style tips Archives - Signature Five - A Personal Styling Service, Zurich

Apr 26 2023

The Secret to Career Success: How an Influential Personal Brand Can Propel You to New Heights

By Monika Mueller | Uncategorised

I want to talk to you about something that’s near and dear to my heart when it comes to business, and that is personal branding.

In this fast-paced, digital world we live in, it’s more important than ever to establish a unique, recognisable brand for yourself.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur or climbing the corporate ladder, you need to think about creating an influential personal brand if you want to grow your business or career.

So often there’s so much noise about messaging, being consistent, what to say, what not to say, how your brand should look! But in actual fact, the first and most important thing when it comes to personal branding, is YOU, and making sure you come across authentically and are consistent.

The first thing people see is YOU, even before they’ve heard you speak or read your LinkedIn profile or website.

This is why I believe your personal style is the key to building a strong personal brand that helps you to build trust with your potential clients, customers, and employers.

You need a style strategy

Creating an influential personal brand isn’t something you can do overnight. It’s a long-term strategy that requires time, effort, and a deep understanding of who you are and what you want to accomplish. That’s why it’s so important to start thinking about your personal style early on in your career and investing in your future self from the get-go.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it a million times again – the way you present yourself to the world matters! It’s important to think about how your clothing, grooming, and overall appearance reflect your brand.

That doesn’t mean you have to wear a suit or have a ‘corporate’ image, not at all. In fact, I’m all about expressing your unique style and personality because that’s what will help you stand out from the noisy crowd.

However, you need to make sure that your style aligns with your brand, the message you want to convey, and the solution/transformation you’re offering your prospective clients. For example, if you’re a burnout consultant, you need to make sure you don’t look stressed, disorganised or all over the place. You need to make sure your appearance is calm and confident.

When you align your personal style with your brand, you create a cohesive and memorable image that people will associate with you and your business or career.

So, how can you use your personal style to create an influential brand?

Here are some steps to get you started:

Step 1: Get clear on your brand and your identity

Before you can align your personal style with your brand, you need to know what your brand is.

Start by identifying your values and goals. What do you want to be known for? Who do you want to attract? Once you have a clear understanding of your brand, you can start thinking about how your personal style can support it.

Step 2: Define your style

Your personal style should be a reflection of your brand, while also being true to who you are. Think of it as an extension of your personality that helps you feel confident and empowered.

Take some time to define your style – what types of clothing do you feel most comfortable in? What colours, patterns, and fabrics do you gravitate towards? What styles do you admire in others?

Step 3: Create a signature look

One way to make your personal style more memorable is to create a signature look. This could be a specific colour, pattern, or accessory that people identify you with.

Most often with my clients l like to build outfit formulas and incorporate them with colour, print and accessories.

By incorporating a consistent element into your personal style, you create a recognisable image that people will associate with you and your brand.

Step 4: Pay attention to details

When it comes to personal style, details matter.

Make sure your clothing fits well, your grooming is on point, and your overall appearance is polished and put together.

Pay attention to the little things – like your accessories, shoes, and hairstyle – and make sure they support your brand and personal style.

Step 5: Be authentic

And finally, remember that your personal style should be authentic to who you are. Don’t try to force a style that doesn’t feel true to you.

People can sense when someone is being inauthentic, and it can damage your brand. Instead, embrace your individuality and use your personal style to showcase your unique personality and values.

I hope that by outlining these steps for you, you can see how an influential personal brand and personal style go hand in hand. By aligning the two, you create an authentically powerful and memorable image that can help you stand out in your field.

If you want to see how impactful your personal brand is, click here to take this quiz and find out how you can be more influential.

Mar 03 2023

Power Casual Style: The new way of dressing for high-achieving women

By Monika Mueller | Summer

The way we dress has changed considerably over the past couple of years, and with so many of us working from home, comfort became our priority, while fashion took a back seat.

But now that some of us are returning back to the office (or at the very least leaving the house for work more often), it’s time to start thinking about our wardrobes again.

