How do you approach style? We know that style means different things to different people – it’s a deeply personal journey. Our exploration of the 16 style types has helped us to identify the style drivers for each. Each of the 16 style types approaches their style journey differently. In this article we’re going to discuss the Standout Stylist, ENTJ: The Style Powerhouse.

Key Concepts Before We Begin

Here at 16 Style Types we differentiate between style essence and style expression, and our focus is on style essence. Which is why you won’t find any specific style advice on your style expression in this article such as which colors, silhouettes, styles of clothing, brands and so on will suit you – and that’s because your style essence doesn’t determine or even indicate what those elements of style expression might be.

Women with the same Style Type, for a variety of important reasons, may not find the same kinds of clothing suit them. What they will have in common, though, are similar ways of acquiring trusted information, evaluating options, making choices, and experiencing style in significant ways, which are the concepts we focus on in this article.

Any images in this post are to act solely as possible interpretations of the spirit of this Style Type, (not as a literal example of what this Style Type may wear, might suit them or what they may choose to wear, and certainly not as a recommendation of what they should be wearing). The images exist only to illustrate and illuminate, not mandate or dictate.

The articles are also published in their Style Type pairs showcasing images which may serve to illustrate the differences (again in essence) in those pairs – so here that means ENTJ with INTJ.

The Standout Stylist, ENTJ: The Style Powerhouse

For many ENTJs, style is their personal brand, it is part of who they are – not something they put on. Style is the way they are, and ENTJs generally know when their style and personality are (and are not) aligned. When style works there is a flow to it, their style is confident, professional, dynamic, a bit edgy. It has presence.

“I love brainstorming and talking about a problem which helps me to think, consider options, and alternatives but it drives the Introverts nuts, so I try to tone it down. And while I do tone down my personality, I rarely tone down my clothing choices. While I may choose a more ‘corporate’ outfit sometimes, it’s never softer…. more often it’s with a more neutral color combo rather than the high color contrast outfits that I typically choose. While I want to look stylish, I must ALWAYS appear confident and competent”.

ENTJs are decisive and strong-willed. Often boldly striking a path where others may merely look on with wonder, ENTJs are quick to spot flaws in any system and adept at pointing them out. Challenges are there to be conquered, complexities are there to be simplified, and actions are there to be executed. Assertive and logical, ENTJs are great at taking charge, mobilizing people and resources and inspiring others with their persuasive presence.

Strategies for ENTJs to find their style

Here are seven proven strategies for ENTJs executing their style.

Get on board

For ENTJs, finding their style is often easy – they are on board with the idea that style communicates something significant, that image matters and that how they present themselves changes how they are perceived.  Having surmounted any possible obstacles on a conceptual level, ENTJs get on with creating a style pathway that suits them perfectly – bold, brilliant, powerful.

Visualize desired style impact

ENTJs have a wonderful capacity to long-range plan and can envision their ideal style solutions. The stylish ENTJ is encouraged to identify her most treasured style principles and compose a style statement she can use for best effect to create the results she desires. This will energize her to make important style decisions and act confidently in the direction of her style dreams.

Identify and use a system

Stylish ENTJs often want an efficient, proven style system or set of rules they can adopt, quickly and with some power and/or panache. They usually value and will actively seek the input of a trusted style adviser with a proven track record, who can help them develop their polished style with ease and little fuss.

ENTJs don’t have the time and inclination to learn all the details themselves, they will co-opt in expertise when it’s needed. It’s simply more efficient that way!

Get it right – then forget it

Many ENTJs report that they don’t notice their clothing that much when they have put in the requisite time, resources and attention to get it right up-front – once they know it’s right, they forget about it and focus on other things.

You’re in charge

ENTJs are at their best when taking the lead and this is such an asset when defining and executing a style approach that is custom made for her. ENTJs are encouraged to have their style end goals in mind then work backwards to execute those style goals effectively and efficiently.

If there are style problems to be overcome, this is also an excellent time to succinctly define those challenges and identify a logical plan to address them. ENTJs are great at delegating tasks they personally do not need to be involved in the doing part – and style is no exception.  This is where style experts in various fields come to the fore, bringing the ENTJ the information and expertise she needs to get it done.

Embrace the impact

Stylish ENTJs know that style and image are very important and say a lot about self-care and impact: they want to look how they feel on the inside, this isn’t a costume or even a game. Style matters!

Some ENTJs report they can spot other ENTJs by their take-charge attitude, their style is about overall presence and impact, not just what they’re wearing.

Use criticism to improve

The turning point for some ENTJs on their style journey is often receiving constructive criticism that their style is stuck in some significant way, holding them back.  Getting in the way of a determined, focused ENTJ is never recommended, and this is often the place where the ENTJ faces a fork in the style road.

If she also receives feedback that her image is always communicating something, including those times when she may be overpowering or intimidating others (however unintentionally), the ENTJ is equipped with powerful data to make important changes in her style.

Summing up ENTJ style

The stylish ENTJ has a commanding presence that others notice and respond to. Using her power for good, the stylish ENTJ uses her standout, powerhouse style to positively persuade.

In the style blueprint (part of the ENTJ Style Report which you receive when you discover your style type), we describe four stages an ENTJ is likely to go through as she explores and discovers for herself what style is, and means, to her – a powerful tool to the standout stylist, the ENTJ defining her powerhouse style.