TL;DR (too long; didn't read):
- Clothes must fit your frame properly - not tight, not baggy, but tailored to follow your body's shape.
- Build your wardrobe around core pieces: dark wash straight leg denim, navy/olive/tan chinos, well-fitted button-downs, polos with proper sleeve length, suede bomber jackets, minimal leather sneakers, and quality boots.
- Eliminate faded graphic t-shirts, cross trainers, oversized hoodies with giant logos, and baggy jeans that puddle at your feet.
- Intentional dressing signals self-respect and changes how people treat you professionally and personally.
- Remove five outdated pieces from your closet and replace them with sharp, well-fitted alternatives.
Men's style over 40 starts with self respect made visible
Men's style over 40 carries a simple truth: how you present yourself reflects how you view yourself. When you reach your 40s, life demands your attention in countless directions. Work responsibilities pile up, family commitments expand, and somewhere in that chaos, many men decide that appearance no longer matters. This thinking creates a dangerous pattern where comfort becomes an excuse for carelessness.
The connection between personal style and self-respect runs deeper than surface aesthetics. Your clothing choices broadcast a message about your priorities, your standards, and your approach to life. When you stop investing effort in your appearance, that message reaches everyone around you, even when they never speak a word about it. The consequences show up in professional settings, social interactions, and personal relationships.
Style tips for middle aged men don't require chasing trends or adopting youth culture. The foundation rests on intentional dressing - making conscious choices about what you wear and why you wear it. This approach separates men who understand their value from those who've resigned themselves to irrelevance. Your 40s represent a period of established identity and earned confidence, not a time to surrender your standards.
Does your current wardrobe reflect the man you've become, or does it suggest someone who's given up? When you look in the mirror before leaving your house, do you see a person who commands respect, or someone who's stopped trying? These questions matter because your answers determine how the world responds to you. The clothes hanging in your closet either support your goals or undermine them - there's no neutral ground.
Essential wardrobe for men over 40 means intentional choices not trends
The essential wardrobe for men over 40 eliminates the noise of fashion hype and focuses on pieces that serve your actual life. You don't need a closet stuffed with options - you need specific items that work together and fit properly. This isn't about building a costume or following someone else's blueprint. It's about creating a functional collection that makes getting dressed simple and effective.
Building this foundation starts with understanding what wardrobe staples for older men actually accomplish. Each piece should earn its place through versatility, quality, and appropriateness for your lifestyle. A professional look for older men doesn't mean boring uniforms or stuffy formality. It means clothes that communicate competence and consideration without drawing attention to themselves.
Dark wash denim in a straight leg cut forms the backbone of a casual style guide that works across multiple settings. These jeans replace the baggy, faded pairs that aged out years ago. The straight leg provides clean lines without the extremes of skinny or wide cuts. Dark wash maintains a polished appearance that transitions from weekend errands to casual Friday at the office.
Cotton chinos in navy, olive, and tan give you options beyond jeans without requiring dress trousers. These three colors cover nearly every casual and business casual situation you'll encounter. The fabric breathes better than denim in warm weather while maintaining structure and a professional appearance. Proper fit remains critical - the leg should follow your natural line without excess fabric pooling at your shoes.
Button-down shirts that fit your chest and arms without blousing around your belt create a foundation for both casual and professional settings. The shoulders should sit at your natural shoulder point, sleeves should end at your wrist bone, and the body should follow your torso without pulling or bunching. When you tuck in these shirts, they should stay in place without creating a muffin top of excess fabric.
Well-fitted polos and henleys with sleeves that end just above mid-bicep replace the droopy, elbow-length versions that add years to your appearance. These pieces work for weekend activities, casual meetings, and social events. The fit through the chest and shoulders determines whether they look sharp or sloppy. A proper polo sits close enough to show your frame without clinging or restricting movement.
How many pieces do you actually need? Far fewer than most men think. Three pairs of chinos, two pairs of dark wash jeans, five button-downs, three polos, and two henleys create dozens of outfit combinations. This streamlined approach makes getting dressed faster and ensures every item in your closet deserves to be there. When every piece fits well and serves a purpose, you stop wasting time on clothes that don't work.
