How Are You Showing Up Today, Alexandra? I’ve asked myself that question, “How are you showing up today?”— more than 200 times since the pandemic began. Somewhere between oversized tees, sweats, and cozy slippers, I lost touch with something I used to love deeply: getting dressed with purpose. Not just to look good, but to feel aligned. To feel like me.
And then, one day, I got a text from a former client. She was glowing and thriving again after one of our style shoots. That message hit me in the chest. It reminded me that what I do isn’t just about clothes. It’s about transformation. The right outfit can do more than flatter your body, it can recalibrate your mindset, posture, and performance.
In the early days of my career, I styled women for weddings, photo shoots, and high-stake presentations. They’d arrive quiet, tentative, hiding behind their clothes or insecurities. But by the time we wrapped, they were flipping their hair, taking selfies, and saying things like, “I can’t believe this is me!” or “Wow, I look good!”
Watching them bloom taught me something I’ll never forget: Power dressing doesn’t just change how you look; it changes how you show up in the world. So, if you’re feeling stuck in a style rut or you want your wardrobe to match the power, beauty, and intention you bring to the table, here are six ways to reclaim your presence and show up like the most empowered version of yourself:
- Define Your Intention
Ask yourself: What’s the purpose or goal today? Are you heading into a high-stakes meeting, leading a workshop, or taking some much-needed creative time? Once you know your “why,” choose two to three keywords that capture how you want to feel or be perceived. For example: Confident. Creative. Grounded. Approachable. Visionary. Clothes are a form of nonverbal communication. When they’re in sync with your energy and goals, you send a clear message before you ever say a word.
- Leverage Enclothed Cognition
There’s science behind what I do. “Enclothed cognition” is the idea that what you wear affects your psychological processes. In a 2012 study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology by researchers Adam Galinsky and Hajoy Adam, researchers found that wearing clothes associated with a specific role not only increased attention but improved tasks. This effect only occurred when the person wearing the clothes believed that the clothing was symbolically meaningful. In short? Dressing the part helps you become the part. It’s not just about what you wear, but what you believe about what you wear that matters.
So, whether it’s a structured blazer that signals leadership, a sleek dress that channels clarity, or elevated separates that say “I’m ready,” your clothing can help you shift into the mindset you need to succeed. Choose pieces that feel aligned with who you’re becoming—not just who you’ve been.
- Harness the Psychology of Color
Color is a quiet power move. It influences perception—yours and theirs. Here’s how to use it intentionally:
- Red = assertiveness, drive, bold energy
- Blue = trust, calm confidence, dependability
- Black = sophistication, authority, elegance
- Emerald, amethyst, and sapphire hues = richness, depth, and individuality
Color helps reinforce your message. Use it with care—and don’t be afraid to step outside the neutral zone.
- Prioritize Fit and Tailoring
This one’s non-negotiable. You could be wearing a $30 dress or a $300 one and if it fits well, it speaks volumes. Tailoring your clothes, even just minor adjustments like hemming pants or cinching a waist, instantly elevates your look. Well-fitted clothing communicates self-respect, attention to detail, and self-assurance. When your clothes fit you like they were made for you, you’ll carry yourself differently. And people notice.
- Add Your Signature Twist
Style is personal. It should say something about who you are. That might be a pair of heels in a vibrant, eye-catching color, a pair of statement earrings passed down from your grandmother, a structured bag in an unexpected texture, or even a bold lip color. Small, intentional details become your calling card. Let your outfit tell a story that only you could tell.
- Have a Mirror Moment
Before you step out, take 30 seconds just for you. Look in the mirror, stand tall, and speak life over yourself.
Say: “I’m prepared. I look incredible. I know my worth. I’m walking in it today.”
It’s not vanity, it’s a mindset reset. You’re not dressing up to impress the world. You’re dressing up to align with the woman you know you are. Because girl, you are that girl. And you deserve to feel good, look good, and be seen in all your authentic, magnetic glory.
Remember, dressing with intention is more than a confidence boost, it’s a strategic tool. When you align your style with your goals, your values, and your energy, you become unstoppable. You show up as you, fully expressed. And trust me, the world is better when you do.
Adam, H., & Galinsky, A. D. (2012). Enclothed Cognition. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 48(1), 918–925.
