Many people think that improving your work image needs a total clothes overhaul. But, Kerry Brownell, a personal stylist, has a different idea. She helps clients by using what they already have in their wardrobe and teaching them the style basics. Kerry has found useful methods to help women feel confident through their clothing choices by working with executives and cancer survivors.
Understanding Style Evolution
For Kerry, improving personal style is not just about the clothes; it is about learning and feeling confident. She says to her clients at the beginning of each styling appointment, “Let’s consider the next few hours as a mini training session.” She adds, “Before learning something, you lack confidence because you don’t know how to do it, but after the training, you feel more confident to use it.” Her method focuses on using existing clothes instead of pushing clients to buy new things. Kerry explains, “You don’t need to buy new clothes.” She says, “You just need to spend time checking your wardrobe, looking at the clothes you own, and trying different outfits and accessories.”
Essential Style Tips for Every Job
Kerry offers simple yet impactful advice that applies to all professions and levels of seniority. She emphasizes the importance of understanding which colors suit you best, stating, “Knowing the colors that flatter you is crucial.” Kerry believes color often outweighs style, saying, “Color is more important than the style itself.” She recommends starting with a professional color analysis to unlock your ideal palette.
When it comes to footwear, Kerry suggests swapping black shoes for nude ones, explaining, “You don’t need black shoes—nude shoes are a better choice.” She highlights that nude shoes blend seamlessly with your skin tone and complement any outfit, allowing the person looking at you to draw their attention to your face and eyes rather than your feet. This subtle change can make a significant difference in your overall look.
Kerry highlights the importance of female executives choosing clothing that conveys respect and authority. She explains, “If you’re in a decision-making role, such as a team leader or supervisor, how you present yourself is crucial.” Kerry advises against overly feminine styles with flowery patterns, noting, “While these can be lovely, they might not project the authority you need. Bold colours, and structured suits, on the other hand, command respect and convey confidence.”
When it comes to wardrobe investments, Kerry recommends starting with a well-fitted suit. “A two-piece suit, combining trousers and a blazer, is incredibly versatile,” she says. These pieces can be styled separately for different occasions—pair the blazer with jeans and a simple t-shirt for a smart-casual look, or dress down the trousers with sneakers and a leather jacket. The key is choosing quality items that adapt to various styles and situations.
Managing a Professional Wardrobe
Kerry shares a helpful trick that one of her clients uses for handling a work wardrobe. She says, “She plans her outfits two weeks ahead.” She also adds that the client lays out her clothes on her bed and creates full outfits along with the shoes and accessories, then she takes a photo, after that, she puts the photos of her outfits for each day for two weeks on her wardrobe door.
She has noticed some big changes in work fashion, especially with more people working from home. She observes, “In the workplace, it has become more relaxed.” She says, “Women are looking for clothes that are stretchy and have elastic in the waist for more comfort, yet you can still appear very smart but in a more relaxed manner. ” Kerry’s work with different types of clients, from executives to women who have survived cancer, shows how choosing clothes carefully can improve their confidence and work appearance. Her way of teaching helps clients discover their personal style while keeping a professional look in today’s changing work environment.
To learn more about Kerry Brownell and her approach, check out her website.