How to Have a Neat, Clean Cut Appearance

Co-authored by Tavia Sharp

Last Updated: August 31, 2021 References

Having a neat, clean cut appearance can make other people think more highly of you, and make you feel better about yourself, too. It can make all the difference when trying to land a job, or impress someone of your preferred sex. No matter how attractive you are, having a neat, clean cut appearance will improve your chances at being noticed and making a great impression. The key is to develop a routine that works for you, then stick to it.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Maintaining Personal Hygiene

1
Shower every other day.^{[1]
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Research source} Wash either every day or every other day. Ideally, your shower or bath should be at least ten minutes long. Taking a shower will help you feel and look fresh. Wash your face regularly to avoid unsightly acne. Use a body wash to clean all of your nooks and crannies - don't ignore places like your feet.
- After you take a shower, it's a good idea for males and females to apply lotion -- it will keep your skin soft and supple.
2
Wash your hair every other day. Make sure your hair stays clean and not greasy. Shampoo strips your hair of sebum, your natural, necessary oil.^{[2]
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Research source} Even so, you should make sure that your hair smells fresh, feels clean, and is free of dandruff.
- You can easily buy shampoos or conditioners created for your specific hair type. Check the descriptions on the bottle and try several brands to see which works best for your hair.
- Don't overuse heat products or hairspray because it can damage your hair and make it very dry and difficult to manage.
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3
Use all dental hygiene tools. Toothpaste, a toothbrush, mouthwash, floss, and a visit to your dentist should do the trick. Brush your teeth and tongue regularly to prevent bad breath and cavities.
- Replace your toothbrush every three months to make sure you are actually cleaning your teeth instead of rubbing them with a filthy old brush.^{[3]
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4
Battle body odor. If you shower regularly, this shouldn't be too much of a concern. However, always use deodorant or antiperspirant.
- You may want to try foot powder to combat sweaty foot odors.
- If you choose to use cologne or perfume, use it as an accent - don't try to mask an odor with these products. Remember to use a very light touch with these products in order to keep the smell from becoming overwhelming. Be aware that some people have allergies. If you can smell it from more that three or four feet away, then you are wearing too much.
5
Control your facial hair. This can be a challenge for men and women alike.
- If you're a guy, shave daily. If you have a mustache, make sure no hair is covering your lip, and never let it get bushy. If you're going to have facial hair, always make sure it is kept short and neatly groomed. You may need to get electric clippers to keep everything trimmed.
- Wax that upper lip. Some women get a little fuzz too. A little bit above the mouth is not that uncommon. Waxing the hairs is a good way to remove the hairs, or you can bleach them to make them less noticeable.^{[4]
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- Pluck your eyebrows. Two eyebrows are better than one. Men and women alike can benefit from some attention to the eyebrows. Get a pair of tweezers and pull out those pesky facial hairs. You may even want to wax your eyebrows to get the best looking shape for your face.
- Trim your nose hairs. Hairs hanging out of your nose can be unsightly and provide a good surface for mucus to cling to and embarrass you. Keep your nose hairs from getting out of control by snipping them once every couple of weeks.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Managing Your Wardrobe

1
Wear clean clothes. Some clothes like jeans can be worn several times before washing, but wash your undergarments and socks after each use. If you are wearing clothes more than once, check for any dirt or stains on them before going out of the house. Don't wear wrinkled clothes or anything covered in pet hair.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
- If you have a pet, keep a lint roller handy. It will pick up pet hair, bits of fuzz, and anything else that sticks to your clothes.
- Make sure that you store your clothes properly, too.^{[6]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
2
Coordinate your outfits. While you might not have a big clothing budget, you can still match the clothes you have. Put a little more energy into putting an outfit together, then take a minute in front of the mirror to see how you look.
- Do not mix styles. Don't wear sweatpants with your blouse or dress shirt. Avoid wearing white socks with your dress shoes.
- Avoid wearing colors that clash. Avoid pairing colors with different intensity or undertone. Colors have different properties that will determine if they are complementary to the eye or if they clash.^{[7]
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  Research source} You can use color wheels to help learn to identify various color properties, or simply wear a lot of neutral colors that can make it easy to coordinate with your colored clothing.
3
Wear clothes that fit well. Avoid anything that is too baggy or too tight.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} Pants shouldn't be drooping down so low that your underwear is showing. Likewise, clothing that is too tight can be seen as too revealing or sexual. Find a size that fits you comfortably.
- Wearing a belt or suspenders can help keep your pants where you want them to be.
- Make sure any clothes that button up, like shirts and blazers, don't pull or gap across your chest or stomach.
- Dressing in well-fitting clothing causes fewer distractions and shows that you actually put in the effort to take care of yourself.^{[9]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tavia Sharp
  Certified Image Consultant
  Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.}
4
Don't wear old, faded clothing. Avoid any outfits with holes in the fabric and clothes that went out of style ten years ago.^{[10]
X
Expert Source

