Appearances Are Important: How to Create the Right Impression As a Businessperson

Sophia Belnap

When you’re starting work as a professional, it’s important to look the part. You want your appearance to make a positive impression on your clients. Here are a few pointers on how to look well-put together.

Dress Professionally

When you’re arriving somewhere to meet a client, you can look the part of a professional with these ideas about your wardrobe. First, look like you’re ready to do business and not like you’re out running an errand. Second, your clothes don’t have to be expensive, and in fact, you should avoid overpriced designer labels that can look like you’re trying to be trendy. Moreover, you certainly don’t want to project the image of someone who spends frivolously. Your clothes should be in good condition, and they should fit you well. You shouldn’t wear an outfit that is uncomfortable, too tight, or too revealing. Ultimately, your clothes should make you feel comfortable and confident.  

Wear Smart Shoes

If you’re wearing shoes that obviously hurt your feet or make walking difficult, you won’t look smart or competent. Wear sensible shoes that are meant for walking around all day. You should avoid wearing overly casual footwear like tennis shoes or open toed sandals. Choose shoes that make you look like a busy and successful professional with things to do and places to go. Let your shoes show your clients that you’re intelligent, confident, and able to work hard on their behalf.

Choose Eye-Catching But Elegant Accessories

When you put on accessories to complement an outfit, you should make smart and classic choices. You want to look classy, not gaudy. Avoid heavy and thick yellow gold, and don’t wear lots of jewelry to show off. For example, rose gold watches for women, necklaces with delicate chains, and bright but modest sized gems will showcase your distinctive yet refined style.

Let Your Phone Reflect Your Organizational Skills

A phone is a businessperson’s most important and most frequently used tool. You should have a stylish but functional case. If you use custom ringtones and notification sounds, they should be classic and professional sounding, not songs or funny noises. Any apps that you use for fun should have notifications silenced while you’re working. You should have all of your professional contacts saved so you can have ready access to them when you need them; a client shouldn’t see you looking through emails or other agency’s websites when you need to make a call.

Carry a Functional and Professional Looking Bag

Professional workers have a lot to keep organized, especially keys. You should carry a bag that helps you keep things in order and able to pull out the things that you need easily. You should never carry a bag that’s so small that you have items sticking out of it. Typically, a bag should be a neutral color so it matches well with several outfits. However, it’s okay to have a bold colored bag to brighten up an otherwise plain colored outfit. Don’t spend your hard-earned money trying to impress people with a fancy designer name; an exorbitantly priced designer bag can make you appear flakey or unprofessional.

Roll Up Looking Right

When you’re a businessperson, you want to arrive to meet clients in a car that’s relatively new, very clean, and well-cared for. If you arrive in an overpriced designer sports car, you may send the wrong message. Some people think that an overpriced luxury vehicle will make them look successful, but the average client may not interpret it positively. Clients want to work with somebody who knows a good value and spends smartly. Moreover, they want to work with somebody who seems trustworthy and avoid working with somebody who creates the impression that she takes advantage of clients financially. You want to drive a fuel-efficient commuter car that makes you look like you make smart and practical decisions.