4 ways to make yourself appear more professional

While it’s now becoming more common for workplaces to go down the casual route, there may be some occasions where you need to dress for success. Presentation and professionalism go hand in hand, so if you want people to take you seriously, you need to know how to put together the right outfit.

In this article, we’ll share some of the ways you can appear more professional and elevate your office style.

Build your confidence

Before we go into detail about the changes you can make to your appearance, it’s essential that you feel confident in your ability. Failure to do so will ruin all your hard work. While this isn’t always the easiest thing for some, aim to maintain good posture, smile, and talk slowly.

Building confidence can take time, so try to step out of your comfort zone as often as you can and practice working on these skills.

Follow the dress code

There’s no clear set of rules for what to wear in the workplace, especially when different employers require different attire. If you’re due to start a new job, read up on the company’s dress code policy and observe what others are wearing. This can serve as a useful foundation for your wardrobe.

This information isn’t always available however so may need to contact HR or your line manager for clarification. Regardless, it’s always safe to dress business casual, which generally consists of a shirt and trousers with smart shoes or a pencil skirt and blouse with flats.

Pay attention to the finer details

When trying to piece together a professional look, accessories like watches, bags, belts, and shoes make a world of difference. That’s not to say you should go overboard though – just keep things simple and sophisticated.

Choose either gold or silver jewellery and stick to this throughout the whole outfit. Your jewellery could include stud earrings, an understated pendant necklace, or a signet ring. If you’re not a fan of jewellery, you can instead look to wear a leather belt with a metal buckle or some signature cufflinks.

A watch is always a must for career-driven individuals but you must make sure to opt for a model with a clean dial, minimalistic design, and leather or metal strap. Of all luxury watch brands, Breitling is considered one of the best for professionals, appealing to both confident businesspeople and successful movers and shakers.

The power of personal grooming

Being professional isn’t just dependent on your personality and style but also on how you keep yourself neat and clean. Good grooming indicates that you respect yourself and others that you come into contact with.

Some basic guidelines for good grooming include ensuring your hair, skin, and nails are well maintained. This doesn’t mean you must see a hairdresser or nail technician regularly; just some at-home treatments will work fine. Also, consider applying some light perfume or aftershave, avoiding anything that is overpowering. And, of course, don't forget your teeth. According to this expert dentist in Vienna VA, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing every night, and rinsing with a mouthwash can already go a long way.