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The Importance of Personal Appearance

Whenever you meet someone for the first time, personal appearance is the first thing people notice. While someone's impression of you takes many factors into account, the elements of grooming and style are key to influencing them and letting them know who you are.

In fact, most people make more than ten judgments about a person in under a minute by merely observing personal appearance and how a person carries himself. For example, while an unshaven man may appear disheveled and may lead someone to believe that he is irresponsible, a woman who is put together in a nice suit will give off the impression that she is strong and adept at whatever she does.

Many people don't realize how many aspects of physical appearance there are and how greatly you can vary your own personal appearance. Some of the elements that contribute to first impressions include:

• accessories
• clothing
• grooming 
• hair
• makeup 
• piercings
• skin 
• tattoos.

The way you choose to exhibit each of these elements depends on style and individual preferences. Finding what makes you comfortable and understanding the impressions you give off with each choice will make you exude more confidence and, ultimately, help you be more successful.

Personal Appearance and Self-Esteem
Putting time into creating the impression you want to give off affects the way you carry yourself while also setting the tone for how you deal and interact with others. Although people generally stick to a certain type of style, they do alter their appearances according to what they are doing. This means that as their surroundings change, they alter their appearances accordingly. For example, you will dress and present yourself remarkably different if you are going to a job interview as opposed to a rock concert or a beach party.

Another aspect of personal appearance is fitting in with a crowd in your own unique way. While you want to dress and act appropriately for an occasion, you also want to be distinct and have a unique, noticeable edge that differentiates you from the rest of the crowd. Finding this balance can be tricky.

However, as you create your own personal style, you'll find that you significantly boost your self-esteem and confidence. The last thing you want to do in any situation is to feel as though you don't fit in or that you stand out in a negative way. In each of these cases, you'll distract from the situation, decrease your confidence and make yourself too self-conscious to make a good impression.

Aspects of Personal Appearance
Personal appearance doesn't just refer to the looks you're born with. Because it also involves your style, makeup and demeanor, your personal appearance can and usually does change on a daily basis, according to your mood. As you pay attention to or neglect different aspects about yourself, you change your appearance, whether or not you are conscious of it.

To improve your personal appearance, keep in mind that a little extra effort can go a long way. In fact, many methods of enhancing your personal appearance aren't difficult or time-consuming. The following elements are easy to improve upon and, consequently, can increase your self-esteem:

• Clothing/Accessories: Clothes that fit correctly and that flatter your body type should never be underestimated. Colors that you like and that coordinate are important as well. Clothing and accessories that are appropriate for a given situation will give you confidence and make you feel as though you belong.
  
  
• Hair: Keeping your hair clean, detangled and orderly makes you more presentable. Avoiding visible roots and having a haircut that complements your face shape will help you make the best impression possible.
   
  
• Makeup: For women, makeup that matches your skin tone and colors complementary to your skin and eye colors helps you look classy and well put together. Too much makeup or makeup in overly bright and conspicuous colors makes you stand out.
  
  
• Nails: Keeping nails clean, cut and filed tends to make you more inclined to shake hands with confidence and to use hand gestures. This will help others take you more seriously.
  
  
• Piercings/Tattoos: While these trends are expressive and acceptable in certain situations, it's important to realize when to hide them and when to show them off. Baring a tattoo or multiple piercings in an interview isn't always the best idea, especially if you are trying to look professional or if you find yourself in a highly formal environment.
   
  
• Shaving/Grooming: For men, shaving and grooming facial hair can make you feel presentable. An after-shave lotion or cream can also add smoothness, as well as a nice scent, which gives off the impression that you are well groomed and conscientious.
  
  
• Skin: Washing and moisturizing your skin regularly will help you feel your best and will give you a healthy glow. Avoid picking at pimples, as this will leave marks that will inevitably make you feel self-conscious.
  
  
• Teeth: Brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly keeps your teeth clean, making you more likely to smile. In fact, studies show that smiling more can improve your mood. Not only will you feel better, but you will also give people the impression that you are approachable, fun to be around and generally pleasant.

Because each of these aspects affects your personal appearance, each also affects the way you think about yourself and the way you act. Taking the time to take care of all these things will add to your level of confidence.

Other Things That May Help
When meeting people, make eye contact, maintain good posture and smile, even if you are shy. These simple actions will make people believe in your confidence. Focus on your good points instead of the things about yourself that you dislike.

While no one loves everything about his or her personality and appearance, it is important to overcome the things that you'd like to change by consciously working on improving them.