The best dressed women you see know how to do THIS one thing (& it has nothing to do with shopping).
How style codes make you instantly more memorable (& profitable).
What do Jane Birkin’s basket bag, Steve Jobs’ black turtleneck, and Frida Kahlo’s crowns have in common?
They weren’t just accessories or fashion choices. They were codes, visual markers of identity, repeated so consistently they became inseparable from the person wearing them.
Brand codes are the distinctive elements that make a brand instantly recognizable: the colors, symbols, sounds, and aesthetics that create an emotional and visual imprint. Think of Tiffany’s blue box, Chanel’s tweed, or Nike’s swoosh. You don’t need to see a logo to know exactly who they are.
Style codes work the same way, but on a personal level. They are the visual language of your identity, the details that communicate who you are before you even speak.
Why Do Style Codes Matter?
They make you instantly recognizable. The strongest brands don’t blend in. The same goes for individuals. A well-crafted style code becomes part of your signature & sets you apart visually.
They create an emotional connection. People remember how you made them feel. Your aesthetic choices, whether through fashion, design, or branding shape the perception of your presence & emotionally impact your peers.
They build trust and authority. A CEO in a signature uniform (à la Steve Jobs or Anna Wintour) conveys decisiveness. An artist with an unmistakable personal aesthetic (think Basquiat or Yayoi Kusama) strengthens their creative identity. A content creator (Dara) with a distinct visual style commands attention in a crowded space.
For CEOs, content creators, and artists, these codes are essential in crafting powerful personal brands. In an oversaturated media world where differentiation is everything, having a strong style code (or many) makes you unforgettable.
It signals confidence, consistency, and intention. Whether you’re closing deals, growing an audience, or showcasing your artistry, your visual identity should be as distinctive as your work.
The Jane Birkin Effect
Jane Birkin’s basket bag wasn’t just a cute accessory; it was an extension of her spirit. While other high-society women carried structured leather handbags, she carried something casual, organic, and rebellious. She wore it everywhere- on the red carpet, in airports, at parties, turning an unexpected item into a signature.
This is how icons are made.
How to Craft Your Own Style Codes
Find Your Contrasts: What makes your essence different from your friends or colleagues? If you’re in a corporate world but have an artistic soul, maybe your power dressing includes sculptural jewelry or bold glasses. If you're a minimalist at heart, perhaps you wear head-to-toe neutrals, but always incorporate a dramatic shoulder pad situation.
Repeat Relentlessly: The power of a style code comes from consistency. Birkin’s basket bag wouldn’t be iconic if she carried it once. Your signature elements should feel like a natural extension of you, something people begin to associate with your name all of the time.
Align with Your Story: Your codes should symbolize something deeper. Do you want to be perceived as intellectual? Maybe you always wear a classic turtleneck. Playful and unconventional? Unexpected color combinations or a quirky print might be your thing. At the end of the day, you can’t control others perception of you, so it’s all about the meaning YOU assign the item/ concept. Holding the energy of that association will ignite the essence energetically.
Test and Observe: Notice what people remember about you. If your presence lingers in their minds because of a specific detail a fragrance, a hat, a bold lip color you’re on the right track.
If you’re a person of influence and your answer to the question “what are your signature style codes?” is “IDK”, we should talk…
Sound Familiar?
You’re frequently invited to panels, events, or podcasts, but you struggle with what to wear. Nothing feels like the look that represents you at your highest level.
You’re rebranding or leveling up in your career, but your style still reflects an older version of you that no longer fits where you’re headed.
You scroll through photos or videos of yourself and feel like something’s missing, your presence doesn’t have that effortless magnetism you admire in others.
You invest in quality pieces, but your wardrobe still feels disjointed, like it’s missing a clear narrative that ties it all together.
You have no problem crafting a strong message in your work or art, but when it comes to personal style, you feel lost, second-guessing every choice.
Imagine Instead…
Having a signature look (or looks) so distinct and authentic that people instantly recognize and remember you.
Attracting the right clients, collaborators, and opportunities because your style signals confidence, creativity, and authority.
Seeing photos and videos of yourself and thinking, Yes, that is exactly how I want to be perceived.
Opening your closet to a world of potential & options, instead of confusion & fatigue.
The Visual Edge: Framed for Impact 45 Min Style Session
The Visual Edge is a focused, high-impact 45-minute 1:1 style consultation and mini-shop with me. What can you expect from this quick yet powerful session?
High-Impact 45-Minute Consultation: A focused, results-driven discussion that hones in on your visual presence, helping you refine your style to captivate any audience.
Personalized Style Strategy: Receive tailored advice on how to communicate authority and creativity through your style based on your unique preferences & interests, ensuring you stand out in meetings, shoots, or on stage.
Mini Shop Curated Just for You: A custom selection of pieces designed to elevate your look, perfectly aligned with your goals and the image you want to project.
Practical Takeaways: Walk away with actionable style insights and tools that you can immediately apply to your professional life, ensuring you consistently project your unique visual identity. Learn how your wardrobe can work as a silent authority, commanding attention and establishing a distinct, memorable presence in your field.
Position Yourself as a Thought Leader: Whether you’re in front of the camera or addressing a live audience, this session ensures you always look polished, powerful, and ready to capture the spotlight.
Your style codes are more than just aesthetics, they're powerful tools for influence, confidence, and recognition. It’s time you use them!!!
Thank you sooo much for reading.
Please let me know what your unique style codes are in the comments, I need to know!!
XX,
Bari
This is helpful. Thanks for sharing
I think I'll be asking myself henceforth "what is my contrast" in an attempt to mind my marker because I love this idea of a signature je ne sais quoi that people can associate with me