The question on every woman’s lips though is, “What should I wear?”

Well, there’s a new style that’s emerged for high achieving women called ‘Power Casual’.

And I’m here to share everything you need to know about nailing this smart-yet-relaxed look.

What do I mean by ‘Power Casual’?

It’s all about balancing elements of professional style with comfort and elegance, as you slip into something empowering for this new era of working.

Getting the balance right is really important because remember, even if you’re working from home, you still need to show your professionalism.

Power Casual dressing is the perfect way to bring your work wardrobe up to date in 2023. A lot of us are working between home, co-working spaces, and offices. And Power Casual gives you the freedom to dress for every environment.

Think smart-casual, with quality fabrics and versatile silhouettes that take you from video meetings, to client lunches, to school runs, without having to think what to wear.

With this look it’s easy to mix and match different elements of your wardrobe, and combine fabrics and colours to achieve a modern yet sophisticated look that sets you up for success!

And a great advantage is that you don’t need to get a whole new wardrobe, you can basically shop the wardrobe you already have!!!

With a little bit of experimenting and know-how you can create great combinations that are not only comfortable and versatile, but also make you look like the expert that you are.

It also allows your colleagues or employees to connect better with you by showing more of your personality.

But, one thing to remember, your overall look still needs to be smart and well groomed.

So, how do you create a Power Casual look?

I always tell women who work with me that the first step should be to make sure your style reflects who YOU are and what YOUR values and lifestyle is. It’s all about making it feel like an expression of yourself!

To dress powerfully but casually, you need to review your wardrobe in two sections:

Smart pieces – which are typically more structured or tailored and made for business-related events.

Casual pieces – think comfy t-shirts, jeans, and basic blouses…the pieces that are cosy and easy!

Now it’s about mixing your smart pieces with your casual pieces.

For example, wearing wide leg stretch jersey pants with a smart blouse, a smart blazer with leggings, or your smart dress with a cardigan rather than a blazer, or swapping your heels for loafers.

Here are some examples to get your inspiration flowing:

Signature Five - Power Casual Style - Looks

How do you make this work?

Be mindful of the items you’re putting together, and make sure there’s a link between them. For example, if you’re wearing a smart printed shirt and want to pair it with a pair of casual trousers, make sure one of the colours in the print sits back with the trousers.

Another thing to bear in mind are proportions.

At every step of the way, always keep in mind that you’re looking to create the right impression and be seen as an expert, and wearing loose fitted clothes may not lean so well towards this.

Remember, your clothes send subliminal messages, so you want to come across as someone who is authentic, approachable and at the same time competent and credible.

My advice; if you’re wearing a loose top make sure your pants are more tailored, and vice versa.

Accessories can also help in elevating a casual outfit. A statement necklace or a belt adds interest and pulls your outfit together.

And if you want to stand out with your Power Casual outfit, why not mix some colour in there. Colour is a great way to take a casual outfit and elevate it to something more standout and memorable.

Now, go and have some fun and experiment with your wardrobe to see what Power Casual outfits you can create!

And if you’re ready to reset your style, why not come and join my 5-day ‘Reset & Restyle Challenge’. If you want to up-level your overall and work-from-home style, create a strong personal brand, and make a lasting impression wherever you go, this challenge is going to be perfect for you.

Nov 28 2022

How to Stay Warm & Stylish This Winter

By Monika Mueller | Style Tips, Uncategorised

You’d have to be living under a rock not to know that energy prices have skyrocketed, and people are tightening their belts (metaphorically speaking) this winter.

As many corporations look to cut back on their energy consumption, one method being adopted is dropping the thermostat!

I even heard of one company that’s shutting all energy systems down over the weekends. As you can imagine, come Monday their office is freezing. So to help combat this, they’ve given jackets to employees to keep them warm.

Yep, these are crazy times we’re living in!

If you work from home, maybe you’re also needing to look at ways you can reduce energy, and have turned down the temperature dial slightly too.

