How Enclothed Cognition Transformed My Identity After Service

Me and my Army sister in arms, Dr. Traci Eisenberg-Rayburn attending a Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce Women's Professional Network event.

Let’s talk about power.

Not just the kind that commands a room, but the kind that starts with the thread on your back, the shoes on your feet, the way your reflection speaks to your soul.

There’s a term for that kind of power: enclothed cognition.

It’s not just fashion psychology; it’s identity work. It’s the phenomenon that what we wear doesn’t just change how others see us...it changes how we see ourselves. It sharpens our thinking, shifts our mood, and elevates our behavior.

And Queen, it works. Here's what it gave me...benefits I want every woman veteran and professional powerhouse to own too:

Boosted confidence: When you put on clothing that aligns with your highest self, your self-esteem rises to meet it. You don't just look like a leader...you feel like one.

Mental clarity: Wearing something intentional helps set the tone for your day. It signals to your brain that you are here to show up, not shrink.

Emotional empowerment: The right clothes don't just fit your body—they hug your story. They remind you of who you are and who you’re becoming.

Enhanced performance: Whether you're leading a team or launching a business, when you dress the part, your behavior aligns to match the energy. Your posture shifts. Your presence multiplies.

Alignment with purpose: Style becomes your brand's visual voice. Every color, every texture, every accessory speaks on your behalf before you ever say a word.

I’ve worn some distinct uniforms in my lifetime. Each one reshaped how I moved through the world—and each one told a story of becoming.

The Camouflage.

Thirty years in the United States Air Force. The crisp edges of my ABUs. The weight of rank on my shoulders. That uniform wasn’t just fabric—it was function, discipline, and respect.

The moment I put it on, my mindset shifted. I wasn’t just Rochelle. I was Command Chief Master Sergeant Hemingway. A force. A leader. A protector.

In camo, I learned to lead under pressure, to speak with precision, and to walk into any room owning every inch of my space—even if I was the only woman in it.

But behind the salute, the service, and the steel boots… there was a woman wondering: What happens when I hang this uniform up? Who will I be then?

The Whites.

For the first 10 years of my military career as a medical technician, I wore white from head to toe; white hat, white stockings, white shoes. A uniform that demanded both gentleness and readiness. It symbolized care, cleanliness, and clarity.

But it also required perfection. It left no room for softness or spontaneity. That uniform was sacred… and sometimes suffocating.

Still, every time I dressed in white, I knew lives depended on me. That uniform carried a different kind of weight—one of service, healing, and humility.

Then Came Pink.

This shade didn’t come from a government-issued closet. It came from my soul.

After retiring from the military, I searched for my next identity. Not the title. Not the rank. The woman.

And she showed up in bold, unapologetic, radiant pink.

Now, I wear pink every day. Not as a trend, but as a statement.

Pink represents power and femininity. It honors every woman veteran who traded in combat boots for confidence. Every woman who's transitioning from command to clarity, from structure to self-expression.

Pink says, “I’ve served. I’ve sacrificed. And now, I SLAY.”

That’s enclothed cognition at its core.

When I wear pink, I lead differently. I speak differently. I dream differently.

I’m no longer trying to fit into a uniform. I’m building a personal brand that reflects every part of me; leader, mother, veteran, speaker, SLAY Queen.

So to every woman wondering what to wear in your next chapter?

Don’t dress for where you’ve been. Dress for who you’re becoming.

Choose clothes that affirm your brilliance, whisper confidence into your spirit, and shout to the world: “She owns the room!”

Because whether you’re in camo, a lab coat, or a fuchsia power suit—your clothes are a mirror to your mind.

From camouflage to white to warrior pink… my closet has always told my story.

Now, queen, it’s your turn. What story is your style telling?

Book your 1:1 Personal Brand Consulting Session and let’s upgrade your image, energy, and influence—so you can walk into any room knowing you BELONG there.

📅 Schedule your session now → SLAY To Success®️

2. And if you're looking for that first bold step to reignite your wardrobe and message?

💥 Grab your SLAY To Success®️ Personal Brand Wardrobe Playbook for Women Veterans

This downloadable guide is your secret weapon to look like the woman are evolving into—starting today.

🎯 Download it here → https://artisanal-thinker-2258.kit.com/products/www.canva.com/design/dagg

3. Want to find out more information on how to pivot and pressure with a memorable personal brand during these uncertain times, join us at the FREE Personal Brand Masterclasss | Pivot & Prosper! Position Your Personal Brand For Success During Uncertainty | SLAY To Success

📅April 23rd at 12 pm EST

So… what’s the vibe you’re walking into your next chapter with, Queen? ✨

Play small? Or show up unforgettable?

You already know the answer.

Now let’s make them remember your name.

Keep on SLAYin' until you can't SLAY no more🔥

Your Personal Brand Expert,

Rochelle "SLAY Queen" Hemingway