Finding Confidence Through a Signature Style
Former attorney turned personal stylist Estelle Winsett believes that the way you dress can directly impact how you show up—at work, in court, and in life. In this episode of Styled by Estelle, she explains how developing a signature style helps women lawyers align their wardrobe with confidence, clarity, and personality.
A signature style, she says, isn’t just a closet full of nice clothes—it’s a collection of intentional pieces that work well together, fit beautifully, and reflect who you are. When your wardrobe feels cohesive, getting dressed becomes effortless, and your appearance consistently communicates the message you want to send.
Why Signature Style Matters for Women Lawyers
For women attorneys, decision fatigue is real. Estelle points out that lawyers make countless decisions all day long. The last thing they need is to waste energy each morning deciding what to wear. A clear signature style solves that problem.
When every piece in your closet works together, getting dressed takes minutes instead of mental strain. “It’s about simplifying your morning and focusing your energy on what matters most,” Estelle explains. The result is more confidence, more time, and less stress before the workday even begins.
What Makes Up a Signature Style
A signature style goes beyond clothing—it’s an entire vibe. Estelle notes that your signature look includes your accessories, colors, and personal touches that make you memorable. For her, statement earrings are part of that identity. For others, it might be bold glasses, a favorite blazer, or a distinctive color palette.
When worn consistently, these elements create recognition and trust. “At conferences or client meetings, you stand out instead of blending into a sea of black, gray, and navy,” she says. “It’s about letting your personality show through your wardrobe.”
How to Identify Your Personal Style
Most people already have hints of what their style looks like—they just haven’t connected the dots. Estelle encourages women to notice what outfits they reach for on tough days or big presentation days. Those go-to pieces often reflect their authentic style.
To help women lawyers discover their own direction, Estelle created a free Style Quiz designed specifically for female attorneys. It gives users a starting point to identify colors, silhouettes, and themes that fit their lifestyle and help them feel confident and aligned.
Building a Wardrobe That Supports Your Life
Estelle emphasizes that your wardrobe should match your lifestyle—not random events. Many women, she says, shop only when something comes up, like a wedding or party. That leads to closets filled with “event clothes” but nothing practical for daily wear.
When building a signature wardrobe, Estelle encourages women to first identify what they actually need. For lawyers, that often means business casual pieces, a few polished looks for speaking engagements or trials, and relaxed but put-together weekend outfits. The goal is a wardrobe that supports real life—not one built on impulse shopping.
A Real-Life Transformation
Estelle recalls a client named Adrienne, an in-house attorney who had fallen into a style rut. Adrienne had started avoiding social and networking events because she didn’t like how she looked or felt in her clothes.
After working with Estelle to develop her signature style—filled with bold colors, statement accessories, and flattering silhouettes—Adrienne’s confidence returned. “She’s now the life of the party,” Estelle says. “She walks into a room and radiates energy. That’s what happens when your wardrobe matches your true personality.”
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
Estelle advises starting small. Find one outfit that truly makes you feel powerful and confident. Take a photo of it and save it on your phone. When you’re in a rush or not feeling your best, you can easily recreate that look and show up as your most polished self.
Once you identify what lights you up, build more outfits around that feeling. The more your wardrobe reflects your authentic self, the more naturally you’ll exude confidence and authority.
Final Thoughts
A signature style is more than fashion—it’s strategy. For women in law and leadership, it’s about clarity, confidence, and credibility. Estelle Winsett helps women attorneys simplify their wardrobes so they can focus less on what to wear and more on showing up as their best selves.
To explore your own signature style, visit estellewinsett.com and take the Style Quiz to start defining the look that aligns with your power, purpose, and personality.