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Expert Interview. 26 August 2021.} When clothes start to seem stretched out or don't quite fit you anymore, it's a good idea to get rid of them and pick out some new clothes. Even if you don't have a big budget, a few new items like a nice pair of new pants and a couple neutral color shirts can go a long way to work with the rest of your wardrobe.
- If your closet's full of things you never wear, but they're in pretty good shape, you can donate them to a charity shop. Don't donate things that are worn out (and don't donate undergarments at all).

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Presenting Yourself

1
Get your hair trimmed regularly. Going too long without a haircut can make it difficult to style your hair in a neat, clean cut way. Hair doesn't grow evenly on your head, so it is necessary to get a trim to avoid awkward growth stages. Set up a hair appointment about once a month to keep your hair looking the best it can.
2
Stay fit. Being healthy can go a long way towards improving your appearance. The best way stay fit is to exercise and eat right.
- Watch your weight and diet. Follow a healthy balanced diet that works for you. Avoid too many carbs, sugars and unhealthy fats. Eat plenty of green vegetables, lean proteins and drink plenty of water.
- Stay active. Set aside 30-60 minutes three or four days a week to do a small workout. Even if you are busy, you can develop a simple 10-minute daily workout consisting of burpees, lunges, or similar exercises each day using just your own body weight.
3
Be organized. If you carry a briefcase or purse, make sure your papers and materials are all in order. If you have crumpled papers, candy wrappers or old receipts falling out of your bags, you will look messy and disorganized.
- Keep your bag looking neat outside as well as inside. If it's made of fabric, wash it every so often. If it's leather, keep it polished.
4
Develop good posture. A person with poor posture is perceived as unhealthy, tired, and possibly unable to function at work. Standing and sitting up straight will make you look better and feel better. It may seem unnatural at first, but it will come to be second nature. This is an excellent habit. It increases body circulation and helps you think more clearly, as well.
- Focus on proper body alignment to improve your posture.^{[11]
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  Research source} Feet should be flat on the floor with toes forward. Line your hips vertically above your knees, the center of the rib cage aligned with your hips, shoulders aligned with the center your ribs, and your ears should be aligned with your shoulders. When sitting, you should stay forward on the chair so your spine supports your weight instead of the back of the chair.
5
Watch your body language. Smile and make yourself approachable.^{[12]
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Research source} You will be amazed at the effect your smile can have on other. Smiling will make you feel better about yourself and can make you seem more approachable and trustworthy to others.
- Avoid crossing your arms or making nervous gestures that can give a negative impression.
- Make good eye contact when having a conversation. Show that you are focused and attentive.
6
Avoid bad habits. Don't pass gas, burp, bite your nails, or pick your nose. These actions will immediately ruin your chances at appearing like a neat, clean cut person.
- If you accidentally burp or pass gas in front of others, excuse yourself and apologize to anyone you might have offended.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I keep my wardrobe clean?

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.

Tavia Sharp

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Make sure that you're taking good care of your clothing so your garments don't look worn, stained, or holey.
Question

How do you make clothes look fresh?

Tavia Sharp
Certified Image Consultant
Tavia Sharp is a Certified Image Consultant and the Founder of Styled Sharp. With more than 20 years of corporate fashion experience, she specializes in helping others build a brand image through personal style, appearance, behavior, communication, and digital presence. Tavia holds a BS in Fashion and Apparel Design from The University of Delaware and has her Corporate Consultant Certification from The Academy of Image Mastery.

Tavia Sharp

Certified Image Consultant

Expert Answer

Try to press your clothes before wearing them out—wrinkled and creased clothing gives off a poor impression.
Question

What should I do if I have bad teeth?

Community Answer

Avoid caffeinated beverages because they can make your teeth yellow. Also, brush your teeth 2-3 times a day, and try visiting your dentist.