Image and Style Explained

So, what is Image and what is Style?

This is one of the questions I get the most as an Image Consultant.

But first of all, welcome again to my blog, my name is Barbara Lia, I am an Image Consultant and in this blog I talk about fashion, personal image, behaviour and personal development.

Understanding Style vs. Image

Today I will answer the most common doubt people have when we talk about fashion.

There is a big difference between these two concepts: style and image

Deciphering Personal Style

You can discover your style without caring about your image, but it is very difficult to align your image without knowing your style.

But why, Barbara? Because without knowing your style you can’t create a faithful image that truly represents you. And that’s the big difference.

Style comes from inside you, it’s your personality translated in the way you dress.

It’s the set of references that formed you.

Have you ever realised that you often use more the same clothes, accessories or hairstyle, even though you have so many other options?

Because those truly represent you, and you feel yourself wearing them.

Style specifically refers to the manner or distinctive way in which something is done or presented.

When discussing personal style, it often refers to an individual's unique and personal way of dressing, accessorizing, and presenting themselves.

Style can encompass clothing choices, preferences in fashion, grooming habits, and overall aesthetic.

It's not just about following trends but expressing one's personality, tastes, and preferences through clothing, accessories, and presentation.

Image come from outside, is how people see and perceive you as a person.

This happens often when we meet someone for the first time, despite doing it unconsciously, our brain reads all the colours, forms, gestures and expressions of this person and automatically forms an image about it: positive, negative, confident, comfortable, scary, nice.

This image remains, unless we have a chance of a second, third encounters to know this person better.

Image refers to the overall impression or perception that an individual, brand, or entity projects to the outside world.

It encompasses various elements such as appearance, behavior, communication, and reputation.

A person's image is the sum total of how they are perceived by others based on their outward presentation, actions, and the messages they convey.

It includes both the physical appearance (like clothing, grooming, and body language) and the intangible aspects (like personality traits, values, and reputation).

The Significance of Image in Personal and Professional Life

In summary, image is the broader perception or impression projected by an individual or entity, incorporating various facets beyond just physical appearance.

Style, on the other hand, is a more specific aspect related to personal expression through fashion, grooming, and presentation choices.

Both contribute to how a person is perceived and can play significant roles in personal and professional contexts.

That is why it is crucial to have an image that displays exactly how YOU want to be perceived as.

You can benefit from having a positive and intentional image, which can open doors and opportunities in your personal and professional life.

More about this on our next post. See you then!