Your professional image is shaped by more than your career performance. It’s influenced by how polished your appearance is. Whether you’re vying for a promotion, trying to impress clients, or want to be taken more seriously at work, how you present yourself matters. The key to projecting the most put-together version of yourself is to be mindful of your fashion, grooming, and lifestyle habits. Here are 16 style habits that could do with a little upgrade.
1. Messy Overgrown Hairstyles
Your hair says everything about you before you even get the chance to open your mouth. Whether it’s greasy roots, an unkempt style, or just skipping haircuts, people will judge you for having messy hair. In order to look as professional and tidy as possible, maintain a regular hair care routine. This includes using products suited to your hair type, having regular trims every 6-8 weeks, and using styling products to keep strands in check.
2. Wrinkled Clothing
Showing up in wrinkled clothes is a surefire way to look unprofessional. You could be wearing the world’s most expensive and stylish outfit, but none of that matters if it’s wrinkled. It sends the message that you’re lazy and don’t care about how you look, which isn’t exactly the vibe you want to give off at work. Invest in a good steamer or iron, and take a few extra minutes to smooth out those creases before heading out the door.
3. Overpowering Perfume
A subtle scent can inject style and femininity into your outfit and give off a more empowered vibe. However, drowning yourself in perfume or cologne is a huge no-no. You don’t want to be the coworker everyone can smell from a mile away. Not only can it be overwhelming, but it might also bother coworkers with sensitivities or allergies. Stick to one or two spritzes of your favorite scent and remember subtlety is key. Fresh florals are clean and not overpowering and steer clear of strong woody and musky scents.
4. Inappropriate Footwear
At work, you literally want to put your best foot forward. Those trendy sneakers might look cool when you’re out on the street, but they’re probably not suitable for the office—unless your workplace has a super casual dress code. The same goes for sky-high heels, overly flashy or embellished or worn-out shoes. When it comes to work, shoes need to look polished and professional to match the formality of your workplace. Invest in a comfortable mid-stacked heel or chic, classic loafers and leave the trendy kicks for the weekend.
5. Ignoring Personal Hygiene
This one should be obvious, but it’s worth mentioning: personal hygiene is non-negotiable. You could be the best worker in the entire office, but if you show up with bad breath, body odor, or unkempt hair, you’ll be known as “that” person who is messy and disheveled. Make sure to take daily showers, keep your hair clean, and maintain good dental hygiene. When you look good, you feel good, too.
6. Dressing Too Casually
Even if your office has a casual dress code, there’s still such a thing as too casual. When it comes to work, it’s better to look overly professional than overly casual. Showing up in sweatpants, overly distressed jeans, or graphic tees can make you look like you’re not taking your job seriously. So, pack away the sweats and embrace tailored trousers, classic blazers, and chic button-down shirts.
7. Jewelry Overload
Accessories can add flair to an outfit, but overloading can be distracting and take away from your professionalism. When it comes to jewelry, loud, oversized watches, or anything that is too edgy or jingles when you move is too much for work. Keep it simple with an elegant chain necklace, one or two rings, and a dainty pair of earrings in the office.
8. Shirts Busting at the Seams
Whether it’s clothes that are too tight, too loose, or just ill-fitting, wearing the wrong size can make you look sloppy. Not only are you going to feel vulnerable, but you’ll also draw all the wrong kinds of attention to yourself. If your clothes don’t fit, get them tailored, and always choose styles and sizes that flatter your body shape. Well-fitting clothes make you look ultra-sleek and very professional. Snug-fitted shirts in sheer or synthetic fabrics are never OK.
9. Neglecting Your Nails
How you keep your nails says a lot about who you are as a person. Whether it’s chipped nail polish, ragged cuticles, or dirt under your nails, messy nails can send the wrong message in a professional setting. Your hands are on display more often than you might think, so it’s worth paying attention to them. Try to incorporate a nail grooming regime in your hygiene upkeep. A neat, manicured look, ideally in a short and chic shape, is always professional.
10. Loud Distracting Patterns
Bold patterns and bright colors can be fun on the weekends and after work, but they’re generally not appropriate for the office. Loud prints can look like you’re trying too hard and might also convey that you’re not serious about your job. When it comes to workwear, stick to classic solid and neutral shades, and if you are a fan of patterns, go for fine stripes or timeless for a polished, professional look.
11. Visible Tattoos and Piercings
While we’re all for tattoos and piercings as a form of self-expression and are pleased to see them becoming more acceptable in many workplaces, they’re still a no-go in more conservative and corporate environments. Visible body art can sometimes clash with a company’s image or dress code, so make sure you read up on your workplace’s policy. If necessary, cover them up for job interviews and during work hours.
12. Heavy Makeup Looks
Makeup is fun and can enhance your natural beauty, but overdoing it can actually have the opposite effect. Too much eyeliner, heavy contouring, and bold eyeshadow are actually distracting and may not come off as professional. Keep the dramatic makeup for nights out and after-work events. Instead, opt for a natural, polished makeup look that enhances your features without overpowering them. Think light, silky foundation, neutral eyeshadows, and a soft lip color.
13. Outdated and Worn-Out Clothes
You need to face it: Some clothes in your wardrobe need to be retired. Clothing that’s past its prime—whether it’s faded, frayed, or just out of style—can make you look like you’re not keeping up with fashion and, by extension, your professional image. It’s a small detail, but it can make a big impact on how others perceive you. Make sure your workwear wardrobe gets a regular refresh with some current pieces. Get rid of anything that’s seen better days, and invest in quality staples that will last.
14. Carrying a Trendy or Impractical Bag
Owning a trendy bag is a status symbol and a statement piece. However, it’s one thing you’ll want to leave at home before heading to the office. Impractical bags that don’t fit a laptop or a notepad can make it seem like you don’t take your job very seriously. The same goes for worn-out or trendy, expensive bags that can send the wrong message to your boss and colleagues.
15. Being Glued to Your Phone
Constantly checking for a message from your S.O., reading emails, or looking at your phone in meetings when you should be working can make you look unprofessional and distracted. It can also come across as rude to those around you. To look your most professional, keep your phone on silent and out of sight during work hours, and never reach for it during meetings.
16. Having a Messy Chaotic Desk
We get it; sometimes, keeping your desk tidy can feel impossible when you’re on a deadline or a big project is due. But, again, like other appearances, how you keep your desk actually says a lot about the kind of person you are. A messy desk may indicate to your boss that you’re thoughtless and can’t handle responsibility. Keep your desk orderly with containers or drawers, put empty coffee cups in the trash, and even add some nice decor to show you value your space and job.