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• Article of the week: 💡 Digital Minimalism & the Image Myth: Stop Performing, Start Aligning

  There’s this unspoken pressure in the online world that says, “If you’re not constantly sharing, you’re not showing up.” But that’s just not true.

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We analyze the “Corporate Cozy” trend from Who What Wear, including how to tweak it for real leadership presence.

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I finally ventured into video! This week we examine the “Corporate Cozy” Trend and discuss what works and what doesn’t. It’s just Episode 1 and I plan to do these weekly since there is no shortage of “What Not To Wear” content I can cover.

👠 Dressing for Influence Self-Work

When your outfit is aligned with who you are and where you're headed, the world starts responding differently. This week we’re talking about how to show up like a leader—without saying a word.

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Most companies want to appear to be doing the right things by the environment and their workers, but are they truly doing them? I show you what to look for if you want to vote with your wallet when you buy sustainable clothes.

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Digital Minimalism & the Image Myth: Stop Performing, Start Aligning

Tatyana Wilson, MA, EDS, SHRM-CP, helps people make great impressions with science-backed approaches and a carefully curated wardrobe of biologically correct colors, good tailoring, and elevated accessories. She writes at www.lightlovescolor.com.

There’s a myth we’ve all been handed—and it’s subtle, seductive, and quite frankly, exhausting.

It goes something like this:

“If you want to succeed, you need to be seen.”
“If you want to be seen, you have to be everywhere.”
“And if you’re everywhere, you better look flawless while you’re at it.”

And so we scroll. We post. We perform.
Not because it fills us up—but because we’re afraid of being forgotten. Or worse, dismissed.

This, my friend, is the Image Myth.
And it’s time we stop living in fear of disappearing.
Because here’s what no one tells you: the most effective people are rarely the loudest ones.

The Myth Is Exhausting—And It’s Not Your Fault

From the time we’re old enough to have school picture day, we’re taught that how we look will shape how we’re treated. And to a degree, that’s absolutely true. People do make snap judgments. Your presence does influence outcomes.

But somewhere along the way, “presentation” became “performance.”

It wasn’t enough to show up well groomed and wearing decent clothes.
We had to show up looking younger, thinner, cooler, more on-trend.
We had to be inspirational and aspirational, real but not too raw.

And now? We’re burnt out. We’re curated to the point of disconnection.
We’ve lost the thread between who we are and who we’re pretending to be.

It’s all a bit cringy, wouldn’t you say?

Enter: Digital Minimalism

Digital Minimalism is a quiet rebellion.
Coined by Cal Newport, it’s not about deleting your accounts or disappearing into the woods (unless that sounds amazing to you). It’s about using technology intentionally, and only in ways that align with your priorities and values.

It’s the difference between posting to impress and posting to connect, provide, help, etc.
The difference between consuming content and creating meaning; between reacting to the algorithm and living with intention.

You don’t need to be everywhere.
You need to be somewhere that matters—and show up as someone who’s aligned (meaning the inside reflects the outside, novel concept, right?).

The Power of Presence, Not Performance

Here’s what I’ve learned from my years in personal branding and image consulting: people don’t trust perfection.
They trust consistency.
They trust energy.
They trust congruence (aka alignment)—the feeling that what you’re wearing, saying, and doing are all coming from the same place.

And ironically, when you stop trying to be "on" all the time, you start showing up with a clarity that people can't ignore.

So let’s break the myth.
Let’s shift from performance to presence.

Real Confidence Isn’t Always Loud

Brené Brown talks about how the feeling of true belonging only happens when we present our authentic selves—not the airbrushed versions.
In one Diary of a CEO episode, a guest shared that the people who hold the most influence in a room often say the least—but say it with energy and clarity.

You don’t need to post more to matter.
You don’t need to perform to lead.
You don’t need to fight to be seen—you need to be aligned so that when you are seen, people remember you for the right reasons.

Final Thought

If you feel tired, it’s not because you’re failing.
It’s because you’re playing a game that was never designed to let you win.

So don’t play it.

Design your own rules.
Live in alignment.
Let your presence—not your performance—speak volumes.

And if you want help doing just that?
That’s why I created Light Loves Color.
Together, we’ll build a presence rooted in clarity, courage, and timeless, sustainable principles.

“Simply put, humans are not wired to be constantly wired.”
― Cal Newport

✨ What to Do Next

If this article spoke to you, here’s your next step:

✨ Do a Digital Audit: What platforms make you feel depleted? Which ones energize you? Give yourself permission to step back from the noise.

✨ Dress with Intention, Not Obligation: Choose clothing that aligns with your message, not trends. Let your wardrobe reflect your purpose, not pressure.

✨ Create, Don’t Perform: If you’re going to post—do it to share, serve, or connect. That’s it. Needing affirmation, likes, and approval will undoubtedly feel depleting.

✨ Pause Before You Post: Ask, “Is this from my authentic confidence or from a need to prove something?” You’ll know the difference.

📩 Want More? Be sure to subscribe to the Substack for expert strategies on workplace professional presence, using colors strategically, and putting together a sustainable, timeless wardrobe you will love for years.

Until next time, dress well, my friend!

Tatyana Wilson, MA, EdS, SHRM-CP
Founder, Light Loves Color