Why You Need an Image Consultant

Out of all the glorious things that came out of the 90’s, it’s hard to gloss over Canon camera’s infamous television ad for the EOS Rebel starring tennis-star-slash-bad-boy Andre Agassi. Given all the beads of sweat, deliciously flowing mullet, and shirtlessness going on, it was kinda hard to forget… at least for some of us. But it was the tagline at the end that really grabbed everyone’s attention, the moment he tipped down his dark sunglasses, gave that sweet, coy little smile, and declared, “Image… is everything.” 

You may be rolling your eyes, wondering, “But is it really? I mean, this is 2024 after all. Haven’t we evolved?”

So, today, let’s unpack the whole idea of personal image: why it means more than you think, can get you farther than you imagined in both your career and personal life, is one of the key stepping stones for gaining more confidence, and the major differences between a personal stylist and an image consultant.

SNAP DECISIONS

Let’s face it: first impressions really do matter. We may not like it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not true. If we’re each being really honest with ourselves, it’s hard to deny the fact that we just innately form judgements about each other within seconds of meeting (or even just seeing) another human being. Like, BOOM! Judgment Day. All day long, whether consciously or not, we make snap decisions about someone based on what they are wearing, how they speak, their hairstyle, grooming, facial features, body language… even their scent. And according to a study by the National Institute of Health, the impact of a good or bad image can be life-changing and intense: 

“First impressions have a profound effect on our everyday lives. We use them to determine who we should approach and who we should avoid. They can be a deciding factor in mate choice, trustworthiness judgments and hiring decisions. Moreover, there is evidence that they may influence court decisions (Zebrowitz & McDonald, 1991; Zebrowitz & Montepare, 2008), election results (Olivola & Todorov, 2010; Verhulst, Lodge, & Lavine, 2010), and professional evaluations (Ambady & Rosenthal, 1993).” 

Crazy, right? But there’s a reason why an image consultant is so appealing for guys of all ages, whether they’re cramming for finals or cruising towards retirement. Personal image consultants do more than just throw a bunch of new clothes into your closet and tell you to comb your hair; a personal image consultant is trained to give you an honest wardrobe assessment, grooming/skincare/hairstyle advice that will accentuate your best features instead of hiding them, and maybe most importantly, help you develop your own personal branding. And you’re never too old to learn these things or to give your sense of style room to breathe and evolve. 

WHAT’S YOUR BRAND?

If you think about it, personal branding has never been so carefully curated as it is today. TikTok, the ‘Gram, YouTube, Facebook… even the guys that are choosing to post raw, organic, untouched photos, the “real, real,” are still choosing to curate and present a certain image to the rest of the world. There’s a reason why they post what they post. And fair or not, there can be real consequences to presenting an image that sends a negative message: limitations in your career and personal development that can result in missed opportunities for growth and advancement, decreased confidence that affects how well you engage with others (especially romantically), not being taken seriously, limited influence, social isolation, and even increased stress and anxiety, which always impacts our well-being and performance on any number of different levels. Think of an image consultant as your gatekeeper; someone who is professionally trained to ensure that you are always one step ahead of the crowd. 

BREAKING THE MOLD 

But it’s important to remember that the goal of a personal image consultant is not to rob you of your own unique sense of style or to mold you and 10,000 other guys into robotic little Ken dolls. Simply put: when you feel good about your personal appearance, your self-esteem gets a boost, your confidence gets a boost, and combined, that type of positive action can translate into better performance in your dating life, married life, job interviews, networking gigs, and at the office. 

A well-thought-out image can also be a boon to your communication skills and even your credibility. Image consultants help you develop your own unique branding; one that epitomizes your best self. 

And while some guys are good at figuring all that out themselves, others aren’t as savvy. Which is why a personal image consultant is specifically trained to give you tailored advice based on your individual needs, lifestyle, and goals, both short and long-term. Again, it’s way more than taking you on a shopping spree; image consultants literally guide you through a head-to-toe transformation that takes into consideration things like personal branding, educating you on color theory (which is a fancy way of saying we analyze things like your skin tone and facial features to determine the colors that look best on you), teach you how to put together outfits and what-goes-with-what for anything from a weekend workout to a career-changing client meeting. 

Personal stylists are undoubtedly a great starting point if you want to scratch the surface when it comes to unlocking your potential, but it’s a trained image consultant who ensures that transformation goes beyond what’s hanging in your closet. Even more so, as we develop your sense of style and personal branding, by proxy it arms you with the ability to adapt your image so that you’re always on point, whether in a casual, formal, or professional setting. 

PERCEPTION IS EVERYTHING

There can be a misconception that hiring an image consultant is something reserved for the guy on an ego trip, but that’s simply not the case. World-renowned self-development and image programs like Toastmasters, Dale Carnegie, and Tony Robbins have been wildly successful for millions of men over the past few decades because of the impact they have on everyday people who are willing to invest the time, energy, and money into developing a positive image. Even the Fashion Institute of Technology has begun offering courses on image consulting with a focus on personal branding and wardrobe management. 

At the end of the day, there are just some men who naturally stand out from the crowd, and in turn, these are typically the guys who enjoy things like increased confidence (which shows itself in giving a better performance during interviews, at work, on the dating scene, etc.) and who ultimately have the influence, authority, and social connections that can have a profound impact on their lives. 

If enlisting the aid of an image consultant appeals to you, we’re here to help in a variety of ways. For example: 

1. We have a load of free resources we put out here that you can use to begin to elevate your style and image right now.

2. Our in-person package where you’ll spend a full day with our founder, Patrick, 1-on-1 to talk about your personal image goals, learn what colors look best on you, get haircare/skincare/grooming tips, get your wardrobe squared away and personal branding in check. This package includes tailoring sorting/editing your existing stuff, and shopping for all new pieces that fit you, your style, and your budget. A minimum of 5K is needed for clothing, and the price is 5K.

3. Our online package where you’ll work with our whole team to get yourself a new overall image. We’ll meet with you 1-on-1 virtually to show you what looks best on you and why, hairstyle/grooming/skincare tips specifically tailored to you, color theory training, fit training, a complete shopping list of new items, and style support for 6 weeks as you implement everything. The minimum spend for clothing is 2K, and the price is 2K for the package.

4. If you’re unsure what option works best for you, you can schedule a quick call with Patrick, right here. It’s complimentary and he can definitely help give you some direction.

Cheers!

Kate