Photo by Rebrand Cities
You may have read a recent post on this site about 10 style tips that instantly make you look younger, and it received a lot of positive attention. It seems many of you enjoy this style of post and are keen for more style tips that alter your look in a particular direction. That’s why today’s post follows a similar line of thinking, only with professionalism as the goal. Perhaps you want to put your best impression forward at a job interview or maybe you want to look smarter and convey a sense of professionalism at work. Whatever the case, here are some tips to follow:
1. Wear Glasses
There’s this weird psychology around glasses that makes us look more professional to everyone else. People see your glasses and immediately associate them with smartness. Women have loads of glasses styles to choose from, but we’re seeing a bigger increase in men’s glasses frames as well. If you need glasses for vision, then try wearing them instead of contacts. And even if you don’t need them, who’s going to know if you have some nice frames with non-prescription lenses?
2. Don’t Go Overboard With Other Accessories
To be honest, glasses will be one of the only accessories you need for a professional look. It’s definitely a “less is more” case with this style direction. Don’t wear oodles of jewellery, a massive belt and a bag that demands attention. Stick to maybe a subtle ring or two, possibly some very simple earrings. Sometimes it feels like men get away with appearing more professional because they don’t really accessorise that much. It’s a good mantra to follow!
Photo by Christina Morillo
3. Invest In Quality Clothing
We all love cheap finds, but if professionalism is the name of the game, you need to invest in quality clothing. (Hint: This helps with the fourth tip on the list, too). You genuinely notice the difference when someone’s wearing quality clothes, especially in a professional setting. There’s something about the way it sits on your body and the general feel of the clothing that amplifies a professional look. Branding definitely comes into it as well – if people notice you’re wearing a designer brand, then they immediately raise their estimation of you.
4. Make Sure Your Clothes Fit Properly
It was hinted at above, but a big reason to buy quality clothing is that it fits you better. You can’t look professional if you walk around with trousers that display your ankles or a blouse that hangs way too loose. The same goes for men – and to be fair, they’re actually more guilty of this than women. If you’re a man, then please go for a proper suit fitting. Too many guys will walk around with tight trousers or a blazer that just does not fit their proportions at all. Get measured and learn how to buy clothes that genuinely fit well.
5. Pay Attention To Grooming
We’re talking about style tips here, which means it’s not all about the clothes you wear. What you do with the rest of your appearance plays into your image – and this means you must prioritise grooming.
Right off the bat, always ensure that you:
- Are freshly showered before putting your clothes on
- Have neat hair (and facial hair for the men reading this)
- Groom your nails so they’re not too long, obviously bitten, or have visible dirt under them
- Perform a morning skincare routine before heading out
These basic grooming tips make you look more put-together and professional. The final one is a biggun; your skincare routine can almost wake up your face and make you look less tired. You seem more visibly alert (and alive), which has a strong impression on people.
6. Opt For Subtle Makeup
If you wear makeup, make it subtle.
Some of you will hate that because you love going overboard and displaying your artistic talents. The sorry state of the world is that people will associate loads of makeup with a lack of professionalism. It completely sucks, but if you want people to look at you and feel as though you exude an aura, then go for a subtle look.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
7. Always Keep Your Clothes Wrinkle-Free
Rocking up to any professional setting with wrinkled clothing is a recipe for disaster. It makes it look like you don’t care about your appearance, which alters the way people perceive you. It’s hard to come across as professional when it appears you can’t be bothered to iron or steam your clothes.
Get into the habit of ironing clothes or steaming them to get the wrinkles out. Do this the night before and place your clothes on hangers to avoid creases. It soon becomes part of your routine so feels like less effort – and you’ll instantly feel more professional when you put them on, which is all part of looking more professional.
8. Get A Few Pairs Of Professional Shoes
Shoes can make or break your appearance, especially when you’re aiming for professionalism. You could have an amazing outfit with designer clothing, but if you complete it with what looks like a pair of old school shoes, then it’s game over. You need proper, professional shoes that amplify your look and make you look like a boss. Again, invest in good brands here because the materials look better and they should last longer. It’s not just about looks; the sound of your shoes matters, too. There’s something about the sound of firm shoes on a hard floor that sends shivers down people’s spines and makes them think that a boss is coming. If you want to convey this image of power and professionalism, you need the right shoes!
There are many reasons you may want to look professional and these eight style tips will get you there in no time. It’s mainly about going the extra mile and spending good money on quality clothes that fit you well. Then it’s a case of looking after both your appearance and the clothing to bring the whole look together. If you had to come away from this with one simple phrase to know how to look professional, it would be this: less is always more.
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