In some workplaces, it is not just your qualifications that matter. Sometimes, how you look ends up carrying more weight than your skills. This pressure to fit a certain image can be even more intense and often unspoken if you are a woman, for example.
You might be expected to wear makeup, style your hair a certain way or dress to appeal to clients. You may even notice that those who get ahead all share a similar look. This unspoken rule can make it hard to feel seen for who you are and what you bring to the table.
Pretty is not a job description
It can take a toll when you are made to feel like your appearance matters more than your work. You might start questioning your worth or doubting your place in the workplace. These experiences are not just uncomfortable, as they can be part of a bigger issue.
Appearance-based treatment can be a form of discrimination, especially when:
- Certain looks are expected only of women
- Promotions seem to favor those with a specific image
- You are asked to “smile more” or “look more polished” without any feedback on your work
- You are overlooked despite strong performance
You may not hear anything said out loud, but the message is clear: look the part, or you do not belong. For many women, that part includes being thin, young-looking, well-dressed and feminine in a very specific way.
This kind of pressure does not just affect how you feel. It can shape your entire career path. You might find yourself playing along to keep a job or be considered for a new one, which can be exhausting and unfair.
Looks shouldn’t decide how you are treated at the workplace. If you have ever felt boxed in by appearance-based expectations, it might help to explore with a legal professional whether what you are facing is part of a deeper issue. You deserve to be seen for your work, not your wardrobe. Although “look” is not a legally-protected class, how an employer treats a worker based on their looks may be unlawful for a number of reasons.