The other day, I was holding my Starbucks coffee cup and noticed something small but powerful: the digitized tag placed over the original printed squares for “decaf, regular, syrup.”
Starbucks hasn’t changed the cup itself much; however, they have evolved and refined how it communicates to provide the best service. They outgrew their original system and upgraded to one that reflects who they are now.
It really got me thinking, why don’t people do the same with their wardrobes?
Are You Outgrowing Your Wardrobe?
We all grow, evolve, and strive for promotions. We push ourselves to be better leaders, teammates, and individuals. Yet too often, I hear from people that they have clothes hanging in their closets from two, five, or ten years ago. Sometimes longer. Sound familiar? Your clothes and closets remain stuck in the past, even though you have grown. The clothes you’re holding onto likely don’t fit or represent who you are now, while you’re hoping they’ll “work again someday they are also holding you back.” After working with clients for years, I have found that those old clothes are not serving you. They’re pulling you backward and keeping you stuck.
Style That Moves You Forward
Imagine putting your energy into pieces that refresh you, make you smile, and help you show up confidently. Clothes that fit your body today. Outfits that reflect your growth and position you as the expert in the room. Style that lights you up every morning when you get dressed.
Your wardrobe isn’t just a combination of a top or a pair of pants; it’s a form of communication.
You have seven seconds. That’s it. Seven seconds to make a first impression. That’s how long it takes for someone to decide if they want to know, like, and trust you. The clothes you wear speak for you before you even say a word.
Just like Starbucks made a choice to modernize its cups, you can make a choice to align your style with your growth. Align you style with who you are now and where you want to go.
The ROI of Updating Your Style
When your wardrobe evolves with you, it:
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Boosts confidence so you feel unstoppable
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Signals credibility to peers, leaders, and clients
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Supports growth by positioning you for promotions, new opportunities, and stronger first impressions
Your clothes should reflect the new you – who you are today and the expert or leader you’re becoming – not the old version of you stuck in the back of the closet.
What’s Your “Better”?
Starbucks decided that better meant digitized labels. What’s your “better” when it comes to your wardrobe?
It’s time to stop pouring energy into clothes that don’t fit and start investing in a style that takes you forward. You are worth it.
👉 Ready to refresh your wardrobe so it reflects the growth you’ve worked hard for? Let’s connect. Schedule a Style Inspo Session or grab a copy of my new book, The Style Advantage: I Say What HR Can’t.