Fixing clothing fit for men transforms your entire appearance
Fixing clothing fit for men delivers more visual impact than any other change you can make to your wardrobe. The difference between clothes that fit properly and clothes that don't separates men who look put together from those who appear to have given up. This isn't about vanity or obsessing over minor details - it's about understanding that ill-fitting clothes work against you in every interaction.
Oversized pieces don't hide anything. This common misconception leads men to buy larger sizes thinking they'll conceal weight or create a relaxed look. The opposite happens. Baggy shirts make you look heavier and older. Loose pants create unflattering proportions that shorten your legs and widen your midsection. The fabric hangs awkwardly, moves independently from your body, and creates the impression that you either don't know your size or don't care how you look.
Tailored fit means clothes that follow your frame without restriction or excess fabric. Your shoulders determine jacket and shirt sizing - the seam should sit at the edge of your shoulder, not drooping down your arm or pulling across your back. Sleeves on button-downs end at your wrist bone, allowing about a half-inch of cuff to show when you wear a jacket. The chest and waist should allow you to move comfortably while following your natural shape.
Men's fashion mistakes over 40 often center on this fundamental issue of fit. Shirts that billow out when tucked in create bulk where none exists. Pants with excessive fabric pooling around your shoes make you look shorter and sloppier. Jackets with shoulders that extend past your natural line destroy the entire silhouette. These aren't minor details - they're the foundation of how your clothes present you to the world.
The solution doesn't require a complete wardrobe replacement or expensive alterations on every item. Start by learning your actual measurements: chest, waist, inseam, neck, and sleeve length. Try clothes on before buying them, and pay attention to how they feel when you move. If a shirt pulls when you reach forward or a jacket restricts your shoulders when you cross your arms, the fit is wrong regardless of what the label says.
How to dress better for men begins with accepting that most off-the-rack clothes won't fit perfectly. Basic alterations - hemming pants, taking in shirt waists, adjusting sleeve length - cost far less than buying new pieces and deliver dramatically better results. A $40 shirt that fits properly looks better than a $200 shirt hanging off your frame. When you prioritize fit over brand names or price points, your entire wardrobe improves.
Consider the areas where fit matters most. Shoulders cannot be altered effectively, so this must be right when you buy the item. Sleeve and pant length are easily adjusted. Waist suppression on shirts and jackets can be modified within reason. Understanding these limitations helps you make smarter purchasing decisions and recognize when professional tailoring makes sense versus when a piece simply doesn't work for your body.
Wardrobe staples for older men that actually work
Wardrobe staples for older men extend beyond the basics of pants and shirts into pieces that complete your look and handle seasonal changes. These items distinguish a functional wardrobe from a collection of random clothes. Each piece should work with multiple outfits and serve actual situations in your life, not theoretical occasions that never materialize.
Suede bomber jackets in brown, blue, and gray provide layering options that work across three seasons. The suede material adds texture and visual interest without looking overly casual or too formal. Brown pairs naturally with navy, tan, and olive chinos. Blue complements neutral tones and creates cohesive outfits with denim. Gray serves as a versatile neutral that works with nearly everything in your wardrobe.
The bomber style offers several advantages for men over 40. The cropped length hits at your waist, creating better proportions than longer jackets that can shorten your legs. The ribbed cuffs and hem provide structure without requiring a belt. The casual-but-polished aesthetic bridges the gap between weekend wear and business casual settings. You can throw a bomber over a henley for errands or wear it with a button-down for a dinner out.
Clean, minimal leather sneakers replace the athletic shoes that signal you've stopped caring about your appearance. These aren't running shoes or cross trainers - they're simple leather designs in white, gray, or navy with minimal branding. The leather construction elevates them beyond typical sneakers while maintaining comfort for all-day wear. They pair with jeans and chinos equally well and work for casual social events, travel, and everyday activities.
Quality boots in brown leather add versatility that sneakers can't provide. Chelsea boots, chukkas, or simple lace-up styles work depending on your preference and lifestyle. Brown boots complement the earth tones common in men's casual wardrobes - olive chinos, tan jackets, navy shirts all pair naturally with brown leather. The boots handle weather better than sneakers and provide a more polished appearance when situations require it.
These wardrobe staples for older men don't require significant investment all at once. Add one suede bomber jacket when your current outerwear needs replacement. Buy one pair of minimal leather sneakers instead of your next pair of athletic shoes. Invest in boots when you find a style that fits your foot properly and matches your wardrobe. Building a functional collection happens gradually through intentional replacement of worn-out items with better alternatives.
