How to Look Smarter (for Women)

A woman's overall look can express a lot at first glance. Many women want to look smart in order to be taken seriously, whether they're in the business world or in a casual situation. Looking intelligent may take a few tweaks of your appearance. While it's ultimately up to you to evaluate your own look and decide what you can do to appear sharper, there are a few strategies any woman can follow to make herself look smarter.

Things You'll Need

• Eyeglasses

Instructions

1. Always make sure your clothing fits properly. Well-tailored and dignified pieces with clean lines can make you appear more competent.

2. Wear eyeglasses. Find frames that fit your face. Nothing says "intellectual" more than specs. According to a study by the Vision Council of America, 59.2 percent of people viewed those who wore glasses as "more intelligent."

3. Get a short haircut. Most female CEOs and politicians sport short low-maintenance cuts. If you choose to keep your hair long, wear it sleek and simple, or put it up in a low ponytail or bun.

4. Apply your makeup so that it looks minimal. Consider using a foundation to even out your skin tone; carefully contouring your cheekbones; shaping your eyebrows; and maybe applying a little bit of eyeliner on your top lid. Looking like you're wearing too much makeup can detract from your intelligent appearance.

5. Wear solid, dark and relatively subdued colors. Dark colors provide a more serious appearance. Minimalist outfits can look sharp.

Tips & Warnings

• Understand yourself first. You may be able to get away with certain things than others simply cannot.

• There are exceptions to these rules. For example, a crisp yellow blazer can look nice, as long as the rest of the outfit isn't loud.

Resources

• Hair Color Stereotyping and CEO Selection: Can You Name Any Blond CEOs?
• People with Glasses Seem Smarter Than You
• Why Women in the Corporate World Keep Their Hair Short