How often have you experienced your expertise being underestimated just because you look young?
Maybe this sounds familiar: you have years of experience, yet in meetings you’re still mistaken for a junior or even an intern. Compliments like “You look so young and fresh” are nice to hear, but at work you want your knowledge and expertise to be taken seriously.
One of my clients – let’s call her Marieke – struggled with this. She had been a specialist in her field for over ten years, yet people still asked: “So, when did you start your internship here?” For her, it felt not only painful but unfair. Her expertise was significant – only her appearance told a different story.
Style and appearance are communication
What you wear always communicates something. A soft shade like light pink can look beautiful, but it often conveys a friendly, gentle impression. Want to project more authority? Colors like deep blue, petrol, or tomato red work far better: they signal strength and conviction.
Materials and shapes matter too:
- Fluid fabrics and rounded lines create approachability.
- Structured cuts and strong materials emphasize seniority.
This isn’t about becoming someone else. It’s about making choices that make your expertise visible.
Energy and vitality make the difference
Your presence is more than your clothes. It’s felt in your energy and how you treat yourself.
- Nutrition & lifestyle:
what you eat, how you sleep and move shapes your energy and how others perceive you. - Mental vitality:
how you respond under pressure, whether you remain compassionate with yourself and resilient, shows in your posture and gaze. - Breathing:
a rushed rhythm makes you appear smaller, while calm breathing radiates composure and authority.
When these elements align, they create power that feels natural and credible.
Authentic Presence: showing yourself with impact
Many professionals believe they need to adapt to be taken seriously. In reality, it’s about something else: powerfully showing up as yourself.
I call this Authentic Presence. It means your inner and outer self reinforce one another. You don’t need to hide or overcompensate. By staying true to yourself – and making that visible through your style, vitality, and self-care – you build credibility.
Three practical tips to start today
- Choose one powerful color for your next presentation or meeting.
- Take a conscious breath before walking into a room.
- Nurture both energy and self-compassion – nutrition, movement, and how you handle stress are always visible.
Conclusion: making your strength visible
If your appearance doesn’t match your experience, you risk being underestimated. With Authentic Presence you show who you are: experienced, professional, and credible.
👉 Want to discover how your style, energy, and vitality can help you become authentically visible at work? Contact me for a free intake call.