The key is understanding that these pieces serve specific purposes in creating a professional look for your actual life. A suede bomber works because it layers over your existing shirts and provides warmth without bulk. Minimal sneakers function because they're comfortable enough for daily wear while looking significantly better than athletic shoes. Boots solve the problem of footwear that works in both casual and slightly dressier contexts. Each item earns its place through practical utility combined with improved appearance.
Men's fashion mistakes over 40 you need to stop making
Men's fashion mistakes over 40 follow predictable patterns that age you unnecessarily and communicate carelessness. These aren't subjective style preferences - they're objective problems that undermine your appearance and how others perceive you. Recognizing these mistakes represents the first step toward fixing them, but recognition alone accomplishes nothing without action.
Faded graphic t-shirts with ridiculous logos and slogans belong in the donation pile. What worked in your 20s looks desperate and immature in your 40s. These shirts communicate that you've stopped evolving and remain stuck in an earlier version of yourself. The faded colors and cracked graphics make you look unkempt regardless of how recently you washed the shirt. Replace them with solid color t-shirts or simple patterns that don't advertise brands or display juvenile humor.
Cross trainer shoes that double as lawnmowing shoes have no place outside your garage. These heavily cushioned, multi-colored athletic shoes were designed for gym workouts, not daily wear. When you wear them everywhere, you signal that comfort trumps all other considerations including basic self-respect. The chunky silhouette makes your feet look enormous and throws off your proportions. They're also usually dirty, scuffed, and clearly past their useful life.
Oversized hoodies with giant logos create the impression of someone hiding rather than someone confident in their appearance. The baggy fit adds visual weight and makes you look larger than you are. The prominent branding looks juvenile and suggests you're seeking validation through brand association. A well-fitted quarter-zip or crew neck sweater provides the same warmth and comfort while maintaining a mature, intentional appearance.
Baggy jeans that puddle around your feet represent perhaps the most common mistake men over 40 make. These relics from the early 2000s instantly date your entire look and add years to your appearance. The excess fabric stacking at your ankles creates a sloppy silhouette and shortens your legs visually. Straight leg or slim straight cuts in dark wash denim solve this problem immediately and work with your existing wardrobe.
Cargo shorts and pants with multiple pockets and loops stopped being acceptable years ago. The busy design and bulky pockets create unflattering proportions and make you look like you're dressed for a hiking expedition when you're just running errands. Simple flat front chinos or shorts in solid colors provide all the functionality you need without the visual clutter.
Ill-fitting suits that you bought years ago and refuse to replace actively damage your professional credibility. Shoulders that extend past your natural line, pants that break excessively at the shoe, jackets that pull across the back - these issues scream outdated and neglected. If you need to wear suits occasionally, invest in one properly fitted option rather than continuing to wear something that no longer works.
The pattern across all these mistakes reveals a common thread: choosing immediate comfort or convenience over thoughtful presentation. Style tips for middle aged men aren't about restriction or discomfort - properly fitted clothes feel better and move with you naturally. The real discomfort comes from knowing you look sloppy and choosing to accept it rather than address it. When you eliminate these obvious mistakes, you immediately improve your appearance without requiring extensive knowledge or significant expense.
How to dress better for men without spending a fortune
How to dress better for men doesn't require emptying your bank account or buying designer labels. The fundamental improvements come from better choices, not bigger budgets. Men waste money on clothes that don't fit, don't match their lifestyle, or duplicate items they already own. Redirecting that spending toward fewer, better pieces creates dramatic results without increasing your overall clothing expenditure.
Start by calculating what you currently spend on clothes annually. Include everything: shoes, pants, shirts, jackets, underwear, and accessories. Most men underestimate this number significantly. That $30 graphic t-shirt you bought on impulse, the $60 jeans that don't fit quite right, the $80 sneakers you wore twice - these purchases add up to hundreds or thousands of dollars spent on items that don't serve you well.
The essential wardrobe for men over 40 costs less to build than you think when you focus on core pieces instead of collecting random items. A quality pair of dark wash jeans runs $80-150 and lasts years with proper care. Three pairs of cotton chinos at $60-90 each provide more versatility than a dozen poorly fitted alternatives at $40 each. The math favors fewer, better pieces every time.
