Despite what the beauty industry would have you believe, aging is a natural, normal part of life. That doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges though. It takes a toll on your appearance and can mean you need to make adjustments in how you present yourself to maintain a professional appearance.
Update Your Wardrobe
How someone dresses can have a distinct impact on how they present themselves. Your clothes can give you confidence, which impacts everything from your posture to how you speak. It can also be a subtle indicator of your age. While age discrimination is illegal in the workplace, it still happens, even if only subconsciously. Give yourself a helping hand by updating your wardrobe. Get your clothes fitted to suit your body shape. Choose colors that work well with your skin tone. If you wear glasses, opt for trendy frames that fit your face shape. Opt for dressier shoes when possible. If you’ve been rocking the same hairstyle for a while, visit a stylist you trust to help you give your hair a fresh, updated look that will help you look younger.
Personal Hygiene Practices
Your hygiene serves as a basic foundation for your appearance and will be essential if you want to stay looking professional. Adopt good skin care practices. You should use sunscreen and a moisturizer at a minimum. Your hair will likely change in thickness and texture as you age, so take care to alter how you wash it as needed. Take good care of your teeth too. Teeth tend to dull and yellow with age, so a trip to the dentist may be in order. There are multiple services commonly offered by dentists that can help you maintain the appearance and health of your teeth.
Protect Your Health
Similarly, your overall health will have a strong impact on your professional image. Being in poor health or even being overweight are some of the things that can age your appearance unnecessarily and make it harder to keep up a professional look. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and participate in regular physical activity. Get plenty of rest and take time to look after your mental health. The better care you take of yourself, the easier it will be to maintain a professional appearance, regardless of your age.
While appearances aren’t everything, they still play a significant role in how you are perceived by your fellow professionals. Taking measures to update your wardrobe, keeping up on personal hygiene practices, and protecting your health can help you maintain a professional appearance as you age. The earlier you start, the better off you’ll be and the less you’re likely to find yourself facing ageism in the workplace.
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