We’ve also adjusted a few things at home like the fridge temperature, and we’re constantly telling the kids to switch the lights off when they’re not in a room, as you can imagine, this is taking a little longer to implement. 😆

Layering with style

Of course, something else we can do to help us stay warm is by putting on layers.

However this can end up looking bulky. So how do you stay warm, avoid looking like a Michelin man and try to be stylish at the same time?!

Here are a few of my recommendations on keeping warm either in the office or at home, and still be on point with your personal brand.

TIP ONE: Thermal wear tops and bodysuits

If you tend to wear silk shirts or white blouses, then choose thermal wear in a nude colour. And if the thermal wear finishes higher than the top of your blouse opening, hide it by trimming it into a U shape. You can do this with thermal tops from Uniqlo and it won’t fray.

Bodysuits are also a great base layer and come in long and short sleeves. The gusset fastening is super helpful for ensuring that everything stays tucked in and smooth so you won’t get any cold drafts down your back!

TIP TWO: Multiple thin layers

Often when it’s cold, we’ll instinctively reach for big chunky knit jumpers. The drawback with these is that they can make you look bulky, and it’s pretty much impossible to put another layer on top of them.

Instead, think of some stylish ways to wear thin layers, such as a finely knit roll neck underneath your shirt or dress. Or a cashmere sweater underneath a blazer. Layering in this way will keep you warm and it can look super chic.

TIP THREE: Shawl blankets / Gilets / Ponchos

There’s something very comforting and cosy about wearing an item that you can wrap around yourself.

Think big ponchos for an easy to wear warm item that you can throw over your outfit, and still look really stylish when you’re in the office or attending a meeting via Zoom.

Gilets worn on top of sweaters or even underneath coats is another great way to keep the cold out.

My favourite Gilets are again from Uniqlo, and I also like Lululemon as well.

To help you out, here’s a few that I love…

Click on image to get directed to the item link.

Boss Padded Vest PAKILTA

Lululemon Pack It Down Vest

Lauren Manoogian Fold Asymmetric Alpaca-Blend Poncho

Loro Piana Karlsen Cashmere Cape

TIP FOUR: Scarves

Never underestimate the humble scarf – it really can make such a difference as a layering piece.

Scarves come in all shapes and sizes, colours, fabrics and textures and can be worn in multiple ways. They can instantly add a splash of colour to your look, and a statement scarf will give your outfit some extra dimension.

There are so many ways you can wear scarves, and this great YouTube video will definitely get your creativity flowing.

For a stylish cosy option, I particularly love this luxurious camel hair and silk blend scarf from Max-Mara.

TIP FIVE: Keep your toes warm

When you’re out and about in the office, opt for mid-calf boots if you can.

If you struggle with sizing and feel your calves are too big, look for styles with extra elastane across the length of the boot, or that tie up rather than zip. To avoid calves looking big, opt for boots in black and with details at the top.

Another way to keep your feet warm is to wear thermal hosiery or thermal socks. These types of garments have come a long way, and you can now pick up some really fun socks and tights.

Here’s a couple of examples for you…

Inexpensive choice

Calzedonia Tights and Stockings

My favourite and slightly more expensive brands

Falke Warm Deluxe 80 DEN Women’s Tights

Wolford Thermo Tights

So, there you have it! I hope these five tips will help you to stay snug, warm and still feeling stylish and on brand this winter.

And if you’re ready to own your style like a boss, but are currently lacking in confidence or want clarity about what your personal style looks like, my upcoming FREE 3-day workshop is exactly what you need. CLICK HERE for all the details and to secure your spot – these workshops are a lot of fun and fill up fast, so don’t hang about.

Nov 11 2022

5 Tips for Creating an Influential Style

By Monika Mueller | Style Tips

We all know that first impressions count. But what you may not know is that your personal style can have a huge impact on your career.

According to Esquire magazine, taking care of your appearance can help you earn up to 20% more than your peers. Now that’s a significant difference!

