48: Elevate Your Personal Brand: How Style Impacts Confidence and Business Success
How Personal Style Can Elevate Your Brand: Insights from Fashion Expert Swapna Patel
In a world where first impressions are made in seconds, your personal style can speak volumes about your brand before you even say a word. On this episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with Swapna Patel, a former New York fashion designer turned personal style expert. Swapna now helps high-achieving women leverage their wardrobe as a tool for confidence, authority, and brand alignment. If you’ve ever wondered how style influences success, this conversation is for you.
Swapna Patel’s Journey to Becoming a Personal Style Expert
Swapna’s story resonates with the “accidental CEO” theme. Once a fashion designer in New York’s high-energy industry, her career shifted after becoming a mom. A moment of clarity led her to reclaim her creativity by blending her corporate wardrobe with more accessible finds, sparking a transformation that caught the attention of other women. What started as casual style advice quickly turned into a thriving business, Style Remix, where Swapna empowers women to remix their existing wardrobe into something functional and fabulous.
“Most of us are wearing 20% of what we own, 80% of the time,” Swapna explains. Her company teaches clients how to make the most of their wardrobe while adding key pieces to elevate their look.
The Role of Personal Style in Business Success
When it comes to business, style isn’t just about looking good—it’s about communicating authority and energy. Swapna emphasizes that your wardrobe is an extension of your personal brand, influencing how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself.
“The way we dress is a reflection of our energy. If you bring good energy, you attract good energy,” Swapna shares.
For business owners, this means dressing intentionally to attract the right clients, collaborators, and opportunities. Swapna also notes that dressing with authority can impact how others treat you, especially in professional negotiations.
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Key Style Strategies for Entrepreneurs
Swapna offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to elevate their personal brand through style. Here are her top takeaways:
- Start with What You Have
Analyze your favorite wardrobe pieces to understand what works for you—whether it’s a flattering fit, a confidence-boosting color, or comfortable fabric. This insight can guide your future purchases. - Use Color Intentionally
Swapna highlights the power of color analysis to determine which shades enhance your natural features. Wearing the right colors can save time, simplify outfit planning, and amplify your confidence.“Color plays differently against each person’s skin tone. The right palette creates harmony, while the wrong one can make you look tired.” - Fashion Psychology is Real
What you wear affects not only how others perceive you but also how you perceive yourself. For instance, wearing structured blazers or bold accessories can help you feel more confident and authoritative in meetings or presentations. - Avoid Last-Minute Shopping
One common mistake is shopping under pressure, which often leads to overspending or buying items that don’t align with your style. Planning ahead ensures that your wardrobe is ready for any occasion. - Tailor Your Style to Your Audience
For speaking engagements or networking events, consider the environment and audience. Details like color, fit, and accessories can set the tone for how you’ll be perceived.
Fashion as a Nonverbal Communication Tool
Swapna cites research from the Harvard Business Review showing that people who dress intentionally can earn up to 12% more than their peers. Beyond financial impact, your style is a nonverbal way to convey authority, professionalism, and personality.
“People form opinions in milliseconds. Let them form a good one.”
She stresses the importance of aligning your wardrobe with your brand message—whether that means a polished suit or stylish sneakers.
Swapna’s Success Stories
One standout transformation involved a client named Jessie, who overcame her fear of visibility by investing in a new wardrobe. The change boosted her confidence, allowing her to step into leadership roles and attract high-paying clients. In just six months, Jessie generated $40,000 in additional income—all by embracing her authentic style and showing up with energy and intention.
The Connection Between Style and Energy
As a business owner and a human design projector, Swapna prioritizes rest and intentionality in her work. She encourages others to use style not as a superficial layer but as a tool to enhance their energy and alignment.
“When you dress in a way that feels right for you, you show up differently—and the world notices.”
Take Action: Elevate Your Style Today
Are you ready to transform your personal brand through style? Start by assessing your wardrobe, experimenting with colors, and investing in pieces that make you feel confident and authentic. For expert guidance, Swapna recommends working with a personal stylist to align your image with your goals.
You can connect with Swapna on Instagram @style.remix or visit her website at styleremix.com.
For more tips on growing your business and confidence as an entrepreneur, listen to this episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe and share it with a friend who’s ready to level up their brand!
