A professional look is important in today’s society because this means getting the respect of many people. This also helps you speed up the expansion of your network because more people will take you seriously.
It’s all about looking presentable, clean, and trustworthy when you look like a professional. This is especially true if you’re working in a company or office where you meet different kinds of people who are also professionals and entrepreneurs in their own right.
But how do you do this? And is there a way to look professional without spending too much and exerting exhaustive efforts?
Well, that’s what this article is about, because here, we’ll teach you how to look professional in a smart way.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
One of the first things you should do is to maintain proper hygiene. This is very important because if you want to look professional, then you shouldn’t smell bad and look dirty.
Before going to the office, make sure that you’ve taken a bath. And not just simply taking a bath! You also need to use a facial wash, proper shampoo, and body wash to make the most out of your bathing time.
Also brush your teeth properly, at least around 2 to 3 minutes. Dentists Kissimmee recommends flossing as well. Also, apply deodorant. This might sound very basic, obvious, and elementary, but it’s what many people fail to do especially if they’re already very busy with their work.
Maintaining proper hygiene is the basic core thing you need to do for you to maintain a professional look.
Wear Formal Outfits for a Professional Look
Another nice way to get that professional look is to wear formal outfits. This may vary from culture, place, and workplace preference. But wearing formal outfits is a sound way to be as professional as you can get.
There are many different variations to this. But some of the most common ways is to wear a long-sleeve polo shirt and couple it with a necktie and some black slacks.
Make sure that your necktie compliments the color of your polo. This means that it should contrast. For example, if you have white tops, then wear a necktie that has a dark shade to it, such as black, gray, brown, or something else that’s dark.
On the other hand, if you’re wearing a black top, then wear a necktie that’s light such as white, beige, or silver.
Slacks should always be black and wear leather shoes. Don’t match your outfit with a pair of rubber shoes or sneakers. You think it looks nice and cool, but it doesn’t, especially if you are attending a board meeting or going to the office for a full day of work.
Talk Smart for a Professional Look
You don’t just look professional, but you also need to talk professionally. This means that you should talk formally. This means getting rid of slang, unnecessary and basic topics, as well as using very cheesy words to sway potential clients or customers.
Talk smart and use specific words or terminologies that are specific to your industry. Never stutter. If you think you’re not that confident, then don’t be!
Take a deep breath before you engage in a dialogue, and think that you’re an alpha male or alpha woman even if you know that you’re not. It might sound weird, but this is very effective most of the time.
Put your chin up and do your best to talk in a calm but meaningful way. Go straight to the point, but make sure that you do some kind of introduction.
Ask politely and don’t be too fast when talking. You need to also be courteous and willing to listen to the response of the person you’re talking to.
Dress Accordingly
Dressing accordingly means that you should wear an outfit that fits the occasion, event, or place you’re going to. If you’re going to the office, then wear your uniform if there’s any. Don’t play with your outfit and try to stand out from the rest.
A company that has a uniform means that they want their employees to look the same and as professional as possible. Meanwhile, if you’ll go to a cocktail party for a business meeting or some sort, then that’s the time you can play with your attire.
You can have black polo and couple it with a white jacket. Or if you’re going to a winter outing with your officemates or co-workers, then it’d be wise to wear a puffer jacket.
These might be common for most adventurers, but it’ll surely make you look professional and smart because you’re thinking about the place you’re going to and you’re dressing accordingly.
There are a lot of options out there, but Fangyuan puffer jackets are a great choice you might want to consider. They’re durable, trendy, and very affordable, compared to other brands. Also wear a face mask if you’ll meet with many people in a closed and air conditioned room.
This is important because the threat of COVID is still very real, and wearing a face mask in events like this will surely make you look professional because you’re also thinking of others’ welfare.
Wear the Right Size
Wear the right size and don’t wear something too big or loose on you. You surely don’t want to look like a lousy hip-hop rapper, right?
Meanwhile, you also should not wear something very tight on you. You might think that it’s the trend these days, but you’ll just look like a wannabee pop icon or artist. Wear tops or slacks that are your right fit so there won’t be any crumpled edges or unnecessary folds.
Professional Look: Conclusion
Follow all of the tips above and you’ll surely look professional in the eyes of the people you’ll mingle with. Aside from those, it’d also be helpful to always bring a hand sanitizer with you. It’s a smart way to look professional in the most effortless way possible.
You can always put it on your leather sling bag or clip it in your pocket. This shows that you practice proper hygiene and that you are cautious about health and proper cleanliness.
So what are you waiting for? Go out there, follow our tips, and you’ll surely be off to a good start with your co-workers, boss, investors, or anyone you want to look professional to.