Just imagine what that will equate to in 3-, 5-, or 10-years’ time! It’s astonishing and all from simply changing your style.

So, given the magnitude of this, let’s look at why you should be thinking about your personal style and presence, and some tips on how you can dress to be more influential in certain circumstances.

Why should you care about what you wear?

I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but it only takes 7-seconds for someone to form an opinion of you…clearly that’s no time at all!

It stands to reason then, that if you’re a highly ambitious woman, your style will be one of the easiest and quickest ways to influence others and give you a head start on building that all important know, like, and trust factor.

Now, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief because thankfully, nowadays, it isn’t about power dressing (a la the 90s). According to Forbes, it’s about dressing authentically and standing out.

There have been experimental studies which show that these days, being suited and booted doesn’t necessarily give the illusion of leadership. What actually came out of these studies was that people who aligned their attire to their personality were seen as leaders.

Let’s take for example a couple of famous leaders like Christine Lagarde and Anna Wintour. These women are power houses in their industries, but if you notice, they also take care of their appearance and are consistent with their style.

If I haven’t convinced you yet that your style has the power to impact and influence others, then think about how you feel when you wear certain clothes.

When you’re wearing something you like, you automatically exude confidence and are more likely to show competence and gravitas. This in turn will make your audience pay more attention to you.

I recently had a client who was always wearing black. She knew that to be influential and recognised in her industry she needed to do something about her outer appearance. So, we worked on putting a more professional and polished look together by adding more colour into her wardrobe. Recently she told me she was at a speaking event, and someone had approached her thinking she was one of the main speakers. By simply changing the way she dressed she impacted the way others perceive her.

The way you dress, carry yourself, and present yourself to the world sends a strong message about who you are and your personal brand. And in today’s business world, where first impressions are everything, it’s more important than ever to make sure your style is working for you and you’re expressing yourself in the best light, especially at work.

Let’s get influential

So, if you’re ready to show up and be more influential in any situation, here are my top five style tips…

TIP ONE: Stand out on Zoom

In today’s remote work environment, video conferencing has become the new norm. And while it’s great to be able to connect with colleagues and clients from anywhere in the world, it can be challenging to make a lasting impression when you’re just a small face on a screen.

One way to ensure that you’re being seen and heard is to pay attention to your wardrobe. Avoid wearing bland colours or what everyone else is wearing. Instead wear colours that suit you and make you radiate from the screen. Often black is quite a harsh colour to wear on camera, so try to avoid it.

TIP TWO: Appear as the expert in your industry

In any workplace, it’s important to dress for success, and if you’re in a management position, it’s especially important to look the part.

When wearing casual clothes has become the norm, make sure your style is more elevated and conveys confidence and authority. Invest in quality pieces that make you stand out and that your employees won’t necessarily be wearing.

TIP THREE: Be memorable…

In a good way! First impressions are everything, so take care to make sure yours is a good one!

Pay attention to your grooming habits and make sure you’re well-put together before meeting someone new. And choose clothing that flatters your figure and makes you feel comfortable and confident.

TIP FOUR: Know your audience

It’s important to dress appropriately for the situation at hand if you’re meeting with potential clients or customers, err, on the side of formality. But if you’re among friends or family, that’s the time to feel relaxed and be yourself!

Understanding who you’re meeting with and what their expectations are will help you choose the right style for the occasion and ensure that you show up looking your best.

TIP FIVE: Be Authentic

What you wear is an extension of you. It should strengthen and support you, at the same time, expressing your true self. Whether it’s a pantsuit, or a colourful dress, it should make you walk into your working day feeling poised and ready to take on anything that comes your way.

When you take care of your appearance, you’re sending a message that you are competent and credible for the job. This makes it a lot easier to influence and create an impact in your industry.

So, as you can see your personal style really can help you own the room and leave the right kind of lasting impression, so think carefully about your clothes and the statement you want to make.

I hope this has been an interesting and helpful read. And if you’d like to know more about up-levelling your personal style and creating a strong personal brand that differentiates you from the competition, CLICK HERE to download my free guide.

