Shortly after leaving my corporate job at Miu Miu, I launched AK Stylist Inc and landed my first client at Rockefeller Center styling a TV host for the show NY LIVE. That experience taught me that styling wasn't just about me dressing someone up in beautiful clothes. As I was developing her image I had to select items of my choice, while taking into consideration what made her feel comfortable and confident and at the same time keeping in mind the show's audience, ratings and viewer comments about her appearance. This is when I understood that styling is a combination of many factors, both internal and external.

Personal styling is all about having a sensibility to quickly understand people’s vulnerabilities and goals, and then transforming that information into an image that's aligned with their current moment, future objectives and environment. Beyond putting together beautiful looks, it's about being an active listener and observing clients' emotions + body language as we explore what brings out and supports the best version of themselves.

The experiences I've had styling clients in the past 8 years along with my latest studies in ontological coaching allowed for a seamless connection between fashion & psychology as I prepared my lecture on Non-verbal Communication & Expression in the Courtroom for the Introduction to Trial Advocacy class of Harvard Law School.

I’ve adapted the content of this newsletter to best fit a diversity of corporate jobs so that it’s not specific to only lawyers. Happy to share a glimpse of it with you all!

Your style tells a story about you. Think of your clothes as a tool to create and express whichever narrative you want to! 

You may not be aware of this, but certain clothing items carry a symbolic meaning that affect your personal experience while wearing it. Take for instance a well tailored power suit. This look is associated with power and success, therefore it immediately influences your body language as you associate it with it's symbolism – making you feel strong and confident. 

When putting a look together, every choice you make is a judgment call that can highlight aspects of your personality you may want to showcase. Use this to your advantage in the workplace.

Observe your body language and emotions when trying on different styles & colors. Go for the ones that make you feel comfortable & confident. Dress to FEEL and EMBODY the part!

Some non-verbal cues you should pay attention to:

Body Language DO's and DON'Ts

DO: straight posture, open chest, hand gestures, eye contact, firm feet

DON'T: hunch over, fidget, tremble, over expressive hand gestures, cross feet

The first step is to decide on the statement you want to make, so you can find clothes that support that statement.

How do you want to feel? What do you want to convey? How do you want to be perceived?

Experiment and explore with different stylistic elements to discover what makes you feel good and what makes you feel you! Consciously utilize these stylistic elements to curate and convey that message. Consider these different elements when shopping for clothes:

Colors + Silhouettes + Materials + Brands + Accessories

Colors evoke emotions (in yourself and others), so use that to your advantage once you decide on your statement.

Find a balance between expressing your personal style and dressing in a professional and appropriate manner. Invest in a neutral capsule closet and insert colors & prints through accessories to personalize your look.

People tend to connect to people they can relate to (aka: The Similarity Effect), so it's best to avoid ostentatious items & logos in a corporate environment.

For a fail proof colorful outfit, opt for a monochromatic base with neutral accessories (see Michelle Obama & Amal Clooney on the examples below).

Corporate DO's and DON'Ts

DO: neutrals, discrete accessories, hints of colors and prints

DON'Ts: logos, over accessorizing, ostentatious items, overdoing colors and prints

Your image is just as important as your clients’. The same goes for your employees in a corporate environment.

It's beneficial for you to instruct your clients / employees on how make conscious stylistic choices based on the narrative / branding you want to convey.

It's best to work with a professional prior to starting a new job, that way you can curate a personalized image that is aligned with your educational and professional background.

A minimalist myself, I believe you don't need many items to look and feel good. Invest in a great capsule closet that you can mix and match to put together different outfits.