your goals, I’m here to help. You can also check out my free capsule wardrobe samples.
Let’s Upgrade Your Style—and Your Success
Ready to stop leaving money on the table and start showing up as the expert you are? Check out my book, The Style Advantage: I Say What HR Can’t. It’s filled with actionable strategies to help you elevate your image and align your wardrobe with your future.
You can also book a Style Inspo Session with me—and let’s start showing the world exactly who you are.