She Strengthens

The High Cost of Looking Polished

As we strive to present ourselves in the best possible light, many of us struggle to strike a balance between looking sharp and not trying too hard. The essence of chic lies not in the style of our clothes, but in the perfect blend of “well-groomed” and “effortless.” We want to exude a sense of put-togetherness without appearing overly vain or fussy.

The Double Standard of Grooming

For women, particularly those in client-facing or high-level positions, the pressure to look polished can be overwhelming. We’re expected to arrive at work with a fresh face, styled hair, and a professional demeanor, adding at least 30 minutes to our morning routine. This expectation not only takes a toll on our time but also our wallets, as we invest in products and services to meet these beauty standards.

The Impact of Grooming on Earnings

A recent study by Jaclyn Wong and Andrew Penner reveals that grooming has a significant impact on a woman’s earnings and career trajectory. The research shows that a substantial amount of attractiveness is attributed to grooming, with women benefiting more from being well-groomed than men. In fact, less attractive but well-groomed women tend to earn more than their attractive but less polished counterparts.

The Fine Line Between Polished and Trying Too Hard

While there’s an upper limit to the benefits of grooming, we know that there’s a point at which our presentation can veer into the “trying too hard” category, ultimately working against us. We must navigate this fine line, avoiding stereotypes and negative perceptions while still presenting ourselves in a professional and polished manner.

Taking Control of Our Image

It’s heartening to know that our appearance-based successes are, to some extent, within our control. By investing time and effort into our grooming, we can take charge of our image and reap the benefits. However, this raises the ultimate question: How much are we willing to invest in playing the game? It’s up to each individual to decide what concessions they’re willing to make and what losses they’re willing to accept in pursuit of personal happiness.

Understanding the System

While we may not want to play into the systems, it’s essential to understand how they work. By acknowledging the impact of grooming on our careers and earnings, we can make informed decisions about how to present ourselves in the workplace. Whether we choose to opt in or out, knowledge is power, and it’s up to us to use it to our advantage.