July 18, 2025

The Truth About Personal Style vs Signature Style

How to Dress Like the Woman You Know You Are (But Haven’t Felt Like Yet)

Let’s start with this.

If you’re a founder, a leader, or someone building a personal brand — you already know your image matters.

But here’s what most people won’t tell you:

✨ Your style is more than what you wear.

It’s how you take up space.
It’s how you’re remembered.
It’s what walks into the room before your voice does.

In a world where we’re constantly being seen — on Zoom, on LinkedIn, in boardrooms — how you show up visually is part of your strategy.

And yet…so many women still feel stuck.

👉 “I don’t even know what I like anymore.”
👉 “My wardrobe is full, but nothing feels like me.”
👉 “I see styles I love on others, but they never quite work on me.”

Sound familiar? That’s where this blog comes in.

We’re going deep into:

  • The difference between Personal Style vs Signature Style

  • Why both matter if you want to stand out in your career or business

  • A mini style journaling exercise you can do today

  • How to blend both to create what I call: Unforgettable Style™

Let’s Start With Why What You Wear Matters

First impressions aren’t just made — they’re felt.

According to Princeton research, we form a first impression in 1/10th of a second (source). That’s faster than it takes to read the sentence you’re on.

And here’s the kicker: what we see heavily influences what we believe. It’s called the halo effect.

When you look put-together, polished, and confident — people unconsciously assume you’re competent, credible, and capable.

In fact, studies show that people perceived as attractive or stylish:

  • Are more likely to be hired and promoted
  • Earn 4–5% more on average (source)
  • Are remembered longer and taken more seriously

And with the rise of personal branding, 85% of hiring managers say how you present yourself directly affects your perceived value (source).

So, no. Your style isn’t superficial.
It’s strategic.

And understanding the difference between personal style and signature style is where the shift begins.

"Promotional graphic for blog article titled 'Personal Style vs Signature Style' by Jane Mow, featuring a bold pink runway background, tagline 'How to dress like the woman you know you are', and a photo of Jane Mow in a black outfit and glasses."

What Is Personal Style?

Let’s break this down like we’re having coffee.

It’s in the:

  • Colours you’re drawn to
  • Textures you love to wear
  • Cuts that make you feel good
  • Patterns or details that just feel right

Think of it like your flavour profile.

Some people are spicy. Some people are classic. Some are floral, eclectic, edgy, or minimal.

There’s no wrong answer here.

Personal style is just that — personal.

It’s the unfiltered version of you, expressed through fabric, silhouette, and vibe.


What Is Signature Style?

It’s the consistent, recognisable twist you put on your look. It’s the element people associate with you.

Let me explain:

A client of mine loves blazers. That’s her personal style. But she always chooses soft-pink, oversized blazers with structured shoulders. That specific tone, that cut? That’s her signature.

Another client adores leopard print. But only if the print is large, spaced out, and monochrome. That’s her signature stamp.

Signature style is your visual brandmark. Like your actual signature ✍️, it shows up again and again — subtly, confidently, consistently.

👉 It helps people recognise you (without having to read your name tag).

👉 It creates a sense of visual trust and familiarity.

👉 And it sets you apart — because nobody else does it quite like you.

Leopard print fashion staple captured in two parts: a statement faux fur coat alongside a close-up of bold, textured leopard print fabric — highlighting how signature style pieces add instant personality and polish.
Leopard print isn’t just a fashion staple — it’s a statement. Ready to find yours? [Join the Unforgettable Style™]

TL;DR: Personal vs Signature Style

Personal Style Signature Style
About your preferencesAbout your consistency
Driven by mood/personalityDriven by strategy
Can evolve frequentlyRepeats, recognisably
Shows who you areShows who you are

Why You Need Both to Stand Out

Here’s where the magic happens.

When you blend both personal style and signature style, you create something I call:

💥 Unforgettable Style™ 💥

It’s expressive and intentional.
It feels like you, and it positions you.
It’s the outfit version of a personal brand that walks, talks, and signs the deal.

Think of it like this:

One gives you flavour. The other gives you identity.


✍️ Try This: Mini Style Clarity Exercise (Do It With Me!)

This won’t solve everything, but it’ll start to give you clarity — and confidence.


➡️ STEP 1: CARVE OUT 1 HOUR FOR YOURSELF

No kids, no notifications, no distractions. Just you, your wardrobe, and your thoughts.


➡️ STEP 2: GO ANALOGUE

Grab a pen and notebook — not your phone. Trust me on this.


➡️ STEP 3: SET THE SCENE

Cuppa in hand. Calm music on. Sit in front of your wardrobe and breathe. No need to cull, just observe.


➡️ STEP 4: ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS

  1. What colours do I consistently love? What tones specifically?
  2. Are there prints I’m drawn to? What scale and style?
  3. What details or silhouettes do I keep choosing again and again?

  1. What’s my personality like? (Warm? Bold? Reserved? Playful?)
  2. Does my wardrobe reflect that personality?
  3. What do I wear that feels most like me?

Then look for patterns. That’s where your signature starts to shine through your personal style.

Example (from me!):

  • Favourite colour: Pink (neon and dusty rose)
  • Print: Zebra (but don’t own any yet!)
  • Go-to details: Oversized blazers, ruffled tops
  • Personality: Fun, warm, magnetic
  • Wardrobe reflects me? Only partially

Now I know: I need more fun and animal print energy in my wardrobe to feel fully aligned.

👉 Want to take this exercise deeper and get live, personalised feedback from me?

[Join the next round of the Unforgettable Style™ here.]


How This Applies to Your Career or Brand

When you align your personal and signature style:

  • You look polished without overthinking
  • You become more recognisable and memorable
  • You attract aligned opportunities (clients, gigs, media, offers)

This is why so many of my clients (from CEOs to speakers to creatives) see results fast.

They finally feel seen — because their outer presence finally matches their inner power.


Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2025

Let’s zoom out.

The personal branding market is expected to hit $325 billion by 2027 (source).


And in the era of AI, automation, and fast content — what makes people stop and trust? Real humans with strong, clear presence.

That’s why having a “unforgettable style” is becoming a sought-after differentiator.

In fact:

  • The image consulting market is projected to grow to $7.3B by 2032 (source)
  • 92% of consumers trust personal brands more than businesses (source)

Translation?

Your style is currency.
Use it intentionally.

Side-by-side images of two women in bold, tailored corporate outfits — one in a deep burgundy blazer with statement earrings, the other in a monochrome camel suit — used to illustrate how unforgettable style creates a competitive edge in professional settings.
A look, a style, an aura — undeniably you, and unforgettable to everyone else. Ready to craft yours? [Join the Unforgettable Style™ Workshop]

Style Isn’t Just What You Wear

YOUR STYLE is:

  • The tone of your lipstick
  • The boldness of your glasses
  • The way you cuff your jeans
  • The energy you bring with every outfit

Ready to Find Your Own Unforgettable Style™?

If this blog got your brain ticking and your wardrobe whispering, you’re gonna love my Unforgettable Style Workshop.


🎥 Live via Zoom
🧠 Real-time feedback from me
👗 Step-by-step proven system I’ve used with 1000s of women
💥 Walk away with clarity, confidence, and your own signature recipe

👉 Reserve your spot in the next workshop
👉 Or DM me your biggest takeaway — I’d love to hear it

You’ve done the inner work.
Now let’s get your outer style to match.


Disclaimer

We value and respect our clients’ discretion and privacy. All images and stories shared on this website and blog are published with full client consent and permission.