Intentional Style, Confidence & Modern Identity: A Conversation with Tania Tonello

In a time where personal branding, confidence, visibility, and self-expression are becoming increasingly interconnected, conversations around personal style are evolving far beyond fashion alone.

For this edition of IKONIK Conversations, Oyéta Kokoroko sat down with fashion stylist, media personality & colour analyst Tania Tonello following a founder gathering hosted by publicist Jenn Wint and jewellery designer Leah Yard in Vancouver.

Together, they explored the growing cultural shift around intentional presentation, confidence, colour analysis, personal identity, and the emotional relationship people have with the way they show up in the world.

From style psychology to modern visibility, the conversation reflected a growing desire for more thoughtful, authentic, and empowering approaches to personal image.

1. You’ve worked across media, styling, and fashion for years — what initially drew you into this world?

Tania Tonello: I’m actually the youngest of three daughters, so growing up, I was always playing in my sisters’ wardrobes and my mother’s closet. Fashion and style have always been important to me in terms of helping me feel elevated and confident.

The style aspect came very naturally to me, and when I started helping family and friends when I was younger — and seeing the impact it had on how women felt about themselves — I realised this was something I truly loved.

At the time, it felt like a dream to do this professionally, and now, honestly, I feel very grateful that I get to live that dream.

I’ve had many careers, so to finally be in a space where my talents and passions align — while helping women feel their best — really feels like a blessing.

2. Why do you think conversations around colour analysis and personal style are resonating so strongly right now?

Tania Tonello: I think people are becoming much more intentional with their wardrobes and personal presentation, and colour is such a key part of that.

Instead of shopping impulsively or buying something simply because it’s on sale, people want guidance. Once someone understands their best colours, they can shop with much more clarity and intention rather than making purchases they later regret.

I also think colour analysis has become much more accessible. It was very popular in the 1980s, and now we’re seeing a resurgence. There are more professionals offering it, which is wonderful because it allows more people to experience and benefit from it.

3. When working with clients, how do you approach colour styling and analysis?

Tania Tonello: The process is very customizable. I was certified through the International Image Institute and work with the 16-season colour analysis system.

The first step is identifying whether someone has a warm or cool undertone — that underlying tone beneath the surface of the skin that generally stays consistent throughout adulthood.

From there, I identify their “home season” — Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter — and then narrow down their sub-season by draping different colour palettes and observing which colours make them appear the most vibrant and harmonious.

The goal is to find colours that complement someone’s natural eye colour, hair colour, and skin tone. When the right colours are used, the effect can be transformative.

Honestly, it’s such a fun process. Sometimes I joke that I feel like a magician because the visual difference can be incredible. Certain colours can wash someone out completely, while others instantly brighten their complexion and energy.

Watching clients experience that transformation in real time is always exciting.

4. What’s one thing people could start doing immediately to feel more confident in the way they present themselves?

Tania Tonello: One of the best places to start is with a closet edit.

Go through your wardrobe and begin releasing pieces that no longer make you feel good — whether the fit no longer works, the style feels outdated, or the item simply no longer reflects who you are.

We often hold onto things out of habit or comfort, but every morning we’re faced with those same pieces that don’t serve us anymore. That energy affects how we begin our day.

When your closet only contains pieces that make you feel confident and aligned, getting dressed becomes a much more positive and empowering experience.

That’s actually one of my favourite services to offer because it helps people reconnect with themselves in a very tangible way.

5. A lot of people assume personal styling is only for celebrities or luxury clients. What do you wish more people understood about it?

Tania Tonello: I truly believe styling and colour analysis are for everyone.

Of course, everyone has different budgets, and every stylist has different rates and approaches, but the important thing is understanding that this kind of support is accessible.

I also encourage people to think about styling as an investment rather than simply a luxury service. A good stylist isn’t just telling you what to wear — they’re helping educate you on what suits your body, your colouring, your lifestyle, and how to shop more intentionally moving forward.

That knowledge stays with you for life.

So beyond the styling itself, there’s also an educational aspect that can positively impact someone’s confidence and purchasing decisions long-term.

6. You often speak about style as a form of confidence and self-expression. How much can clothing and colour affect how people feel?

Tania Tonello: It can have a huge impact.

The fit, the colour, and the style of clothing all influence how we feel when we walk into a room. When someone feels authentic and aligned in what they’re wearing, confidence naturally comes through.

At the same time, I do encourage clients to step slightly outside their comfort zones. I always want someone to feel like themselves, but sometimes we become too comfortable or stuck in a style rut.

Keeping things fresh while still staying authentic is important.

Ultimately, when clothing genuinely reflects who we are and makes us feel good, it changes the way we carry ourselves.

7. Do you think people are becoming more intentional again about personal image and presentation?

Tania Tonello: I think part of that shift came from the pandemic. During that time, many of us spent hours looking at ourselves on Zoom screens, which naturally increased self-awareness around image and presentation.

At the same time, we also became very used to casual and comfortable clothing while working from home.

Now that more people are returning to public-facing environments and workplaces, there’s renewed interest in personal presentation and investing in image again.

People are realising that how they present themselves can influence not only confidence, but also opportunities and how they move through the world.

8. What’s next for you?

Tania Tonello:I absolutely love travel, so I’m very excited to currently be in Vancouver visiting from Toronto.

Looking ahead, I would love to merge travel and work more intentionally, continue creating content, expand my presence across Canada internationally, and continue building meaningful relationships in new cities.

Events like this are so valuable because while social media allows us to connect online, there’s nothing quite like meeting people in person and building genuine relationships face-to-face.

I’m very grateful to Leah and Jenn for hosting this event and bringing everyone together.

And honestly, the dream is eventually a bi-coastal life.