There is a great deal you communicate through your appearance, whether you are aware of it or not. Every person, whether consciously or subconsciously, does an initial visual evaluation on people as they meet them. They look for things they identify with and things they are critical of. They search for ways of understanding information about the person through their appearance. Most people are aware of this on some level, but others are surprisingly oblivious to it. So that everyone is on the same page, here are some things that your appearance tells others about yourself.

• How neat and tidy you are. This is a given. If there is any one thing your appearance says about you, it is your neatness. Clues to this quality are everywhere in your appearance. The cleanliness and coordination of your outfit, how pressed your outfit is, how groomed your hair is, and the cleanliness of your skin and hair all speak to how neat and tidy you are. Needless to say, people who are not very neat and tidy do not keep many of these details in order.
• How professional you are. Your appearance will indicate to people your level of professionalism, which is important considering that half the people you meet in life are through work. You want to leave an impression on your professional contacts that you are as professional as a person can be. You can do this by putting thought into dressing and grooming for every occasion. Understanding what level of formality an occasion calls for demonstrates social acumen, and knowing how to execute the right style for an occasion is important. These components speak to your professionalism.
• How attentive to detail you are. Your attention to detail will certainly be apparent in your appearance. Some people make it their business to notice the small details of a person’s appearance, so don’t be caught slacking in your attention to detail.