Introduction: Embracing the New Year with a Fresh Style
The Chinese saying goes “The planning of the year starts from Spring” (一年之計在於春). As the Year of Dragon has begun, it brings a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs in Hong Kong and Asia to refresh their personal style. In this blog, I am going to share the significance of revamping one’s image for the new year, emphasizing the importance of aligning personal brand with outfits, accessories, and colors.
Why Refreshing Personal Style Matters
The start of a new year signifies growth and change. Refreshing your personal style is more than a cosmetic update; it’s a powerful signal to the world that you’re ready for new opportunities. For women entrepreneurs, a renewed image can boost confidence, stimulate creativity, and set the stage for a successful year ahead.
The Impact of Personal Branding on Your Image
Before delving into wardrobe choices, understanding personal branding is crucial. Your personal brand is an extension of your passion, purpose, values, and unique qualities. Aligning your style with your personal brand creates a cohesive and impactful impression, laying the foundation for success in business and beyond.
Dressing According to Undertone and Body Shape
Picking the right colors and outfits based on undertone and body shape is a game-changer. For warm undertones and an hourglass figure, earthy tones and fitted wrap dresses enhance natural beauty. Explore cool blues for medium-toned, pear-shaped bodies, creating a balanced silhouette. Tailored sheath dresses flatter those with neutral undertones and rectangular bodies. Deep burgundies and flowing tops accentuate deep undertones and apple-shaped figures.
Decoding the Significance of Red
During Chinese New Year, red takes the centre stage, symbolizing luck and prosperity. However, not all reds suit everyone. Understanding your undertone, profession, and personal brand is key. The right shade of red, whether fiery for warm undertones or burgundy for cool undertones, can enhance your unique style and make a powerful statement.
Selecting the Perfect Shade of Red
As an image stylist and color specialist, I always advise clients that their journey to finding “the perfect red” begins with knowing their undertone. Warm undertones lean towards vibrant reds, while cool undertones shine in burgundy or cherry hues. Experimenting with different shades ensures you discover the red that aligns with your personal brand, leaving you feeling confident and empowered.
Festive Yet Professional Outfit Ideas
Chinese New Year festivities call for a balance between festivity and professionalism – this is particularly important for women entrepreneurs who need to project a powerful image and demonstrate the right set of energy when they run their businesses. A tailored red blazer paired with black trousers or a red dress with subtle gold accessories strikes the perfect equilibrium. Incorporating traditional elements like embroidery or gold accents adds cultural flair without compromising sophistication.
Embracing Traditional Chinese Accessories
For an extra touch of cultural significance, consider incorporating traditional Chinese accessories. Qipao or Cheongsam dresses radiate elegance, while jade jewelry brings luck and protection. If not jade, peals are always a great pick to elevate the elegance feeling. Red envelopes (Hongbao), tassels, knots, and floral hair accessories contribute to a festive yet meaningful ensemble.
Confidence is Your Best Asset
In wrapping up, the key takeaway is to know and embrace your personal brand, special qualities, and facial features. Confidence is the ultimate accessory, and showcasing your best self involves aligning your style with your unique identity. As you usher in the Chinese New Year, let your renewed image reflect not only cultural significance but also the empowered woman entrepreneur that you are.
This simple guide aims to share some quick tips for women entrepreneurs who run businesses to navigate the new year with style, confidence, and cultural relevance. May the upcoming festivities bring success, prosperity, and a renewed sense of self.
Author:
Tracy Ho
Personal Branding & Image Consultant, Executive Presence Coach
CEO & Founder, Frame & Fame Personal Branding
2024 February
Website: www.frameandfame.com
