We often hear the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover.”  In genuine truth this should be true.  We should judge a person by their character, personality and who they are as a person.  The fact is we live in a world where people do have an impression about a person based on what they look like.  Once we get to know a person then the true character traits become what they are judged by.  But unfortunately some people don’t get the chance to show people what’s inside because of what people perceive on the outside.

I had the opportunity to work on a television program a few years ago called Style By Jury.  In the program a person is brought in by a friend or family member for their poor fashion sense and/or lack of care about their personal appearance.  It’s a program that emphasizes the idea that people make good or bad first impressions based on how they look.  There is a style jury that gives a verdict on their first impression before the makeover and after the makeover.  I was a jury member on the group after the makeover.  The point of the program was to prove that people often have a negative first impression about someone based on what they see on the outside.

We are all taught the ideal that we shouldn’t judge someone by the way they look.  But the reality is otherwise.  It doesn’t mean a person has to be looking like a celebrity or all done up like you just stepped out of a salon or makeup artist’s chair.  But it does mean that the care you take for your appearance can make or break you.

In the world of business, career and being taken seriously, the harsh reality is people give a higher level of regard and respect to those who take care of themselves.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep yourself looking presentable.  This is particularly important in certain fields of work.  If you work in a job that requires heavy labour and where you get dirty then of course you’re not going to spend time dressing as if you’re going to an office environment.  But the way you present yourself is still important.

Here are a few simple tips to keeping yourself presentable in any situation.

1. Shower

Believe it or not, the way a person smells can turn people off in some social or business environments.

2. Iron

You don’t have to own expensive clothing to look presentable.  Something as simple as ironing your clothing can make a person look neat and professional.  Wrinkled clothing can give the impression that you don’t care or can’t be bothered to take the time to make yourself look neat.

3. Plain colours

Wearing basic plain colours is easy, especially if you cannot afford to adapt to the fast fashion trends that come and go each season.  Sticking to neutrals like black, grey, white or brown are easy ways to look good and keep it simple.  Also blue and beige are simple colours that look good any season.

4. Clean Shoes

Keeping your footwear in good condition is another way to make a good impression.  Purchasing shoe polish that matches your shoe colour is the best way to keep them looking almost new.  The other option if finding neutral creams, oils and shine sponges to keep them clean.  The benefit to these is you’re not restricted to colour with a clear polish.

Those are four simple steps to looking fresh and presentable in any situation.  No matter what your personal style is or your budget for a wardrobe.  Remember we say we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover….but almost every one does it.  Once they get past your cover, that’s your opportunity to show them what’s inside your book.

Make sure your interior outshines what’s on the exterior.