As a professional or business owner, you know people make a snap judgment about
you in the first 30 seconds they meet you. No, it’s not necessarily fair to
judge a book by its cover, but it is the reality. Below are some tried and true
simple things you can do to ensure your professional image works for you and not
against you:
1 - Neatness counts!
Make sure your clothes are neat and tidy, have all their buttons, and don’t have
stains. Ensure your clothes are pressed so it doesn’t appear as though you’ve
just rolled out of bed.

2 - Shop Fit NOT Size
Even the most expensive clothes can create a poor first impression if they don’t
fit properly. The average person should have 2 – 3 different sizes in their
closet at any one time. No, I’m not talking about your “fat” or “thin” clothes.
Each manufacturer cuts their garments differently than the next. Expensive
designers also use the trick of cutting their clothes bigger so that the average
sized person wears a smaller size in their garment. Make certain to purchase clothes that
don’t pull at the pants pockets or around the waistline. If you are petite,
expect to have most of your pants and jacket sleeves altered. It’s worth the
investment!

3 - Designers Not Necessary
It isn’t necessary to wear all designer duds to look make a great impression. A
moderately priced suit in a wool or gabardine blend can look “expensive” if
properly accessorized. Grow your wardrobe by choosing key classic pieces. Men,
put your money into your ties. A less expensive suit with a more expensive,
sharp tie looks great. Ladies, invest in a year-round weight suit or separates
for easy mix and match. Refined fabrics are best. Skip the machine washable
suits! Pair your suit with a great broach or scarf to show off your
personality.

4 - These Boots Are Made For More Than Walking
There’s nothing worse than seeing a sharply dressed professional and then
getting to the bottom of the look to see tattered shoes. Guys shine ‘em and make sure your belts match. Ladies, make sure your shoes are in good
repair and replace the heels (or the shoes) if needed, don’t walk around on
nails. It’s unattractive AND dangerous (I know!). The other area many women
miss is hosiery. You want to wear hose that are the same color value or darker
than your skirt and shoes. A good rule to follow is 2 of the 3 (hemline, hose,
and shoes) need to match. That said; don’t walk out the door wearing a red
skirt, nude hose and black shoes.

5 - Business Casual Doesn’t Equal Sloppy
Today many businesses have adopted a “Business Casual” dress code. If you are
meeting clients at their site, you don’t want to be too over dressed or look
sloppy. A sharp pantsuit for the ladies or dress pants with a casual shirt and
blazer for men are great choices. If you are meeting in an even more casual
environment (on the golf course perhaps) make sure your pants are crisply
pressed and you have on a shirt with a collar. A belt and nice casual shoes
(vs. tennis shoes) help pull the outfit together for a more “finished look”.

6 - The Eyes Have It!
When a person looks you in the eyes you can tell they’re sincere. That’s why
it’s important that you make it easy for your clients to look YOU in the eyes.
Don’t wear loud patterns or overpowering colors. Choose colors and shades that
best compliment your skin tone. If you’re not sure what those are, find a
professional who can help you (contact me if you need a good referral).
Everything you wear should help bring the attention to your face, not draw
people towards looking at your belt buckle or chunky necklace.

7 - Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Hair trends come and go and if you are a hair stylist, your style should reflect
that. Otherwise, choose a style that compliments your face shape and fits into
your lifestyle. If you are a guy who is “folically challenged”, whatever you do
DON’T comb it over. Embrace your extra forehead and the fact that many guys
willingly shave their heads as a fashion statement. You’re in and don’t even know it. Men also need to be weary of excess facial hair and the
unibrow. While there is a lot of talk about “metrosexuals” and men looking too
feminine, no one wants to look at a caterpillar above your eyes. Find a salon
(yes I said a salon) and have your brows “cleaned up”. You won’t walk out with
pencil shaped brows looking like a woman, I promise you. The same goes for you
ladies. Keep your brows neat as well.

8 - Lastly, Let Your Personality Show
We are all unique individuals. Let that show through your style. Don’t dress
like a conservative accountant if you are the Managing Director of a dance
troupe. It’s important to look professional, but you also need to “look the
part”.