Appearance may seem like the least important aspect of leadership, but it’s actually a very crucial one. Paying attention to your appearance and leaving a good impression isn’t just reserved for job interviews; how you present yourself at work can help you look credible, reliable, and competent, qualities employees, potential candidates, and clients seek in a leader.
One way to leave an impact at work is by dressing the part. Wearing the right pieces and outfits can influence how people perceive you and help you look your best every day. Whether corporate or casual, here’s how to look like a leader through the power of style:
Polished pieces
Regardless of your office dress code, adding polished pieces to your everyday work wardrobe can make you look like a put-together and professional leader. High-quality, well-tailored, and flattering items can send a message of competence and reliability. Blazers are a great addition to your attire since they can make any look more professional and sophisticated. A tailored blazer in colors like black and navy and high-quality fabrics like tweed or wool are ideal for more corporate settings since they’re refined and pair well with dress shirts and slacks.
More relaxed blazers can look great with jeans or a dress if your work attire is more casual. They don’t have to look frumpy or slouchy, either. The Miracle Air blazer from the Uniqlo and JW Anderson collection is a great choice since it’s lightweight and comfortable while still looking sleek. Keep these pieces well-maintained for a neat appearance that leaves a good impression.
Elegant eyewear
Wearing eyeglasses often creates an intelligent and reliable impression, even if they don’t inherently mean you’re smarter than others. An elegant and simple frame can elevate your look, as these frames can look more professional and complement various outfits.Â
However, you don’t have to sacrifice fashionable qualities or settle for something plain; a stylish frame can also give the impression that you pay attention to your appearance. Ray-Ban showcases how eyewear combines function and fashion and helps you look your best regardless of style. The brand’s selection of round eyeglasses is great for blending professional and personal styles. The Hexagonal Optics frame is sleek and minimalistic, but the geometric shape gives it a dynamic look. The Larry Optics can make a statement with its round vintage-inspired design, and the Havana patterns give it a modern edge. Look for frames that flatter your face shape and work well with your wardrobe for a cohesive style. If you don’t need vision correction but still want to leverage the power of eyewear, you can opt for blue light glasses that don’t require a prescription.Â
Fancy footwear
Your shoes can make or break your whole outfit, no matter how high-quality the rest of your ensemble is. You may look like a bona fide leader with a polished outfit, but shoes that are dirty, falling apart, or too casual for the look can throw people off. Smart shoes can help you put your best foot forward. Business casual shoes like loafers and Oxfords are classic options regardless of dress codes and sex. Colors like brown and black are versatile enough to work with all kinds of outfits and pieces.
For women, heels like slingbacks and mules or flats and Mary Janes always look chic whether you wear a skirt or pantsuit. You can’t go wrong with materials like leather or suede; just ensure they’re well taken care of. For more casual shoes, go for smart-looking sneakers. The Stan Smiths from Adidas or the New Balance RC42 have timeless silhouettes that never go out of style and complement any outfit.
