Usually when you hear the word “makeover” you immediately think “women”. After all, women are the ones who go to the salon, change their hair color, and shop till they drop…right?

The truth is men need makeovers just as much as women do and here’s why…

A first impression happens within the first thirty seconds of your interview, date or meeting. People size you up instantly based on what you look like, and they use that assessment to decide whether they want to get to know you. That’s why dressing your best and having an overall look that leaves a great first impression is so important.

As an image consultant, I give makeovers for men (or, “man-overs”) for all kinds of reasons. Some of my male clients come to me fresh out of college looking for a new, corporate-appropriate look. Others are just entering their 40s and looking to settle down, and they want their style to reflect where they are in life now, not where they were ten years ago when they were still playing the field.

If you’re ready to change your look so it matches where you are today, follow these five tips to discover a brand new style that’s all your own.

Tip #1: Find a man style icon.

When you’re at the movies, with your friends, shopping with your girlfriend or flipping through a magazine in a waiting room, notice what other men are wearing and how they put themselves together. Pay attention to what YOU like, and get clear on what you want your makeover to accomplish. Do you want to look sexier, more masculine, more successful or more rugged? Are you doing this makeover to feel better about your appearance, get a girlfriend, land a new job or feel more mature? Get clear on the purpose of your makeover and the end result you’re working toward.

Tip #2: Go big or go home.

Once you find a look you like, you gotta go all the way. Don’t tiptoe around your new style – own it! For example, if you’re into the rock star, grunge look, don’t just grow your hair out a little bit – grow it out all the way and rock that style. If you hate your thinning hair, go all the way and shave it off. Once you make a decision and own your look, you’ll feel more self-assured and confident – and everyone you meet will notice.

Tip #3: Dress age appropriately.

It is so important that your style is youthful, up-to-date, and not reminiscent of decades past. For example, if you’re 40 and still rocking your graphic tees from college, it’s time to retire them! Allow your wardrobe to evolve with the times, your age and what you do for a living. You worked hard to get where you are, so let your clothes reflect that.

Tip #4: Pay attention to hygiene.

Because men don’t wear makeup, hygiene is even more important for a healthy and successful look. Always keep your skin clean, clear and taken care of. Don’t walk out of the house in a wrinkled shirt that hasn’t been washed in a week, and make sure you always smell your best with a hint of cologne or a fresh shower. Exfoliate your skin and body to eliminate dead skin cells and head to a male salon to get your eyebrows plucked. Some of my clients even go so far as to get manicures. They’re gaining in popularity lately because women really notice a man’s nails.

Tip #5: Look put together – it’s the #1 thing women want.

One of the things I’ve learned through interviews with hundreds of men and women across the U.S. is that all women want a man who looks put together. They don’t want to date a disheveled man who looks like he just rolled out of bed. Even if you like the scruffy, rock star look, do it in an intentional way. Make sure your clothes are washed and wrinkle-free, your shoelaces aren’t frayed and you smell great. Look clean and put together – like you care about the impression you’re leaving on the world.

A final note…

Giving yourself a “man-over” is about looking and feeling your absolute best, and conveying confidence and success to everyone you meet. Take pride in the way you present yourself to the world, always make sure your hygiene is top-notch, and you’ll be amazed at how many doors open up for you.