How Can Your Fashion Philosophy Apply to Your Business?

Author: Saran Baker, MSOD

I like clothes…well and shoes…so it occurred to me as I was shopping the other day that our philosophies on fashion can also be applicable to business – and after all – good designers have innovative and sustainable businesses.

Fashionistas (and wannabes) around the world revere Coco Chanel and the present incarnation of her design house not only for the cutting edge/yet completely classic designs, but the philosophy behind them, that men and women can feel confident in their clothes. Confidence leads to success.

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different. – Coco Chanel

But you know what? This all-important sartorial tip can be applied to the way you manage your business! You can put together the perfect “look” for your business by following the advice of Ms. Chanel and other fashion-savvy folk, and applying them to the business world!

So, how can your fashion philosophy apply to your business?

1) “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” Remain true to yourself and your philosophies. As businesses grow it can become easy to lose sight of mission, vision, purpose and even strategy. Sometimes it’s necessary to step back and take a look at how your organization is operating. Each organization has a vision and mission (If you don’t – contact us immediately!) That vision and mission is the philosophy you should be true to and carry forth to your customers. Clearly developed processes and a defined strategy support the execution of your philosophies. This is the persona of your organization, and the meaning it carries in the marketplace. Are your products or services true to your philosophies? Is there an unnecessary amount of disengagement in the workplace? Are there complete and total redundancies? There are various ways to streamline your business in terms of people, technology and process. Take a look and see how simplifying – or maybe accessorizing – your business can impact your organization.

2) Too much “matchy-matchy” can ruin a look! Let’s face it; be it through your organization’s demographics – diversity – or simply collective ideology – culture – too much of the same is never a good thing. If every individual behaves, thinks, and acts the same way, it can be difficult to grow and innovate and thus sustain an organization. Is your organization comprised of those with diverse thoughts and perspectives? Is your leadership open to new ideas and points of view? Do you have processes in place to obtain feedback from employees and stakeholders? It’s important your organization consists of a group of people who don’t necessarily think and act the same way, yet function as a collective in an effort to work towards achieving shared goals.

3) “Fashion fades, style is eternal.” Yves Saint-Laurent has a good point. Just like it’s important to be aware of the latest innovations in fashion, it’s important to remain aware of the latest trends in business, technology, and society. Do your structure and processes support a culture of innovation? Are you course correcting and making changes as needed per market and customer demands? Do you remain dedicated to your people so they remain dedicated to your stakeholders? Remember, good business practices never go out of style!

To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.

– Giorgio Armani

So whether you are trying to put together that perfect look for a night out or a perfect “look” for your business, follow these simple rules from the ultimate gurus on style! Their philosophies seem to work well for them – they haven’t done too badly with their businesses!

About Saran Baker, MSOD: is an Associate at Tolero Solutions. She helps clients in achieving success through people, creating organizations where people enjoy working and customers enjoy doing business.

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