Well-fitted polos and henleys with proper sleeve length don't require premium brands to look good. Many mid-range retailers offer these basics in solid construction and appropriate fits. The key is trying them on and being honest about how they fit your body. A $35 polo that fits properly outperforms a $100 designer version hanging loosely on your frame. Focus on fit first, brand never.
Sales and off-season shopping stretch your budget significantly when you know what you need. That suede bomber jacket costs $300 in October but drops to $150-180 in March. Navy chinos go on sale regularly because retailers overstock basics. Dark wash denim sees discounts during end-of-season clearances. Shopping with intention means waiting for the right piece at the right price rather than buying whatever's available when you happen to be in a store.
Basic alterations transform affordable clothes into custom-looking pieces. Hemming pants costs $10-15. Taking in a shirt waist runs $15-20. These small investments make inexpensive items fit like they were made for you. A $50 shirt plus $15 in alterations delivers better results than a $150 shirt worn as-is with a mediocre fit. Most men never consider this option and accept whatever fit the manufacturer provides.
Intentional dressing means buying less frequently but choosing more carefully. Instead of buying three shirts on sale because they're cheap, buy one shirt that fits perfectly and works with multiple outfits. Instead of accumulating five pairs of shoes in different styles, invest in two quality pairs that cover your actual needs. This approach reduces clutter, simplifies getting dressed, and typically costs less over time than constant low-quality purchases.
Quality doesn't always correlate with price, but construction details reveal how long items will last. Check seam stitching - tighter, more consistent stitching holds up better. Examine fabric weight - substantial materials resist wear better than thin, flimsy versions. Inspect hardware on pants and jackets - metal buttons and quality zippers outlast plastic alternatives. These details indicate whether an item will serve you for years or fall apart after a few washes.
The real cost of dressing well lies in changing your approach, not increasing your budget. Stop impulse buying. Ignore trends that don't suit your lifestyle. Replace items only when needed with better versions of what you're discarding. Build your wardrobe gradually around pieces that work together rather than collecting random items that don't coordinate. This disciplined approach costs less and delivers better results than mindless consumption of whatever catches your eye.
Improving self respect through style changes how people treat you
Improving self respect through style creates tangible changes in how others respond to you and how you carry yourself through daily interactions. This isn't superficial vanity - it's recognizing that visual presentation influences every human exchange. When you show up looking put together, people make assumptions about your competence, reliability, and attention to detail before you speak a word.
Professional settings respond directly to your appearance. That promotion you want becomes harder to justify when you dress like you don't care about your current position. Colleagues treat you differently when your clothes suggest someone who takes his role seriously versus someone coasting toward retirement. Clients and customers make snap judgments about your credibility based partly on whether you look like a professional or someone who gave up years ago.
The professional look for older men doesn't mean wearing suits everywhere or adopting rigid formality. It means understanding context and dressing appropriately for your industry and role. Well-fitted chinos and a button-down shirt communicate professionalism in most business casual environments. Clean, minimal sneakers work in creative fields where overly formal dress looks out of place. The key is intentional choice rather than defaulting to whatever's comfortable.
Social interactions shift when you present yourself well. Your partner notices and appreciates when you make an effort. Taking her to dinner while wearing a properly fitted outfit rather than your usual sloppy casual wear shows respect for her, the occasion, and yourself. She doesn't need you to dress up - she wants to see that you care enough to try. That effort communicates more than the specific clothes you choose.
Personal confidence connects directly to how you perceive your appearance. When you know you look good, you stand differently, make eye contact more readily, and engage with people more comfortably. This isn't about ego or seeking approval - it's about eliminating the nagging awareness that you look sloppy. When appearance no longer creates background anxiety, you focus more fully on conversations and situations.
The message you send through intentional dressing extends beyond specific interactions. It demonstrates that you maintain standards, pay attention to details, and respect yourself enough to make an effort. These qualities transfer to assumptions about how you handle work, relationships, and responsibilities. Fair or not, people judge your character partly through your presentation. You can either use this reality to your advantage or ignore it at your own expense.
Consider how you evaluate strangers based on their appearance. You make assumptions about the person in the wrinkled, ill-fitting clothes versus the person in clean, well-fitted basics. Everyone does this constantly, usually without conscious awareness. When you improve your own presentation, you change which category people place you in during those initial assessments.
