A Word on Appearance
Did you know that your appearance is the first thing people “scan” within just three seconds of meeting you?
Before you even get the chance to say “hello,” they’ve already looked you up and down -from your hairstyle to your shoes – and quietly decided whether you look like the CEO… or the delivery guy.
Now, this isn’t to say you need to show up in a Dior suit, carrying a Chanel bag, or wearing shiny leather shoes like you’re headed to a red carpet.
But at the very least, try not to look like you just walked out of a garage instead of an office.
Dressing neatly isn’t just for yourself – it’s also a basic courtesy to your colleagues, to the person walking beside you, and yes, even to the office photocopier (because it deserves some eye candy too, okay? Might reduce its paper jams out of joy).
Here’s a true story:
A certain manager once banned staff from wearing flip-flops anywhere outside the office — even in shared areas like hallways and elevators. His reasoning?
“You’re dressed in formal wear on top, but then you’ve got bathroom sandals on the bottom? If a client sees that in the elevator, they’ll think we’re doing some kind of ‘just-woke-up’ cosplay. That’s the company image I’ve spent years building – gone in 5 seconds!”
Then there was a particularly meticulous female supervisor who laid down the law:
“I’m not asking for full-on pageant makeup, but pale lips with no color? Absolutely not. Wearing lipstick is a mandatory mission!”
From that day on, a new KPI was born: “Lipstick consistency = team energy.”
Drink water? Reapply.
Finished lunch? Reapply.
Before a meeting? Apply like a pro.
If she walked past and saw someone with a bare face, they’d get a reminder – as gently firm as a teacher catching a student who forgot their homework.
And it’s not just offices.
There’s a high-end restaurant that strictly prohibits flip-flops or casual slippers. Staff at the entrance are trained to “scan” guests from the ground up – and if your shoes don’t pass the vibe check, you may be politely asked to return another time.
At home, your rubber slippers can be your best friends – but in a fine-dining setting, they’re just… not invited.
And what about love?
Some people think once you’re married or in a relationship, you can wear anything – or nothing – and it’s fine. Not quite.
Being neat, presentable, and pleasantly fresh-smelling isn’t just attractive – it’s respectful.
You don’t need to dress up like it’s date night every night, but maybe retire that old tank top with a mystery stain and those pajama shorts with the broken waistband.
One last story:
A friend of mine once went on a first date – looking sharp. Nice jeans, clean white tee, hair styled just right, and a dash of cologne. Everything was perfect… until the girl glanced down.
He was wearing well-worn flip-flops with a broken strap.
“I almost wanted to ask him to go home and come back with real shoes. Or… just go home.”
“A Word on Appearance” – TM Ha Kim
Saigon 2025
