Confident Appearance

At times, we all feel less confident—whether meeting new people, a job interview, or

eating out when traveling solo for work. Regardless of your situation, mastering the

smallest details can help you feel and look more confident. The biggest, traditional

ones are: have good posture; a strong handshake; and look people in the eye when

talking to them.

As for the smaller details, make sure you’re well-groomed: plan to get your haircut and

colored (if you do so) prior to your event/meeting. Make sure your nails are manicured

and trimmed. Ladies, this includes your toes if planning on wearing open-toed shoes

and no flip-flops. Go to the cobbler regularly, scuffed shoes give you a lax appearance.

Go to a tailor as ill-fitting items can be a visual and physical distraction to how you’re

perceived and feel. Pants should be hemmed, and sleeves of jackets and shirts should

land at the wrist, even if it’s cuffed. Try to stay away from a blouse that gapes in all the

wrong places—you will be worried about it all day; just ask your tailor to put a small

stitch in it.

Dry cleaning/ironing your clothes gives you a tidier look. Periodically, do a stain check

of your closet—nothing worse than showing up for your meeting/event to find you have

a stain on your pants. Finally, make sure your belt isn’t showing too much wear—if you

can see it, so can they!

When combined, these details project confidence, regardless of how you’re feeling.

When others perceive your confidence, they will likely treat you accordingly.

Tammy’s Truism: Make sure your clothes mirror the confidence you want to project.