People will judge you on your appearance, both professionally and personally. So make the right impression and avoid these top image breakers.
Many of the following are obvious, but if you were overlooked for a job or a promotion is there something in your appearance that is breaking your image?
Extra long finger nails - Long talon finger nails fail can be a big turn off - especially if you are going for a job interview or work in a corporate environment.
Chipped nail polish - Doesn't look good on anyone. Think ahead and make sure you remove it. Wear no nail polish if you can't keep on top of maintaining it.
Crazy nail polish Colour - Fashions change for nail polish all of the time - currently you can get away with wearing very dark nails. Make sure that people remember you for your personality and skills and they are not distracted by the colour of your nails.
Greasy hair -No it is never ok to have unclean hair. You may only have to look at yourself for 5 minutes in the morning but others have to look at you all day. Clean hair is a must. Have some Dry Shampoo on hand in case of a greasy hair emergency.
Scrunchies - Who can believe we ever wore these? So out of fashion, if you have any at home, don't even wear them to the gym. Put them in the bin.
Holes in tights - Hasn't looked good since the eighties. Certainly not appropriate for job interviews or important meetings.
Really long hair - Long hair can look stunning on young ladies and even on middle aged if well maintained and neat. Long straggly tresses on older women drag down your appearance and dare I say give a slightly "witchy" feel.
Worn clothes - Balling, faded, shapeless clothes should be thrown out and not even worn at home. They do nothing for self esteem. Remember, comfort is not a style.
Ill fitting clothes - As women our lives and bodies can change dramatically especially if we have had children. Make sure the clothes you wear fit your today. Not yesterday or tomorrow. Put clothes that are too small aside and pull them out later only if you lose wait. Do not hide weight in over-sized clothes, this can cloak you and your personality.
Too much makeup - Can be a real turn off, and people may not take your seriously if bright makeup is distracting. It can also make you appear cheap and people may assume you are insincere or fake.
Cleavage - Is not appropriate ever for job interviews or generally if you work in an office.
Thighs - Again not appropriate for job interviews or if you work in an office. Above the knee skirt lengths can be worn with opaque tights and high neck top. Plunging necklines and shirt skirts are best kept for a different type of working girl.
Shoes - Heels are really in fashion but here's the big tip - you have to be able to walk in them and make sure they match your outfit and activities for the day.
Handbags - Overstuffed handbags give the appearance of disorganised and messy person. Make sure your handbag and its contents are saying the right thing about you.
Bingo wings & muffin tops - We all have a challenges, the trick is to make sure noone can ever tell which one's you have. Keep bingo wings and muffin tops completely hidden.
Jewelery - complete you look with subtle tasteful jewelery, keep statement pieces such as gothic crosses or big dragon fly pendants for the weekend.
Rings - just because we have 10 fingers doesn't mean they should have a ring on them. Too many rings screams "trailer" or "showy" so keep it classic especially for corporate professional.
Dress for successful - being well groomed has a great impact on your career and your own self esteem.
Learn more about how to improve your image.
Leave a comment below if you have story about an "image breaking" situation.
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