So, what can you do to develop a style that will be unforgettable… a style that will convey your intelligence, strength and good taste as a professional woman? It would be easy to just wear something outlandish that everyone will notice, but you’d be tagged as a "clown."  Instead, there are four items that you could manipulate to create a unique style. Hair, Clothing, Color and Accessories.

Probably the easiest method of creating your Personal Style is by emphasizing something you wear... a visual signature so to speak. But, remember, there is a fine line between style and affectation.

I usually lean towards wearing something tailored like a bias cut, dark suit, or matching pants and turtleneck, which almost become a canvas on which to build a memorable image. I wear my hair in a "dancers top-knot," a holdover from my days at the Royal Ballet in London, and that’s become pretty distinctive… almost a signature. But, it’s the jewelry that I add to the canvas that grabs attention. I almost always wear some kind of bold choker necklace to bring attention to my face. I also wear an interesting bracelet or cuff on my right wrist to accent my hand movements.

Your Style can begin with something as powerful as a great necklace, or as easy as a brightly colored scarf. Just make sure it feels like you, and fits your personality, industry and lifestyle. An ad agency Account Exec… a Commercial Real Estate Salesperson… an Attorney… a Management Consultant… a Banker, all are different business, but all could wear the same type of tailored suits or dresses with the addition of a special, signature accessory... something that sets them apart from the rest of the crowd. You could build a collection of bold necklaces or interesting pins, or beautiful scarfs. As long as they’re noticeable from five feet away. (And won’t frighten the horses.) Obviously, a supervisor on a warehouse floor, or the owner of a trucking company would dress differently, but they could still adapt the concept of a special accessory.

The following 7 steps will help you to go about the process of developing your Signature Personal Style a lot easier.

A. EVALUATE YOUR CURRENT STYLE AND DECIDE IF YOU ARE:

1. Classical.
2. Contemporary.
3. Creative.

B. UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU WANT YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE TO PROJECT:

1. Intelligence.
2. Power.
3. Creativity.
4. Reliability

 C. STUDY IMPORTANT TASTEMAKERS:

1. The most powerful woman in your company.
2. Industry Leaders.
3.  Famous Personalities.

D. DON'T HESITATE TO ADOPT A LOOK AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN:

1. It should fit your style and personality.
2.  And be appropriate to your corporate culture.

E. DECIDE WHAT YOU’D BE MOST COMFORTABLE CHANGING:

1.  Hair.
2. Wardrobe.
3. Colors.
4. Accessories.

F. HOW TO START YOUR TRANSFORMATION:

1. Hair: Try a new look in stages to see how it works.
2. Wardrobe: Don’t change everything at one time. Buy one new outfit and see how you like your new image. Add something new each week.
3. Color: Start by incorporating the color as an accent, a blouse, or scarf before deciding that "Red" is your color.
4. Accessories: Utilize your Accessory Edge.® Remember, a short necklace acts like a frame and keeps attention on your face. No bling. No janglies.

EVOLVE YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE AS YOU GROW MORE CONFIDENT:

1. Experiment, and try variations, so it doesn’t become a uniform.
2. Let them wonder why you suddenly seem so special.

Written originally for members of w2wlink.com by Denise Solay denisesolaydesigns.com .