Should You Wear Your Brand Colours?
Ever find yourself in a last-minute scramble before a big client meeting or recording a business video, trying to figure out if it’s okay to wear that blue shirt you love even if it’s not one of your brand colours?
Let’s face it, consistency is at the heart of branding. But I don’t think everyone considers whether colour consistency has to go as far as the clothes you wear or what your backdrop on Zoom looks like.
Whether it’s photo shoots, client meetings, videos or speaking at events, your clothing is another ‘touchpoint’ with your brand. To ensure you present a cohesive and impactful image, check out this guide on planning a brand photo shoot. It provides valuable insights on how to choose the perfect attire and style for your brand representation.
👚 But do you really need to wear your brand colours every single time? Or is that just exhausting and unrealistic? Let’s dive into this and find some middle ground.
The Importance of Brand Consistency
First off, let’s talk about why brand consistency matters. Hopefully, you’re using your brand colours consistently in your graphics, on your website, and in your email newsletters.
This stuff is branding 101, right?
🤔 But guess what?
You are an extension of that brand presence.
When you show up as the face of your business, your clothing and style should ideally align with your brand.
Think of it as telling a consistent story. Your audience should see a visual thread that ties everything together—from your website to your Instagram feed to your appearance.
The Reality Check: Perfect Isn’t Always Possible
Now, let’s get real. In an ideal world, you’d always have the perfect outfit in the perfect brand colours ready to go.
But in reality, sometimes the clothes you need are in the wash, or you simply don’t have the time or energy to worry about it.
If stressing over your outfit becomes a barrier to you being visible and creating content, it’s counterproductive. The key is to find a balance.
Finding Your Colour Season
An issue can arise if all your brand colours are not colours that “suit” you or if you’re one of those women who only wear black.
It’s important to keep in mind what suits you and you’re comfortable wearing while you’re coming up with your brand colours so it will be easier to naturally weave your brand colours into your wardrobe.
One way to make this easier is to consider your personal colour season.
🎨 This is a concept where certain colours naturally look better on you based on your skin tone, hair, and eye colour.
If some of your brand colours also happen to be in your colour season, that’s a win-win!
Wearing colours that suit you will help you look more vibrant and confident, which is always a plus for your brand.
My colour season is Soft Autumn. I remember at the time, I was really gravitating to bright colours and felt confused when I got told I was soft autumn (which means I suit more muted, washed-out tones and brighter tones look the worst on me). This was at a time when I was literally wearing bright pink all the time!! Talk about confusing.
At first, I was angry at the results and wanted to ignore them and wear what brought me joy.
Then I went full circle and decided to embrace the soft autumn colours.
More recently, I’ve found a middle ground, noticing I was missing some of the brighter colours I used to wear. So it’s been a journey!
If you can at least have a couple of colours that suit you in your brand colour palette, I think that’s important. They don’t all have to. A mix of what brings you joy/aligns with your brand message and what suits you will be important.
If your brand is all about joy and then you use muted colours because that’s your brand season, it could be sending the wrong message.
Free Tool to Find Your Colour Season
Not sure what your colour season is? Style DNA: Fashion AI Stylist is a free app that can help you figure it out.
Just snap a selfie, and it will analyse your features to determine your best colours.
This way, you can start incorporating those shades into your wardrobe without the guesswork.
Practical Tips for Aligning Your Wardrobe with Your Brand
- Start Small: You don’t need a whole new wardrobe. Begin with a few key pieces in your brand colours that you can mix and match.
- Accessorise: If a full outfit feels too much, start with accessories. A scarf, pair of earrings, or top could create that visual link.
- Be Flexible: If your exact brand colour isn’t available, go for the closest shade. It’s about creating a cohesive look, not matching Pantone swatches.
- Prioritise Comfort: If you’re uncomfortable, it will show. Choose clothes that make you feel confident and at ease.
- Mix and Match: Incorporate neutral pieces that work with your brand colours. This gives you more flexibility and reduces wardrobe stress.
Find Your Balance
Your clothing should support your brand, not hinder it. Wearing brand colours can enhance your visual consistency and make you more recognisable.
But don’t let it become a chore. Find a balance that allows you to show up authentically and comfortably.
So, next time you’re prepping for a big event or content shoot, give yourself a break.
Wear something that aligns with your brand but also makes you feel great. After all, confidence is the best outfit you can wear.
Ready to discover your colour season and start aligning your wardrobe with your brand? Check out Style DNA: Fashion AI Stylist, the free app I mentioned and share your colour season results. Happy branding!
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Stay tuned for future episodes where I’ll dive deeper into the practical steps of creating your brand visual identity.
