Can you believe we’ve made it to summer?
Finishing up the Kentucky Derby, having graduation, and checking off the last client event of the spring term for The Bird’s Nest means one thing:
Summer is officially here.
However, that does not mean things slow down, but they shift a bit. Summer break is not really a “break” for professors per say - it’s more like, okay - you have time to work on these research projects, books, conference talks, and keynotes.
With that being said, it is important to have balance and practice good self care. Whether you're gearing up for some well-deserved downtime or diving into exciting projects, this is the season to set your sights on new goals, revamp your brand, and maybe even elevate your style.
This is the time where you can reset and set some goals to finish the year off strong, but also have plans for what you want to accomplish for the next academic year.
Let’s have a KareFre conversation!
Summer Style Refresh: Fashion for the Confident You
It’s time to lighten up, but not just with your schedule—let’s talk fashion. Summer is all about brightening up your wardrobe, mixing in bold colors, and maybe swapping out the heavy layers for sleek, breezy pieces that still scream sophistication.
From street style to professional looks, there’s something about this time of year that calls for a fashion reset.
I’ve tried to do this for the last year myself. I have lost a little over 80+ lbs in the last two years, and that means my closet needed to be updated as well.
What has been my go to? Surprisingly, Amazon. I have gotten both workout AND professional items online (which is always scary, I know!) but I was able to wear one of these purchases last week for the National Parkinson’s Institute Red Tulip Gala.
Here are some lessons and tips that have helped me:
Go for Versatility. Invest in pieces that can be dressed up or down. A simple blazer, a well-fitted pair of jeans, or a classic button-up shirt can go from the classroom to an office meeting with ease. DKNY blazers or jackets from Calvin Klein are my go to’s!
Quality versus quantity. Investing in a few high-quality staples (like a tailored jacket, quality shoes, or a versatile dress) will pay off in the long run, especially if you're juggling a busy schedule.
Have a statement piece that ties to personal brand. A statement accessory can elevate any outfit - like bags or shoes. Or something that does distinguish you from others. For me, it’s been long professional and tailored jackets. These are probably the biggest investment for me in terms of my wardrobe - but worth it!
Dress for comfort. Would you believe that most of my shoes I wear are either from Naturalizer or Dr. Scholl’s?! Do not discount these brands as they do have some fashionable AND comfortable items (and the are on Amazon!)! Invest in pairs that can take you through everything from presentations to casual lunch breaks.
Personal Branding in the Digital Age (Summer Edition)
Summer isn't just about taking a break to recharge for the upcoming year. It’s the perfect time to strategize and refine your personal brand. From a social media refresh to considering your future career moves, the key is staying authentic while showcasing your evolution.
The power of storytelling is never more crucial, and your brand should reflect where you’ve been and where you’re going. And yes, a summer brand update could be just what you need to set yourself apart for fall opportunities!
What can you do to grown and maintain your personal brand for the summer?
Create a series. You have several months where you can create a series on a given topic - experiment around and see what works for you and is something you can sustain!
Embrace creating diversity of content. Types of content could be something like behind-the-scenes content, casual Q&A sessions, or showing your summer projects can spark new conversations and help reinforce your personal story.
Embrace digital networking. This is the perfect time to invest in networking. Host a casual LinkedIn live session to talk about a topic you’re passionate about. Go to organized networking events in the community. Or, see if you can set up a regular dinner/coffee meet up with mentors or fellow professionals in the industry to chat about work and connect with others.
The Future of Social Media: Trends to Watch and how to prepare
Social media isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and as trends shift, it’s essential to stay ahead of the curve. From TikTok's increasing dominance to new features on Instagram and LinkedIn, there's a constant wave of opportunity for brand visibility. Summer is a great time to experiment with new platforms, re-evaluate your content strategy, and look at how AI can help streamline your messaging (without losing that personal touch).
What can you do for the summer to watch the trends and prepare?
Document and create. Start sharing your insights in posts and videos with trends and discuss your perspectives.
Take on additional certifications. News flash - learning does not stop after the term/semester is done! This is a perfect time to take advantage of free time (well, relatively speaking!) and take on some new certifications.
Be a student of the profession. Read articles, listen to podcasts, engage in conversations in the community, and much more. This is the perfect time to explore what you can do for the upcoming year.
Self-Care: Summer Edition—Because You Deserve It
It’s easy to overlook the need for self-care when there’s so much going on, but summer is the perfect time to refresh your mind, body, and soul. Whether it’s through physical activities (hello, morning runs or yoga), a little meditation, or simply taking a weekend getaway, remember to prioritize yourself. When you’re feeling your best, you show up stronger in everything you do.
Feedback and Comments
If you all have any feedback or suggestions for future newsletters, feel free to reach out to me with ideas, feature proposals, case studies, and more!
Thanks for having a KareFre Conversation!