The connection between style and self-respect works in both directions. Dressing well because you value yourself reinforces that self-valuation. Neglecting your appearance because you've decided it doesn't matter gradually erodes your self-image. Small daily choices about what you wear accumulate into patterns that either support or undermine your sense of self-worth. When you consistently choose the easier, sloppier option, you send yourself a message about your priorities and standards.
This doesn't mean obsessing over clothes or spending excessive time on appearance. It means making intentional choices that align with who you want to be. A men's casual style guide provides structure for those choices without requiring constant decision-making. When your wardrobe consists of pieces that fit well and work together, getting dressed takes minimal effort while consistently delivering good results. The investment happens once during thoughtful wardrobe building, not daily through elaborate styling routines.
Your challenge to refresh your wardrobe
Your challenge to refresh your wardrobe starts with honest assessment and decisive action. Most men know which items in their closet don't work but continue wearing them out of habit or reluctance to admit the money spent was wasted. That resistance keeps you stuck in patterns that don't serve you. Breaking those patterns requires confronting what's not working and committing to better alternatives.
Go through your closet and identify five items that are old, outdated, or don't represent who you're trying to be. These might be the faded graphic t-shirts collecting dust, the baggy jeans you keep meaning to replace, the oversized hoodies that make you look sloppy, the worn-out cross trainers that should have been retired years ago, or the ill-fitting button-downs that never looked quite right. Pull these items out and set them aside.
Donate, discard, or burn these pieces if necessary. The act of physically removing them from your space creates commitment to change. As long as they remain accessible, you'll default to wearing them when everything else is dirty or you're in a hurry. Eliminate the option to fall back on clothes that undermine your appearance. This isn't wasteful - keeping items you know don't work is the real waste.
Replace those five pieces with something new and sharp that fits properly and serves your actual lifestyle. If you removed three graphic t-shirts, buy two well-fitted solid color tees or simple button-downs. If you discarded baggy jeans, invest in one pair of dark wash straight leg denim that actually fits. If you threw out worn sneakers, get minimal leather sneakers that work with your wardrobe. Quality over quantity applies here - fewer pieces that work well beat numerous items that don't.
Focus replacement purchases on items that coordinate with what you already own. A navy button-down works with your existing chinos and jeans. Dark wash denim pairs with the shirts already hanging in your closet. This approach builds a functional wardrobe rather than creating isolated pieces that don't connect with anything else. Each new addition should increase your outfit options by working with multiple existing items.
This challenge doesn't end after one round of editing. Make wardrobe assessment an ongoing practice rather than a one-time purge. Every few months, evaluate what you actually wear versus what sits unused. Items you haven't touched in six months likely don't serve you well - they don't fit right, don't match your lifestyle, or don't make you feel good when you wear them. Remove these pieces and replace them thoughtfully.
The goal isn't achieving perfection or building the ultimate wardrobe. It's creating consistent improvement through intentional choices. Each item you replace with something better moves you closer to a wardrobe that serves you well. Each piece you remove eliminates something that was making you look worse. Progress happens gradually through accumulation of better decisions, not dramatic overnight transformation.
Track your spending during this process to ensure you're redirecting money rather than adding expense. When you calculate what you typically waste on impulse purchases and items that don't work, you'll likely find enough budget to fund systematic wardrobe improvement. The difference is using that money intentionally toward specific needs rather than randomly on whatever catches your attention.
Accountability helps maintain momentum. Tell someone about your commitment to improving your wardrobe. Ask for honest feedback about specific items - does this fit well, does this look outdated, does this work with my lifestyle? Outside perspective catches problems you've become blind to through familiarity. Your partner, close friend, or trusted colleague can provide valuable input if you're willing to hear honest assessment.
Remember that this isn't about pleasing others or conforming to arbitrary standards. It's about aligning your appearance with your self-image and goals. When what you wear reflects who you are and where you're going, getting dressed becomes easier and you move through the world with greater confidence and clarity. The challenge is choosing to care about this aspect of your life rather than accepting whatever's easiest in the moment.
Custom tailored suits and sportcoats for men over 40
Custom tailored suits and sportcoats for men over 40 solve the fundamental fit problems that plague off-the-rack options. At Westwood Hart, we understand that your body doesn't conform to standard sizing charts, and your wardrobe shouldn't force you to compromise. Our online configurator lets you design suits and sport coats built specifically for your measurements, your preferences, and your lifestyle.
