I don't know about you but with the weather changing here in Toronto, Canada, I always find it difficult to decide what to wear.

Too many layers, not enough layers.

The wrong shade of yellow.

Is it still open-toe shoe season or is it closed-toe season now?!

What isn't difficult is knowing when an outfit really hits! Not because it looks good, but because I feel great in it! It fits properly, I feel comfortable, I feel confident, I'm not fidgeting and I'm able to spend more energy focusing on those around me vs. my clothing.

This week's Point of Influence Expert Interview was with The Gregory Jerome, Image Consultant. Gregory has over 20 years of experience in the luxury retail space paired with extensive experience in the mental and behavioral industry.

He works with both individuals and organizations on the power of image and its psychological benefits of creating authentic sartorial brand images so that they can feel comfortable and confident. His approach is holistic and collaborative because one size does not fit all.

Check out our interview on YouTube here, or read on for the highlights!

Why is personal branding (specifically how we feel) so important?

From a sartorial point of view, the key things are:

1. Creative expression - tapping into who you are, and what you believe in (morals, values & standards).
2. Uniqueness - This can even be done subtly through accessories or key pieces. Allowing us to showcase our personalities either from an individual perspective or from an organizational branding perspective.
3. Authenticity - Being more comfortable and confident in who we are and providing those messages non-verbally.

When you wear something you feel great in, you show up more confidently.

What's the most overlooked consideration when it comes to personal branding?

The proper fit. Proper fitting clothes will not only make you look more polished but if you're sitting there fidgeting with your clothes because they're ill-fitting, it can send many different messages to those around you. It can also psychologically make you feel less confident through the discomfort.

How do you tackle that with 'off-the-rack' purchases which certainly aren't made for every body?

Having a tailor on hand is key. Tailoring can elevate the look of any garment. Most tailors are also relatively affordable for minor alterations!

When you find a garment that fits well, do you recommend that you buy it in every single colour?

A common mistake and another overlooked consideration is understanding what undertones compliment your skin tone. Does it wash you out? Do you blend in? In addition, do all of those colours work with what's already in your closet?

What process do you use with your clients?

Gregory uses a collaborative, holistic approach to image consulting. Rather than telling or doing for you, he dives deeper into the mindset of the client so that he can not only recommend styles, colours, etc. with more effectiveness but so that you, as the client, can start to recognize what makes you feel your most authentic and confident.

1. Reflection. From a holistic perspective, this looks like having clients fill out a questionnaire to find out their internal state, how they see themselves, how they'd like others to identify them, where do they want to go, beliefs about style, etc. before even looking at garments.
2. Consultation. A discussion about the future - where do you want to go? How do you want to feel when you walk out of the house in the morning? What messages do you want to communicate non-verbally?
3. Go from there. That could look like an in-person meeting, a virtual consultation, or an educational session for a team about the values, vision, and expectations of an organization.

Why is it important to understand the psychology behind style?

When looking at our individual beliefs about style, many of them are influenced by early life experiences. Maybe something someone said to us when we were young, we were influenced by a certain person/era/genre, etc. In understanding our values and thought patterns we can make more educated decisions or remove some of the self-consciousness and lack of confidence around style.

Gregory shares his experience with homelessness, personal branding, and the opportunities it presented. He pulls from this experience and leverages the power of image to provide tools and tips (from basic to luxury) about firstly, creating that confidence for yourself and secondly, understanding how it can elevate you professionally.

What are a few immediate tips you can give to folks now about enhancing your personal brand?

1. You can find great garments everywhere if you know where to look so long as you're able to get the proper fit through tailoring.
2. Identifying your body type.
3. Understanding colours, hues, etc. Understanding the creative process.
4. Where do you find inspiration? Home magazines, travel magazines, Pinterest, peers, etc.

How do you work with organizations on image consulting and collective branding?

Working with organizations as a whole, helps decision-makers invest in the most important assets of the company - their team as individuals. By educating and empowering their teams to understand what 'showing up as their best and most confident selves' looks like, you're improving the overall employee experience.

Gregory explores questions like:

• What is the company all about? Brand, vision, values, expectations, etc.
• What message do you want your brand to send to your clients?
• How do and can your team act as ambassadors for the organization?

*This does not mean that everyone needs to look the exact same. It addresses how you can bring out authentic and unique expression while fostering cohesive ambassadorship. We all have to show up as individuals first.

Whether you're an individual looking to build your confidence and the way you show up or a business owner looking to invest in your employee engagement and overall brand appearance, I encourage you to get in touch with Gregory and explore the influence that your closet has on you every single day.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregoryjerome180/

Website: www.thegregoryjerome.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregoryjeromeInc

YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/k2KZkS7hvoA