People judge your intelligence based on these 6 unexpected beauty choices

We’ve all been told not to judge a book by its cover. But let’s be honest—people do it anyway.

And when it comes to intelligence, the snap judgments are often linked to beauty choices we don’t even think twice about.

The clothes you put on in the morning, the shoes you slip into, the way you style your hair—all of these tiny details send messages about how smart (or not) you appear.

I’ve learned this the hard way myself. Early in my career as a financial analyst, I assumed that my work alone would speak for me. Numbers don’t lie, after all.

But the reality was different. I’d present in meetings and notice that people’s impressions of me shifted depending on whether I looked polished, relaxed, or rushed.

It wasn’t just the spreadsheets—it was the subtle cues I didn’t even realize I was giving off.

So, if people are going to judge our intelligence based on appearance, we might as well make those judgments work in our favor.

Let’s break down six beauty choices that actually shape how smart others think you are.

1. The clothes you wear

We all know that clothing matters in first impressions, but it runs deeper than that. Clothes don’t just alter how people see us—they actually shift how we see ourselves.

Fashion psychologist Dr. Karen Pine put it perfectly: “What we wear can change not only how others perceive us but also how we perceive ourselves.”

Think about the difference between showing up to a meeting in your favorite blazer versus an old hoodie.

You’re the same person with the same brain, but one version of you walks taller, speaks clearer, and is taken more seriously. The other version might come across as less prepared—even if your ideas are brilliant.

It doesn’t mean you need designer labels or a wardrobe overhaul. What matters most is intentionality.

Do your clothes line up with the story you want to tell about yourself?

2. Your shoes

This one surprised me when I first came across the research. According to a study cited by Wellesley College, “surprisingly minimal appearance cues lead perceivers to accurately judge others’ personality, status, or politics” simply based on their shoes.

Shoes are like shorthand. Scuffed sneakers might suggest carelessness, while clean, well-kept ones can project discipline and attention to detail. High-quality but understated shoes often read as professional and competent.

I once had a boss who swore he could tell whether someone would be a reliable team player by the state of their footwear.

At the time, I thought he was exaggerating. Now, knowing the research, I’m not so sure.

3. Hairstyle and grooming

Have you ever noticed how much a haircut changes the way people interact with you? When I finally traded my long, heavy hair for a shorter, sharper cut, I wasn’t expecting colleagues to suddenly take me more seriously—but they did.

This aligns with the broader truth: grooming choices act like visual punctuation. They either reinforce the intelligence you’re already projecting, or they distract from it.

Fashion critic Vanessa Friedman once said, “The important thing when it comes to grooming, as when it comes to clothes, is you do not want anything to distract from the strength and power of your ideas.”

That’s the key here. You don’t need to follow every trend, but when your grooming supports rather than competes with your message, people can focus on what you’re actually saying.

4. Facial expressions

Here’s something most of us don’t think of as a “beauty choice”: our expressions.

But research shows that people interpret intelligence not just through what we say, but how we look when we’re saying it.

If your resting face comes off as disengaged, unfriendly, or overly tense, it can make you seem less sharp—even if you’re the smartest person in the room.

Smiling lightly, holding eye contact, and relaxing your face may sound simple, but these habits literally reframe you in other people’s minds.

And the kicker? Over time, they reshape how you see yourself too. A pleasant expression isn’t about vanity—it’s about opening the door for others to take you seriously.

5. Accessories and personal style

“Style is a way to say who you are without having to speak,” said stylist Rachel Zoe.

This line sticks with me because it captures how small beauty decisions—like the earrings you put on, the glasses you wear, or even the color palette you gravitate toward—become an unspoken introduction.

I think about one colleague I worked with who always wore bold, geometric earrings. They didn’t distract from her intelligence; they amplified it. Her accessories sent a message of creativity and confidence, and people remembered her ideas just as much as her look.

The takeaway? Accessories don’t have to scream. But when they’re thoughtful, they reinforce your uniqueness and help people connect your appearance with your intellect.

6. Posture and overall presentation

Finally, let’s talk about something you carry with you everywhere: posture.

Slouching makes you appear tired or disengaged. Standing tall, shoulders back, and moving with ease communicates not just confidence, but competence.

In many ways, posture is the frame that holds all your other beauty choices together.

I’ll be the first to admit I struggle with this one—especially after long hours at a desk. But every time I catch myself sitting taller or walking with more energy, I notice the difference in how people respond.

It’s subtle, but in the realm of perceived intelligence, subtle goes a long way.

A deeper layer: authenticity over perfection

All of this boils down to one truth: people are always reading your beauty choices as clues about your intelligence. But that doesn’t mean you should become someone you’re not.

Recently, I was reminded of this while reading Laughing in the Face of Chaos by Rudá Iandê. One line that stayed with me was:

“When we let go of the need to be perfect, we free ourselves to live fully—embracing the mess, complexity, and richness of a life that's delightfully real.”

That hit me. Because yes, appearances matter—but not more than authenticity. If your style choices feel like a costume, people can sense it.

But when you align how you look with who you truly are, the intelligence you want to project comes across naturally.

Final thoughts

Here’s the thing: people will always make snap judgments. You can’t stop it. But you can guide it.

The clothes you wear, the shoes you choose, the way you groom, your facial expressions, your accessories, and your posture—these six elements might seem superficial, but they carry weight in how smart you’re perceived to be.

And while it’s worth being intentional, it’s just as important to be real. Because intelligence isn’t about ticking boxes or fitting a mold.

It’s about showing up as the best, truest version of yourself—and letting that shine through in the details.

So, next time you get dressed in the morning, ask yourself: Does this reflect not only who I am, but the intelligence I want others to see?

Chances are, the answer will shape more than just your look—it’ll shape the way the world listens to you.