The process eliminates guesswork and fitting room frustration. You select your fabric from our curated collection of premium materials, choose your style details from lapels to buttons, and provide your measurements. We construct your garment to those exact specifications, ensuring the shoulders sit precisely where they should, the chest provides room without excess fabric, and the waist follows your natural line. This is how clothes should fit - like they were made for you, because they were.
Our fabric selection includes options from renowned mills like Vitale Barberis Canonico, Reda, and Dormeuil, alongside our own house cloths that deliver exceptional quality at accessible prices. Whether you need a navy suit for professional settings, a versatile sport coat for weekend wear, or seasonal pieces in linen and wool blends, we provide materials that perform well and age gracefully. Quality fabric makes the difference between a garment that lasts years and one that looks tired after a season.
The custom approach means you control every detail. Prefer a two-button jacket? Done. Want working buttonholes on your sleeves? No problem. Need extra pocket options or specific lining choices? We accommodate your preferences because this is your garment, not a mass-produced approximation. This level of personalization ensures you actually wear what you order rather than accepting compromises that keep the piece hanging unworn in your closet.
We've built our business on making custom tailoring accessible and straightforward. The online configurator guides you through each decision with clear explanations and visual previews. If you're uncertain about measurements or style choices, our customer service team provides guidance based on years of experience helping men get exactly what they need. The goal is removing barriers between you and clothes that actually fit your body and serve your life.
Design your suit or sport coat today using our online configurator. Experience the difference that proper fit and quality construction make in how you look, how you feel, and how confidently you move through your day. When your clothes work with your body instead of against it, everything about getting dressed becomes easier and more effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most important wardrobe pieces for men over 40?
The most important pieces include dark wash straight leg jeans, cotton chinos in navy, olive, and tan, well-fitted button-down shirts, polos and henleys with proper sleeve length, suede bomber jackets, minimal leather sneakers, and quality brown leather boots. These core items provide versatility across casual and business casual settings while maintaining a mature, intentional appearance.
How should clothes fit men in their 40s?
Clothes should follow your frame without restriction or excess fabric. Shoulders should sit at your natural shoulder point, sleeves should end at your wrist bone, and the body should follow your torso without pulling or bunching. The fit should be tailored - not tight, not baggy - allowing comfortable movement while maintaining clean lines and proper proportions.
What clothing mistakes do men over 40 commonly make?
Common mistakes include wearing faded graphic t-shirts, baggy jeans that puddle at the feet, oversized hoodies with large logos, cross trainer shoes for everyday wear, and ill-fitting clothes from years past. These items age you unnecessarily and communicate carelessness rather than confidence.
Do I need to spend a lot of money to dress better after 40?
No. Better dressing comes from smarter choices, not bigger budgets. Focus on fewer, better-fitted pieces rather than accumulating many poorly fitted items. Basic alterations like hemming pants and taking in shirt waists cost minimal amounts but dramatically improve appearance. Shop sales for core pieces and prioritize fit over brand names.
How many clothing items does a man over 40 actually need?
A functional wardrobe requires far fewer pieces than most men think. Three pairs of chinos, two pairs of dark wash jeans, five button-down shirts, three polos, two henleys, a couple of suede bomber jackets, minimal leather sneakers, and quality boots create dozens of outfit combinations while keeping your closet manageable and every item purposeful.
Why does proper fit matter more as you get older?
Proper fit becomes increasingly important because ill-fitting clothes add years to your appearance and communicate that you've stopped caring about your presentation. Well-fitted clothes demonstrate self-respect, attention to detail, and intentional choices - qualities that matter in professional settings, social interactions, and personal relationships.
What should I do with outdated clothes in my closet?
Remove five items that are old, outdated, or don't represent who you're trying to be. Donate, discard, or dispose of these pieces completely so you're not tempted to wear them again. Replace them with well-fitted alternatives that work with your existing wardrobe and serve your actual lifestyle.
How does dressing better affect how people treat you?
When you present yourself well, people make positive assumptions about your competence, reliability, and attention to detail. Professional settings respond with increased respect and opportunity. Social interactions improve as your confidence increases. Your appearance signals that you maintain standards and take yourself seriously, which influences how others perceive and engage with you.