Apr 28 2021

Finding Your Dressing Up Mojo

By Monika Mueller | Style Tips

Last weekend I was in town shopping for a client who was going to be on CNN news and urgently needed something to wear.

The weather was gorgeous, and as restaurants with terraces were open again, town was buzzing. It felt so good and just like any normal day with no sign of a pandemic.

What was also really special was seeing people dressed up again. Everywhere I looked there were women in beautiful dresses and heels, and some wore more casual outfits but still looked like they’d made a real effort. There was hardly a jogging bottom or lounge pant in sight – it was balm for my stylist soul!

It was such a wonderful sight and made me really happy, which inspired me to write this blog.

I’ve always found the connection between getting dressed up and happiness really fascinating. I know being a stylist might make me a little biased, but I honestly believe, as Geraldine Wharry said in a BBC News fashion article, that “Dressing up is a way of reclaiming happiness regardless of outside factors”.

And let’s be honest, after everything we’ve been through this last year, I think we all deserve a big dose of happiness in our lives!

Bye bye joggers!

No matter how popular or luxurious humble tracksuits and loungewear sets became in 2020, the fact is that these items of clothing will always be synonymous with a relaxed, comfortable vibe.

In 2020 they fit the bill perfectly for our stay at home lifestyle. But now that we’re finally starting to break free and get out into life again, it’s time to refocus on our style and start wearing slightly dressier and more put together outfits again.

Finding your dressing up mojo

One of the things I’ve been noticing a lot over the last month, is just how uncertain so many women are feeling about their style right now. For some the uncertainty is because they’re out of touch and out of practice with putting together a great look. While for others there’s a desire to step out into this ‘new normal’ rocking a whole new vibe, but they just don’t know where to start or what will suit them.

I totally resonate with the fact that gaining an understanding of your personal style can feel quite daunting. Sometimes it’s easier to just stick with what you know and refresh a few bits in your wardrobe, even though deep down you want something more for yourself.

When you feel like you don’t know what you’re doing, it can be hard to motivate yourself. So here are a few tips that will help you get your style mojo fired up again…

How do you want to turn up – in my last blog I talked about the connection between your style and identity. Our clothes are such a powerful tool for helping us to express ourselves and embody certain roles and mindsets. So, as you’re getting ready every morning and are thinking about where you’re going and what you’re doing, also consider how you want to turn up and be seen by others.
What’s already in your wardrobe – during 2020 most of us have worked from home, and for many of us we’ve been existing in some kind of weird fashion groundhog day, wearing the same few items of clothing on constant rotation. To rev up your motivation for dressing up again, it’s time to explore the deeper depths of your wardrobe and reconnect with all those long-forgotten items that you love.
Get inspired – if you’re uncertain of your style, why not draw inspiration from other women. I often look at celebrities, magazines, Instagram and Pinterest for my inspiration. There’s no shame in falling in love with someone else’s style and then emulating that. Over time you’ll grow in confidence and start adding your own special twists to outfits that make them uniquely you. One of the things I do with all of my clients is create a Style Board with them on Pinterest. They’re a lot of fun to make and are a brilliant tool for getting our creative styling juices flowing again.
Come and join my workshop – honestly you’d be crazy not to! You see the easiest and ultimate way to motivate and inspire yourself is to work with a professional like me. I have a wealth of knowledge and a whole lot of tools that make finding your personal style effortless. My live and interactive workshops are amazing for helping you get clarity and create a style board, so you know exactly what styles light you up on the inside, and will fit perfectly with your current lifestyle.

As Spring continues to blossom and we slowly emerge from our own bricks and mortar cocoons, let’s get excited again about dressing up!

Are you ready to make 2021 the year you claim your unique style? Come and join me for my 2-hour ‘How to Create Your Personal Style’ workshop. I’m gifting you (yes that means it’s free!) this opportunity to completely revolutionise your style – click here and join us on Saturday 1st or Sunday 2nd May. Let’s make style magic happen!