How to Have a Professional Appearance, a Guide for Men

Being able to maintain a professional appearance not only shows good judgment, but is also just plain common sense. As much as you would hate to believe it, your appearance is a representative of your capabilities. If you look like a mess, why would I trust you with my business?
This is not brain surgery here folks, but I would hope that if you were a brain surgeon, you would follow this outline!

Personal

Hair Care: Hair should be neat and clean. The length of the hair is not as important as having it neat and trimmed at all times. Same rule goes for facial hair. This includes eyebrows, and yes, nose hair. No one will be able to concentrate on what you are saying to them, if they are distracted by this seemingly trivial oversight. Of course you are not in a beauty contest, but you also don't want to lose the respect of a customer, or client just because you didn't look in the mirror.

Nails: Short, clean and well manicured is a must. Did I say clean? Let me remind you again, clean. Don't bite them. Resist the temptation. Get out the nail clippers, you would be surprised how many people notice this.

Odors: This should be obvious, but unfortunately, we come across someone who has no idea they are offensive. Don't be one of these people. Dousing on the cologne is another no-no. Remember, cologne is to be used in moderation! Same goes for aftershave, deodorant, etc. A little goes a long way.

Apparel

Clothes: Anyone who works with the public and has interaction with customers or clients should be neatly dressed. Clothing should be clean, without stains or tears, and be the correct size. Keep in mind, when wearing a jacket or blazer, the shirt cuffs should be seen, they should be longer than the jacket sleeve, falling past your wrist.

Shoes: Shoes should be clean! Polish them, and keep them in good repair. Your attention to detail says a lot about you. Shoes need not be expensive, but they must match.

Acceptable Business Wardrobe

The must haves for a man who is a business professional include:
Suit , Slacks ,Dress Shirts
Sweaters, Tie , Blazer
Turtleneck
Dress Shoes
And do not forget the Dress Socks!

If your work setting is more on the casual side, khaki or twill pants are fine, as well as polo, or collared shirts. Also remember, wrinkles scream, "I am a mess and I don't care". If this is not the image you want to present, then get out the iron. If you are one of those men who does not know what an iron is, find the nearest dry cleaner, and befriend them.

And a few more things, ( I apologize if I sound like your mother) always unbutton your jacket when you sit, and button it when you stand. Remember to match your socks to your pants, never try to get away with sport socks, this is off the charts tacky, and it can't be hidden no matter how hard you try.

If you happen to have tattoos, do your best to keep it hidden during business hours, and if you are thinking about getting one, do so in a place that you will be able to cover in the future. I am all for the tattoos, but a doctor with D E A T H across his knuckles, whether from his wild college days or whatever, would make me wonder, got it!

Remember to use common sense when dressing for work, and as much as we all hate to admit it, we do as a society judge on appearance to some extent.