One idea
Our Bailen episode is one of my favorites. They're three siblings who sing in BEAUTIFUL three-part harmony with no backing tracks (listen to this exclusive Style Session performance here), and they talked about picking one word for what they want people to feel when listening to their music or going to their show, and letting it decide the rest.
Having one word for how you want people to feel is what makes them feel it, because every other decision gets easier when it only has to serve that one feeling. Say you're about to give a presentation, record a video, or walk into a big meeting. Your word helps you pick an outfit that matches what you're saying, how fast to talk, and what to cut from your first minute. Without it, you decide each of those separately that morning, and they clash.
If your word is "steady," you slow down, and your opening joke lands better because you're not rushing it.
One style tip
The plain shirt beats the busy one.
One thing worth reading
Atwood Magazine's August interview with Bailen, about paying for their new record with help from people who believe in them, including fans they stay with on tour. It's a band deciding for themselves what success means. The record, SWIM!!!, came out last Friday.
One thing you can use before the weekend
Pick one word for your next big meeting, call, or dinner, and physically write it down (don't just think about it, writing it down helps hardwire it into your brain). Then check your shirt and your first sentence and paragraph against it. If anything fights the word, change it.
Hit reply and tell me your word, I read every one.
Grant
Video call or talk coming up? Here's my guide to what to wear on camera: houseofstyle.com/camera