Creating a strong personal brand begins with a distinctive style. Your outfit and overall appearance speak volumes about you. So is your style conveying the right message?

I'm a firm believer that your image, reputation, and vibe show up long before you do. Regardless of your industry, if you want to climb the professional ladder, start a business, or attract new clients, it's crucial to make a lasting first impression. And recent studies show that you have a mere 7 seconds to do so!

This is where personal branding comes in. Many people still associate personal branding with celebrities or influencers, but the truth is that anyone with a social media presence or website has a personal brand. In fact, building a personal brand has become increasingly popular among employees over the past few years, and for good reason. To me, it means staying current in your field, becoming more adaptable, and being recognized for your unique skills and personality. A strong personal brand can also increase your visibility, access to opportunities, and overall growth. It's a win-win for both you and your organization.

Multiple studies have shown that your personal style can affect your performance and negotiation skills at work. For example, a study by the Kellogg School of Management found that wearing formal business attire can increase feelings of power and authority.

So, whether you're dressing for a job interview, a big presentation, or just a regular day at the office, it's important to consider the message your clothes are sending. Are you trying to impress? Are you seeking to feel confident and powerful? Whatever your goal may be, it's important to take control of the narrative by intentionally crafting a style that supports you every step of the way.

Now, we know you're not just here for the pep talk, so let's get down to business. Here are three tips for building a strong personal brand through your style:

1. Choose your own version of the power suit.

My first job interview went utterly wrong because I thought I was required to show up in the same look my female colleagues were wearing at that time, namely floral dresses and pastels — but this just wasn’t me. And can you guess what happened? During the whole interview, I felt completely uncomfortable and out of place in my pastel shift dress and ultimately I didn’t get the job.

So, forget traditional suits and pencil skirts. It's time to create your own version of the power suit. Whether it's a bold color, a statement dress, or killer heels, choose something that makes you feel confident and powerful. Don't be afraid to show off your unique style and personality. The goal is to stand out in a positive way and show the world what you're made of.

Take a cue from the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who was known for her iconic collars and necklaces that added a touch of personal flair to her judicial robes. By consistently incorporating these collars into her outfits, she stayed true to her personal style and created a distinct image that became synonymous with her public persona. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through by finding your signature pieces, whether a bold accessory or a unique clothing style.

2. Be consistent.

Once you've found your power suit, it's time to be consistent. This doesn't mean wearing the same outfit every day (unless that's your thing!), but rather, finding a signature style that people will associate with you. Choose a few key pieces that you can mix and match to create different looks. This will help you create a consistent image that people will come to recognize and associate with you.

Look at Steve Jobs or Karl Lagerfeld, who wore similar outfits every day. They knew the power of a consistent image, and you can too! Not only does it help in reducing decision fatigue, but it also builds strong personal brands consistently.

3. Find your vibe.

It's time to let your true self shine through. The way you dress should align with who you are and what you stand for.

You can start by asking yourself some questions like:

• What unique perspective do I bring to the table? Think about your background, culture, race, religious beliefs, and other factors that shape your identity. Consider how these aspects of your identity impact your understanding of the world and how you can translate that into your clothing choices.

• What do I stand for? What matters to me and my business? If you're unsure, ask your friends how they would describe you or take an online quiz to learn more about your values. Remember, being true to yourself is what makes you stand out in a crowd.

Take inspiration from icons like Iris Apfel, who built a personal brand around her unique style, values, and messaging. Her bold and colorful outfits perfectly capture her vivacious personality, and she wears them with the confidence and panache that comes from staying true to oneself.

So take some time to figure out what makes you tick. What styles make you feel like the badass you are? What colors light up your world? But also think about your values and vibe. What kind of impression do you want to make — do you come across as caring and warm, or commanding and refined?

And if you're feeling a little lost on your style journey, don't worry, I've got just the thing for you. Download your free Style Vision Roadmap Workbook and start getting clear on your authentic style direction today!