Etiquette Today: Professional Appearance
While office attire may be a vague term these days, these tips for honing your professional appearance will never go out of style
Professional Appearance
Our appearance (including hygiene and personal grooming) communicates to others that we are taking care of ourselves, that we are conscious of how we present ourselves to the world around us, and that we understand the difference between an event, our home, and a workday versus an off-work day. We signal with our appearance how ready we are to be in a space, with others, working toward a particular goal. Our professional appearance should facilitate work getting done and not be a distraction from work. We know we’ve missed the mark if others are so focused on an aspect of our appearance that is under our control that they aren’t focused on the pitch we just made, the great idea we shared or the question we asked.
Things to consider when it comes to your appearance:
● Cleanliness of your skin, especially your hands and face.
● Cleanliness of your hair. The style is less of a concern than that hair (or baldness) should be clean and intentionally managed. Odor-free is important.
● Your personal aroma. Whether your self-assessment results in noticing that you have a strong, neutral, or pleasant aroma, your goal is to have a neutral scent. Pleasantness is a good second goal. But it is very important to know that strong perfumes, colognes, and body sprays can irritate and even sicken those around you. Be very sparing in your use of scent.
● Your clothing should reflect the occasion. It’s important to respect the occasion you are dressing for, whether that’s a normal day at work, a work event, or dinner out with the boss and a client. Remember, the fit and condition impact your overall appearance as well.
● Your accessories, such as makeup, jewelry, or wearable tech, should be styled and worn to enhance your overall image without distracting or making you stand out too much.
● Body art can be deeply meaningful to us and is part of the overall impression that we create with others. Clearly, this is not something you can alter day to day, so be prepared to refocus attention on work.
A note on judging appearance
For all that we talk about how the way you present yourself will create an impression, and that we want to be aware—especially in business—of the impression we make, it’s still never in good taste to judge someone else solely on their appearance. And it is unwise.
Worse yet, mocking or negatively commenting on anyone’s voice, actions, or appearance is a surefire way to make a lasting negative impression. Microaggressions such as eye rolls, silent judgments, condescension, bemused or shocked looks shot behind someone’s back, or fake compliments—all of these are rude and far from the behavior of any polite business professional.
In business, those actions can be grounds for dismissal. We often think about business as a place where we must be tough and take what comes our way. However, harassment is not tolerated in the business world. The appearance you should pay such attention to is your own.
What do you wear to work these days? Does it differ if you’re meeting clients or business associates outside your company? Tell us in the comments; if you can’t post here, share your thoughts on our Monday Podcast delivery, which is open to all.
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2 words come to mind when I think of what I wear for work. These are conservative and comfort. Comfort usually means flats for shoes ( I love my Vivaia shoes) and keeping myself at a good office temperature ( maybe an office sweater). Conservative means skirts will be at my knee or lower or I’ll wear long pants and a nicer top to go with it. I often accessorize with earrings and/or a necklace .
I would agree that business dress doesn’t mean today what it did 5 years ago let alone 20 or 30 years ago. While everything said here is a *wonderful* reminder for us all, I think focusing more on not judging people in business based on appearance is the more sound etiquette. Not everyone has $2,000 to drop on a bespoke suit. Some people may be experiencing life difficulties with housing and not able to shower every single day. Focusing on attitude and willingness instead of appearance will make you stand out in business — as employee or employer.
As long as I can tell you did your best today, I’m good. I know if it isn’t your best, you already know and don’t need me to say anything.
Interview tip: Not sure how to dress for an interview? Look at company headshots or current employee LinkedIn profile photos. You can take your cues from how the company or employees present themselves.
Hiring tip: Never look any applicant up and down. Ever. How they dress does *not* change their work ethic. You can figure out if they’re a possible good employee or not from manner, but not from attire.
[Seasoned accountant and HR pro here. Just my thoughts for the world-wide etiquette team. 😃]