Brian Maynor January 15, 2013

Now that we are firmly established in 2014 and working hard to turn some of our resolutions into habits, if living a healthier lifestyle is not on that list it should be.  In fact it should be number 1.   

Inherently we always knew it was beneficial to get a good night sleep, eat well, exercise and take pride in our appearance, but now there is quantitative proof.  The Harvard Business Review recently covered a study by the Arizona State University Department of Psychology surmising attractive people are chosen for leadership positions because they appear healthy.  This trend of rewarding a healthy lifestyle is also sweeping through the professional world because it epitomizes the idea of ‘having it all’.  Whether you are looking to secure a leadership position or move up the corporate ladder creating a healthy image could help.  Here are a few tips on how to do it:

1.    Groomed & Maintained Hair.  It isn’t hard to tell when someone is neglecting their hair.  It looks dull, frizzy and generally lifeless with the likelihood their roots are showing.  Now think how frazzled, rundown or stretched thin you have to be to let your hair get to that point.  Not that people who have perfectly coiffed hair are laidback and stress free, but that is the impression they make.   

2.    Fresh Face & Makeup.  Every professional makeup artist I know gives the same advice: “The key to putting on makeup well is to look like you aren’t wearing any at all.”  Makeup should be used to camouflage imperfections and highlight your natural beauty.  When people wear it like war paint you can’t help but wonder what they are trying to hide.

3.    White Teeth.  With all of the over-the-counter products for whitening your teeth there is an option for everyone.  If you haven’t tried any of these products I strongly encourage you to do so.  White teeth just look better.  Compare it to having a tan in the summer; it just works to make everything look healthy and more attractive.

4.    Manicured Fingers & Toes.  Nothing is a sign of stress more than broken, chewed uneven nails, and don’t get me started on dirty nails or chipped nail polish.  Whether you simply use an emery board to smooth out the rough edges or pamper yourself with a mani and pedi every few weeks take the time to make your nails presentable.  People will notice.

5.    Clean, Pressed Clothes & Polished Shoes.  What runs through your mind when you see someone wearing clothes that are dirty or wrinkled with scuffed up dress shoes?  “Do you own a mirror?” jumps to my mind, but more seriously it is a question of creditability.  Ask any salesperson you know and they will tell you having clean, pressed clothes and polished shoes are paramount to their success because without them very few doors will open for even the opportunity to pitch their product.  

To get ahead today it is important to show you have a healthy balance between working hard and living.  And it doesn’t matter if your suit costs $3,000 or $300 because you can look, tired, worn out and ran over in either one.

Click on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

I am always curious to hear from you and what you see in the workplace.  Send your questions, comments and pet peeves to [email protected].   Also find each of these storyboards athttp://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.